1) Why are you running?
I am running for Mayor for another term because I believe West Grey continues to need the experienced leadership, knowledge and dedication that I provide, and I will continue to work tirelessly for you. Candidate Eccles closed bridges, wasted money on a building that was not suitable for policing and did not support long term care. Candidate Townsend closed the library resource centre in Elmwood with no prior effective consultation from citizens. I am seeking re-election for Mayor to ensure that these types of actions do not occur again. I had to get a lot done for infrastructure because it was not paid attention to previously, before I became Mayor. In my 4 years, budgets have addressed infrastructure and capital projects, maintaining existing services, stimulating economic growth and meeting legislative requirements. Funds were allocated to important infrastructure projects as well as developing significant partnerships to enhance community growth and vitality. I believe in value for taxes, that every dollar counts. I make decisions that support outcomes when spending tax dollars. There is more to be done and I will roll up my sleeves to get the work done.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Attainable housing – that’s housing that is affordable and available in sufficient supply is an important issue and one where municipalities, such as West Grey can take steps to address. Housing is a basic need that is at the foundation for social and economic wellbeing, healthy living and for creating a community with vitality. The focus is to ensure that municipalities can offer a range of affordable and attainable housing options to meet the everyone’s needs – including young families, newcomers, working people and seniors.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
My economic vision and Plan for West Grey is that we are “Open for Business” and “Future Ready”. West Grey’s economic vitality is to support and promote our many businesses in West Grey and to promote our Municipality as a destination for new business owners and citizens to locate. When you see construction in West Grey, whether it is homes being built, infrastructure improvements or reconstruction, it means that West Grey is growing, ready now and future ready. West Grey is investing in our community and our citizens are investing in West Grey. These past 4 years have been exciting in terms of housing development, attention being paid to infrastructure and focus on our downtown cores. West Grey has the first ever Community Improvement Plan. This is a grant-matching program to contribute to and enhance the commercial investment across the municipality. This program has been popular, and the results are very evident in our downtown cores. I encourage everyone to shop local.
4) Do you think a municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Yes, I believe that a municipality has a role to play in recruiting physicians and other healthcare workers to rural practices. The Durham Hospital Foundation does an excellent job in this important function and should be commended for the strong efforts and successes to-date. West Grey Council must continue to financially support these recruitment efforts and also ensure that our community is one where newcomers to our community will want to live and work.
5) What is your vision for the future of police services in West Grey?
West Grey is fortunate to have a police service that is part of the community fabric, highly invested in our community to provide community policing. Our police service by far is an outstanding service in Ontario. The West Grey Police Chief and the Police Officers have made our community safe. My vision is that West Grey Police Service continue the excellent work of protecting our community. The motion moved by councillor Rebecca Hergert and seconded by councillor Stephen Townsend, that was made last December regarding an opp costing pulled the rug from under the police service and the community. Four councillors-Townsend, Hergert, Shea and Hamilton voted to get an opp costing. There was no need for this opp costing. In my opinion, the motion was irresponsible and unnecessary. I whole-heartedly support our West Grey Police Service and the construction of a new West Grey police service station. This is my number 1 priority in the new term of council. Adequate and effective service is determined by the Chief of Police and the West Grey Police Services Board ensures there is adequate and effective policing for West Grey.
6) What issue do you believe is a top priority for West Grey to tackle during the next term?
Here are my Top 3 Priorities:
1. I Whole-heartedly support our West Grey Police Service and the construction of the new Police Service building.
2. Maintain taxes through a 4-year budget which will assist in keeping taxes at reasonable level.
3. Provide an economic plan for West Grey that we continue to be “Open for Business” and “Future Ready” with attention to youth and our environment.
I am proud of the community building accomplishments under my leadership; however, I believe that we must keep going, there is more hard work ahead and I will carry on with the job of building a bright future for our community.
Here are some of my accomplishments as Mayor:
-Redevelopment of Rockwood Terrace which is on track for construction
-Natural gas expansion in Neustadt
-Improving current infrastructure
-Implementing a sidewalk snow removal program
-Developed and Implemented the Strategic Vision Plan
-Developing a Climate Action Plan
-Supporting our businesses through a Community Improvement Plan
-Promoting recreational activities for youth and established a Youth Advisory Committee.
All of these important accomplishments have contributed to a more vibrant West Grey. Through my leadership, from the political governance perspective, infrastructure will be a priority for municipal sustainability.
