1) Why are you running?
I am seeking re-election as a Councillor in the Munic. of Meaford because I care about our community, our residents, and the future.
We are at a time of transition. Large residential development proposals are at our doorstep, and our new. Council must deal with these in a cautious, practical manner. Our infrastructure is in need of constant repair and replacement. Galloping inflation seems here to stay. My experience, dedication and availability will help to ensure these and many other issues will be considered and decided with thoughtful, frugal research.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Cost of living is a major problem for many of our residents. Groceries, fuel, insurance and accommodation prices keep increasing. Early in 2023 Council budget deliberations, a tax rate should be set that would not add substantially to our ratepayers’ difficulties. Programs and projects, municipal spending of all types must be closely examined and questioned. Are they necessary??
As was practiced during the pandemic,perhaps the Municipality could ease interest charges on late tax payments or water or wastewater bills, or cut the price of garbage bag tags,. And, if monies remain in Councillors’ conference budgets, donate the surplus to local food banks. I cannot promise a decrease in municipal taxes, unless services are reduced. However, I realize many of our ratepayers are having difficulties making their hard earned dollars go around, and I will endeavor to keep your taxes at a manageable level for 2023, and beyond.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Economic development begins with an Official Plan that is compatible to the area’s needs. It must designate where industrial, retail and residential developments will be established, and and what will he allowed. Council can provide a few incentives to get ventures started. Our long standing Community Improvement Plan has offered hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants and loans in the past for various updates to businesses, both urban and rural. Supplying reliable services such as streets, water and wastewater is essential, and constant advocacy for better internet is necessary. Expediting building permits and Planning pre consultations must be practiced. If rezoning is needed, make it a priority. If budgets allow, promotional material to advertise our area and it’s economic advantages should be distributed. Continuous contact and dialogue between Council, municipal staff and the local Chamber of Commerce must be maintained, and promotion of shopping local should be continuous. Our Municipality has a number of unoccupied buildings, mostly houses. Perhaps Council could offer initiatives to transform these into much needed apartments by inspiring the owners make the necessary renovations. Some incentives to reduce or at least postpone building permits could be offered .
4) Do you think a municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Our Municipality is currently a member of a regional physician recruitment organization. Recently, at a major municipal conference, our Council members encouraged high level bureaucrats to ease restrictions on allowing health care workers from other countries to be able to work locally in a smoother, quicker fashion. We must strive to keep our local hospital open to the public, at all hours. Locations for doctors and nurses practitioners should be readily available, and the Municipality should do whatever necessary to speed up the opening of their services by helping to fast track any necessary building or zoning permits.
5) Should the municipality pursue more shared services with neighbouring municipalities?
Shared services between municipalities can be advantageous. One that we share with Georgian Bluffs has been a huge asset….the Inter Township Fire Department. (This is a shared ownership). Having fire and fire related services from two Departments is a very important added safety feature for our residents. We also have mutual aid agreements with other neighbouring towns and townships. We share maintenance of boundary roads and bridges with our neighbours,. and also costs of roads and bridges and Planning with Grey County through tax allotments. The services of Grey Sauble Conservation that we receive, are shared with tax levies from other municipalities. Library access is shared with Owen Sound Union Library, as well as Blue Mountains Library.
Police services with Owen Sound was discussed a few years ago but was found not advisable. Waste management with other communities or perhaps on a County scale has been researched, but has not been widely acceptable. In the future, shared services such as Planning and Building Inspections could be areas of potential sharing of employees and duties.
6) What issue do you believe is a top priority for Meaford to tackle during the next term?
Difficult, if not impossible, to determine one priority issue. Protecting, promoting and preserving our beautiful yet vulnerable natural environment is necessary. Cautious, strong, sensible residential development is essential. I am completely in support of development and growth, but it needs to be done with environmental protection as a benchmark. Ongoing infrastructure projects are always before us, and unfortunately the list is growing, as well as the costs. Careful consideration must be given to scheduling their necessity. Can some be postponed? Is postponement only going to add to the costs and the backlog? Will there be any grants available in the coming years? Supporting our local businesses, both current operations and potential ventures must be practiced. As well, we must attempt to provide housing opportunities for local workers. Should our Municipality be investing somehow in local affordable accommodation possibilities?
All of the above, and several others will necessitate careful examination, and a thorough knowledge of the potential ramifications, and what they will mean for the Municipality of Meaford, and ALL it’s residents in the future. Decisions must not be made too quickly, for those made will pave the way for generations to come.