Adam Prudhomme
Beaver Staff
Possessing a background in financial and investment planning, coaching and community service, Sam Salaam has worn many hats over the last 20 years in Greater Napanee.
He’s now looking to bring those diverse skill sets to town council as he runs for mayor of Greater Napanee in the Oct. 22 municipal election.
Salaam’s platform includes council transparency, financial management, planning and forming community partnerships. He also brings with him strong family values, having been married to his wife Elaine for 30 years, together raising four children.
“During my two decades in Greater Napanee, I have always put people and my community first,” said Salaam. “From cooking meals at Morningstar Mission, to serving as an executive board member for the Greater Napanee Soccer Club, to managing funds for different organizations, I have always considered it an honour to serve others.”
On the issue of transparency, Salaam says he plans to stream council meetings over the internet.
“Transparency fosters trust and leads to accountability,” he said. “You deserve to know what your council is doing and saying. Council meetings must be available to you on the internet immediately. I recognize that you can’t always attend council meetings as you are busy spending time with your family and friends, working or volunteering. These noble pursuits that strengthen our community must not be a barrier to you getting access to what your council is saying and doing.”
Salaam says his experience with financial planning would serve him well as mayor.
“It’s important that you have a mayor who will listen to your ideas and who understands how to implement a strategic plan,” he said. “We need to attract small and large businesses to come and stay in our town. This requires investing in the correct infrastructure and also includes investing in the arts, sports, leisure and tackling serious issues such as homelessness.”
When preparing the town’s budget, he says he would work with council and town staff to create three options.
“A budget that has a zero increase, a budget that matches the annual inflation and a budget that is more than annual inflation,” said Salaam of the three options. “Prior to selecting a budget to implement, I will ensure that all options are vigorously scrutinized and that you understand the risk associated with each option.”
Salaam also promised to form more partnerships within the community.
“There is strength in diversity,” said Salaam. “Sometimes an issue requires a complex solution that can only be solved by different levels of government, businesses and community organizations working together. I promise to create an environment that encouraged everybody to work together to strengthen Greater Napanee.”
Salaam has also launched a campaign website, www.sam4greaternapanee.com.