1) Why are you running?
I entered Municipal politics as a Councillor in January 2020 to increase the voice and views of many young ratepayers in Brockton. Building on over a decade in the Ontario Public Service, to now dedicating my career to advocating on behalf of front-line workers as a labour relations professional, I have been a strong proponent for well-rounded and balanced decisions that reflect the needs of our community. I believe that as a Council we need to continue to invest and renew our municipal infrastructure through capital projects to ensure our roadways and facilities remain viable. This is further to our ongoing responsibility for steady contributions to reserve funding to allow for stable, managed growth – and to avoid excessive levy increases. That we work to support local businesses and hospitality throughout our municipality. That we be mindful of our environmental footprint and strive to reduce our impact through effective waste management solutions. That we consistently review and enhance our user services to best align with the needs of citizens – not only for today – but for future generations to come.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Municipalities have an active role to ensure that various aspects within their control are being efficiently and effectively delivered to reduce cost of living for residents. We need to provide a taxation levy that meets the continuing needs of the Municipality but is also within the means of those ratepayers. Certainly in Brockton, there are a number of large capital projects that will need to be undertaken in the next term of Council and budgets will need to be crafted in a manner that provide modest increases yet continue to ensure infrastructure remains strong. In terms of housing, we should continue to work positively with developers to explore opportunities to reduce administrative burden or fees that would contribute to cost-savings for end users.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
I believe that we need to continue supporting the ongoing growth and development of our business parks. We further should explore opportunities to increase contractor and service providers to the area to support larger nuclear initiatives. I am a strong believer in providing incentives and initiatives for our businesses throughout the Municipality, and expanding our agricultural supports to farmers – being our largest industry in Brockton.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
I support rural healthcare. Brockton has demonstrated success with their Physician Recruitment committee and I certainly hope moving forward this can expand to other healthcare professionals.