1) Why are you running?
I am running because I care about protecting and enhancing our Town’s stunning natural assets and the rich character of our many small towns. It is my view that Council members must be vigilant about protecting the Town’s natural treasures, every day, with policies that address climate change, enhance the character of the community and anticipate actions that may cause “community death by a thousand cuts”. I have seen many small towns die in Ontario, one diminishing policy cut at a time, and I do not want this trend to start in our beautiful Town.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Yes, municipalities can help ease cost of living concerns by keeping its taxes to a manageable level for all residents. Lower tier municipalities are not able to provide social housing, that is the role of the County, but they can certainly help with providing a range and mix of affordable/attainable housing to its new and established residents. Municipalities can also assist by supporting its libraries while also providing no or low cost recreational activities and programs that support its more vulnerable citizens, especially its seniors. Finally, the local municipality can keep its local economy strong with robust policies that actively support local businesses.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
As a member of the Economic Development Advisory Committee of The Town, it was my pleasure to be a part of the development of an in-depth strategic plan for the Town’s economic development. I am looking forward to the implementation of this plan which includes specific actions for developing the local economy. Of special interest to me is the continued and creative development of the Town’s agricultural sector, including the development of niche businesses such wineries and cideries, ongoing support for local tourism with policies that balance the needs of our residents and our natural assets and strong support for the Town’s cultural and heritage organizations, with a special focus on nurturing the Blue Mountain Film Festival.
I am very supportive of the development of a distinctive brand for our locally-grown produce and products, with a “Grown in Grey” or “Made in Blue” moniker sported on all local menus and menu boards.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Absolutely. Given the extreme shortage of primary care physicians in our area, I believe that the Town will need to take a very active role in attracting young physicians who are being wooed by monies and benefits by other municipalities in Ontario who are competing with one another for doctors to live in their area. Other plans that the Town is already putting together to attract healthcare workers is building affordable/attainable housing for staff who will be working in the Town’s Campus of Care.
I am committed to be looking for opportunities to create policies to recruit and retain physicians and health care workers in the Town of the Blue Mountains.