1) Why are you running?
People asked me to, and I am concerned with how the Municipality of Kincardine currently functions. Mayors resigning, people making the news for all the wrong reasons. I don’t want to blame anyone, but I believe the working environment on council has made it very difficult to get anything done. We need a group that can work together. We need change.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
There is a lack of supply of housing in the municipality of Kincardine. That leads to higher housing prices and people choosing to live elsewhere. I believe the ripple effects of that have consequences, which we are experiencing now. Everything from road maintenance to tax revenue growth. When Bruce Power announced its $13 billion investment several years ago, we had an opportunity to prepare the community for responsible growth.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
We have young families moving here from all over. We must focus on supporting their needs. That will bring the right kind of development.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Yes, we should be proactive in finding provincial and federal programs that can help and if that’s not there, we need to work with MPs and MPPs to secure what we need. While I think of it, thank you very much to the volunteer group that took it upon themselves to help update and expand the Kincardine hospital.
5) What would you like to see in Kincardine for growth-related development?
A plan. One that stands on input from the community. When looking around at surrounding municipalities it seems to me they had a path. They are much farther ahead.
6) What would you like to see included in the Waterfront Master Plan?
Inclusion, more than just a focus on Kincardine. Ward 2 and 3 should be included. I don’t think we need anything on that kind of scale, but little things go a long way.