— ABLP candidate Michael Freeland says his first 100 days in office, if elected, will focus on expanding job opportunities, improving access to housing and continuing infrastructure works across St. George.
Speaking during a “Know Your Candidates” interview ahead of the April 30 general election, Freeland outlined what he described as three immediate priorities: land and housing, employment — particularly for young people — and ongoing road and drainage improvements.
“I would say the land, housing and land stock,” he said when asked about his top priorities. “I’ve gotten numerous requests, especially with young people wanting to own their own opportunities.”
Freeland said access to land remains one of the most pressing concerns among constituents, particularly younger residents seeking a pathway to home ownership. He indicated that part of his early focus would be identifying and expanding opportunities for land allocation and housing development.
On employment, he pointed to the need for a more structured approach to connecting residents with job opportunities, especially in the early stages of his tenure.
“Trying to find those opportunities and creating even new opportunities so that they can acquire housing or land,” he said, linking job access directly to economic mobility.
Freeland also proposed hosting job fairs and matching initiatives aimed at placing residents into employment within a short timeframe.
“Seeing how many individuals from St. George you can get employed within the first 100 days, creating those job experiences,” he said.
The third pillar of his plan centres on continuing infrastructure works already underway in the constituency, including roads and drainage systems that he said residents have long complained about.
“Just continue the infrastructural work to show persons… that you have not fallen off the cliff,” Freeland said. “You’re continuing the progress, you’re continuing the work.”
He acknowledged that some voters may view recent development activity as tied to the election cycle, but said early delivery after the vote would be key to building trust.
“You have to show them, you have to prove to them that, look, you’re leading the fight for them,” he said.
Freeland’s proposals come as St. George remains one of the most closely watched constituencies heading into the general election, with both major parties outlining competing plans for jobs, housing and infrastructure development.