1) Why are you running?
West Grey needs proven, experienced leadership, with the skills to – GET IT DONE!! I have 20 years management experience, including 12 at the senior level. I’ve also managed many of the general activities, using industry standard processes or tools, used by West Grey staff. Lastly, I managed 3 distinct offices, in 3 provinces, at the same time, so I’m familiar with managing different cultural centres, as exists throughout West Grey. And, I now have 4 years experience being on Council
Outside Council responsibilities, volunteered on activities such as:
– managing a $1.85 million expansion of the Durham Medical Centre – on time, on budget
– collaborating with Grey County, on behalf of West Grey residents to keep the
Rockwood Long Term Care facility in West Grey.
– initiated and coordinated the removal of a car in the river by Ayton, after I read it had
been sitting in there for 11 months, with no evidence any attempt to remove it was
forthcoming.
– Durham Legion Branch 308 Accessibility Project
While on Council, on top of my regular responsibilities:
– worked with staff to revise the asset management process for Bridges, to align with
generally accepted asset management processes.
– many other smaller items, such as upgrades to communication protocols and process
improvements, resulting in improved customer service
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Yes, manage service costs, the Tax Levy – by regularly identifying process improvements, reviewing service costs, aggressively pursue grants, with effective Financial Management! This is why every area of West Grey’s operations has undergone a Service Review, with the exception of Police Services. The West Grey Public Library is now analyzing the results of their Service Review, to determine next steps. Staff are also working with a team of university grad students to assist in developing a Customer Service Strategy. Process improvement is often easy to see, if your looking for it! For example, West Grey is in the midst of up dating its Official Plan and Zoning By-law. Currently, if a planning application comes to staff, and it’s requesting something in the revised Provincial legislation, but not yet in West Grey’s Official Plan or Zoning By-law, an exception is required which delays the application. Once West Grey’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law are updated to be consistent with the Provincial legislation, these request so will no longer be exceptions, so can be processed faster, leaving more time for staff to work on other applications sooner too. Effective Financial Management is – look for service, process improvements, before adding staff, and leverage grants
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
An Economic Development Strategic Plan initiative was begun within the last year. When complete, It will provide the direction and focus needed to determine the actions! Actions likely to come forth are:
– Development of a full Growth Plan, including information provided by Grey County
– a Future Development Plan for the Primary and Secondary Settlement Areas
– Identification of the desired Business Mix for each settlement area, and Implementation Plan
– a Commercial and Industrial Growth Opportunity Plan, including Hydro Capacity Management
– Revitalization Plans for the downtown areas within West Grey, starting with the Primary Settlement Areas – Durham and Neustadt.
– Growth Impact on Infrastructure Assessment Plan (water, sewer, roads, etc.)
– Natural Gas has been announced for Neustadt, with the initial steps towards implementation underway.
– Enbridge has indicated Natural Gas for Ayton is a logical step, but no commitment or date yet.
– Continuation of the CIP (Community Improvement Plan) program
4) Do you think a municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Yes, but only for Doctor recruitment. Healthcare is an extremely competitive industry, especially today when it comes to doctors, as they have a multitude of choices where to practice. Many hospitals, clinics and other medical institutions incent doctors to come there, and offer retention bonuses to keep doctors in an active market, but small rural areas can’t compete financially with the large metropolitan areas. They simply don’t have the deep pockets. However, small rural areas have, in addition to some form of cash incentive, other things to offer. A slower pace of life, real nature summer camps right in your own backyard (not literally!), wide open spaces, walking trails, affordable local entertainment, plus a more acceptable, clean, safe environment for their family. COVID escalated the safe environment aspect extremely well. I believe municipal staff are better suited to presenting the non-cash benefits side of an offer to a doctor and his / her family, than a healthcare employee. So why should a municipality invest their time and money in doctor recruitment, because if they don’t and there’s a shortage of doctors in the area, growth of any magnitude will quickly evaporate, meaning lost revenue.
5) What is your vision for the future of police services in West Grey?
Police Services must provide the required level of service, to keep residents safe, at an affordable price. My strong preference is to have the West Grey Police Services Board work with West Grey Council to identify an affordable level of service, which provides the needed level of safety to our residents. Once the Consultant’s (MNP) Report, expected to be delivered to Council no later than the end of January 2023, is received all the information will be available to Council. This will include the OPP Costing details, feedback from the Public Meetings, and any other pertinent information available from the Consultant and consultation process. Council will then have the opportunity to review the results, including the information to educate Council on varying levels of service, and possibly cost drivers and opportunities to review. Further education on policing costs can also be provided by the District Representative and even the West Grey Police Services Board. I once again reach out to the West Grey Police Services Board to work on behalf of West Grey Police Services, be a Community Partner, agree to work with West Grey Council and together, with all the information before us, work towards a solution to meet everyone’s needs.
6) What issue do you believe is a top priority for West Grey to tackle during the next term?
West Grey has not moved forward as quickly as others in Grey County, therefore, there’s multiple priorities to address, so I’m providing what I believe are the priorities for West Grey to Move Forward!
a) Police Services – January 2023 all information is available, awaiting West Grey Police Services Board participation
b) Economic Development Strategic Plan – to set direction, framework for the future
c) Planning – Official Plan, Zoning By-law, Asset Management – addresses housing, development, efficiencies
d) Accessibility Compliance – legislated deadlines
e) Healthcare – Dr. Recruitment – addresses – gaps (Dr. Shortage) & growth
f) Climate Action Plan
g) Water & Sewer Rehabilitation & Maintenance – issues & growth
h) Customer Service Strategy
The first 5 items are the most critical to address, in the order presented, while the last 3 already have a plan, so need to continue per the plan.