MATT McTAGGART CD, PhD
For Pittsburgh Councillor
As a long-term Pittsburgh resident, university professor, military veteran, administrator of public funds, and advocate for the use of evidence in public policy, I have skills and experience that I would like to contribute towards our shared prosperity. I believe that transportation systems and responsible growth will be priority areas for our neighbourhoods in the coming years.
​Working Together for a more connected and more respected Pittsburgh.
Meet Matt
Matt McTaggart is an assistant professor of chemistry at the Royal Military College of Canada and serves as the research grants officer, managing external grants and scholarships college-wide. With a background in science, military service, and community building, Matt offers an analytical, strategic approach to problem solving for Pittsburgh.
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Matt's Vision for Pittsburgh:
Connectivity, Community, and Collaboration
A Connected Community
Crossing the Great Cataraqui River is a daily challenge for most Pittsburgh residents. The bridges connecting us to the Kingston city centre remain areas of necessary improvement. The 'temporary' causeway is the most obvious and immediate issue for our next Pittburgh coucillor to address: it must remain a priority for council and a weekly severance from the city cannot be allowed to become a long-term solution. The Waaban Crossing is a transformative, but incomplete, addition to our transportation infrastructure. The bottlenecks created at intersections on either side of the bridge must be addressed if it is to properly serve our growing community.
The rebuilt intersection on Highway 15 at Gore Rd highlights a second major barrier to connectivity: disconnected and neglected local transporation infrastructure. Whether its for military members seeking an active option to reach CFB Kingston, athletes training for the Kingston Tri, or kids biking to school, or drivers swerving to avoid potholes, our community is asking for and deserves the necessary transportation infrastructure to ensure that we all reach our destinations quickly and safely. ​
Development with Respect
Pittsburgh has grown and will continue to grow, but new housing developments must be sensitive to the special character of our communities, preserve the environment, and serve the people they impact - both existing residents and the families who will fill new homes. Housing built to maximize a fast return on investment leads to sprawl, isolation, and homogenization. We already see the results of residential growth outpacing commercial and public services: more and longer trips for work, school, sports, and shopping. Our district should be able to meet the needs of the people who live here. Places to make a living need to grow along with places to live.
Respectful development grows community alongside population. Pittsburgh's incredible historic interest and natural beauty offer immense value to our city and smart community development will not only preserve but multiply that value.​​
Building Lasting Relationships
A cornerstone value for my work in the military, in research and education, and in engagement with public policy is that problems are solved at the speed of trust. The trust that we have in our neighbours, our community leaders, our institutions, and in our collective ability to achieve our shared goals has been eroded in recent years. With my work in science policy, I have seen disillusionment, apathy, and cynicism overcome by good-faith engagement: when it is given space and encouragement, trust can regrow. Dedicated, responsive, and responsible representation is needed to bridge solitudes, align efforts, and improve outcomes for Canadians.
Building and strengthening relationships within the district, across the city, between sectors and levels of government is the key enabling factor to make meaningful progress on today's wicked problems.
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Get in Touch!
Let me know your thoughts, questions, or let's set up a meeting - I look forward to hearing from you!
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Request a lawn sign for delivery in September
613-985-0314
Make a Donation
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