1) Why are you running?
In 2014, I was asked if I had ever considered running for Council. Becoming an elected representative had never been one of my career goals, but since I was, and still am a service-oriented person it seemed a natural way to further contribute to my community. After being re-elected in 2018, and during the 12 months leading up to this election, many residents had encouraged me to run for a higher office. They see me as a true community advocate and volunteer who is approachable and who is willing to listen; someone who has always taken a fair and balanced approach to decision making while keeping the best interest of the entire municipality at heart. It would be an honour to continue my service to Southgate residents as Deputy Mayor so that I may further contribute as a Grey County Councillor. It is my hope that together we will continue the exciting projects already in the works while still honoring our unique histories that make Southgate, and indeed the County, the remarkable place that it is.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Everyone is struggling to manage personal and family budgets and municipalities are no different. It will be a challenge to balance rising fuel and utility prices, higher wages, aging infrastructure, parts and labour supply shortages, and extreme insurance and policing premiums against there being a limited source of revenue – the taxpayer. Easing cost of living concerns will require collaboration from every level of government. While the GTA continues to expand to rural communities, municipalities will have to weigh higher expectations for service against the revenues available. Looking at policy and land use planning options may allow a more attainable and diverse housing mix which will in turn better support residents across the Township and encourage employers to locate in Southgate. Advocating for rural natural gas expansion and more reliable internet/broadband that is comparable in price to our urban counterparts will also better serve our residents, farms and businesses. Collectively, Grey County municipalities will need to continue their united voice when advocating to the Province and Federal governments to ease the cost of living and for continued support of rural schools and healthcare.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Southgate Council continues to support downtown revitalization and economic development throughout the municipality. With the hiring of a full time Economic Development Officer, Southgate is better positioned to work closely with employers and support existing and new businesses. Southgate Council created and continues to encourage access to a Community Improvement Plan, works to support tourism through a number of economic development promotional initiatives, contributes financially to community events that attract visitors to Southgate, and are supportive of rural high-speed internet expansion. Listening to residents and the business community is vital to the economic health of the downtown and rural/agricultural businesses.
4) Do you think a municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Absolutely. Southgate Council has, and continues to support financially the Mount Forest Doctor Recruitment Committee, the Markdale and Durham Hospital Foundations, and the Southeast Grey Community Health Centre that brought much needed medical health professionals, services and programs to Dundalk when its only doctor left. We are excited about the progress being made on the new medical health complex that will expand SEGCHC capacity and the services already being provided. Through County Council and provincial support, a 4-year nursing program was established at the Georgian College Owen Sound Campus. It is anticipated that if nurses are trained in Grey County, they will remain in Grey County. As Deputy Mayor of Southgate, and therefore a County Councillor, I look forward to being part of the conversations that explore expanding long term care beds, doctor recruitment, healthcare professionals and other creative initiatives.
5) What issue do you believe is a top priority for Southgate to tackle during the next term?
There are many opportunities already underway, such as a new water tower and Hwy 10 truck bypass to the Eco-Park; a new medical health facility; Township-wide tourism initiatives; continued support of our recreational services both in Dundalk and Mount Forest; and encouraging a more diverse mix of housing options across the municipality. A top priority will be to balance the increased demand for services that accompanies rapid growth while addressing the aging infrastructure that is common throughout the province. With good roads, improved facilities and expanded rural high-speed internet, Southgate will be better able to support businesses across the township and create more opportunities for all its residents.
