1) Why are you running?
I am running for Mayor as with my experience as a council member for the last four years, I believe I have the ability to unite, align, and balance the needs of both urban and rural taxpayers. It is important to me that the leadership we have gained over the last four years continue, as well as that I fulfill our community’s vision and move it forward in the right direction.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Considering how high inflation is currently, as well as the increased cost of fuel, wages, and infrastructure,easing the cost of living will be an extremely challenging task. The best way to ease these costs is to run the municipality as efficiently as possible. In order to get the most out of taxpayers’ dollars, we must allow staff to make responsible use of them.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
To ensure economic development in the Municipality we need to consider increasing the number of hotels/lodging(not short term rentals) in our area, tourists would be able to enjoy our local businesses, cultural attractions, and waterfront areas. We also need to have more attainable housing, so people wanting to work in this area can also live in the area. Our local businesses will benefit from this as it will attract new businesses and help existing businesses grow if we have future employees living in the community. Moreover, we should ensure that our rural infrastructures, such as roads and bridges, are maintained in order to ensure that our farming community continues to succeed.
4) Do you think a municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
I have been talking with our local physicians to discuss how the Municipality can assist with Physician Recruitment and we have to ensure the Province continues with The Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention (NRRR) grants. In addition to housing developments, more healthcare workers will be drawn to our community, as we now have a brand new nursing home that needs a significant amount of staff, and it is important that they can live here as well as work here.
5) Should the municipality pursue more shared services with neighbouring municipalities?
Yes, it is appropriate to pursue the sharing of services, such as garbage collection and fire protection, since it would allow municipal governments to operate more efficiently.
6) What issue do you believe is a top priority for Meaford to tackle during the next term?
A top priority is a reasonable and responsible approach to new development, as well as a sense of community. We have to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in a fiscally responsible manner and are prioritized.