1.) Why are you running?
I am running because I believe I have the experience to lead Huron Kinloss forward in a positive manner. I have served the people of Huron Kinloss since 2006 as a councilor and as Deputy Mayor. I have some experience at the County level and have had to opportunity to speak with Provincial and Federal members of governments. I wish to continue to serve the people of Huron Kinloss as their Mayor.
2.) Are there any steps the municipalities can do with the cost of living?
As a council it is our job to ensure fiscally responsibility. Going forward doing this will ensure tax increases can remain low but keeping the services we have. It is important to use every dollar wisely. As Mayor I would encourage and promote all growth within the municipality helping to create good jobs, encourage development of more affordable housing, and by growing this will increase tax revenue and allow us to keep taxes low. In Ripley there is a botanical garden where in the season fruits and vegetables are grown and volunteers run and maintain this garden for residents to use. We have a produce auction market that during the summer months runs three times a week selling locally grown fruits and vegetables.
3.) What are your ideas on economic development?
My idea on economic development is to ensure developers are put in touch with the people within the municipality to guide them and make their project a reality. By being involved right from the start will help with no long delays with stakeholders. We have serviced the industrial park in Ripley and have 18 lots. Currently we have 4 sold and have interest in several more. Lucknow has been secured the money to put up a new water tower and we were proactive in purchasing the land beside so construction can be completed without any disruption in water flow to the town, and with this tower it gives Lucknow the water capacity to expand.
If anyone is interested in locating their business to Huron Kinloss, if elected I would like to hear from them and I would ensure they were put in contact with the appropriate people to move their projects forward.
4.) Do you think that the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Yes, I do feel we have a role to play. Huron Kinloss has actively participated in the doctor recruitment programs for both the Kincardine and Wingham hospitals. I would like to see this program expand to recruit and retain others like nurse practitioners and nurses. We can not have our emergency rooms closed. Our healthcare workers are tired and strained and need help. If elected Mayor, I would continue to lobby the province and the feds for more money for our local hospitals. We need to encourage our youth to go into the medical field. This issue is not just here it is all over and every level of government needs to step up