1) Why are you running?
I am running for municipal office because decisions made at a local level have the most immediate impact on our daily lives. Stewardship and preservation of what makes West Grey unique—its natural beauty, its communities, its resources—are crucial. I would work to protect and nurture what is best about this municipality while helping to prepare it for a changing future in measured and environmentally sensitive ways. I have extensive experience in university governance and have seen how vital good management is. My experiences as an educator and as a professional writer have taught me to listen carefully, gather and synthesize information, navigate opposing opinions, clarify complexities, and cooperate with others. I am also aware of the many grey areas that exist between seemingly black and white issues, especially when seeking balanced resolutions to problems.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
The economic struggles of residents should be a concern for all levels of government, including the municipal level. Inflation and soaring housing costs have put a great deal of pressure on West Grey residents. As much as is possible, council must work to encourage the planning and development of affordable housing, as well as the creation of more economic opportunities. Council must continue to find innovative ways to encourage the community to work together to ensure that food and other necessities remain accessible to lower income residents. Other ideas might include promoting affordable transportation options, free job training, and free cultural and library events.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
West Grey needs to continue to raise its profile in other parts of the province as a place to invest in–to live, work and play the year around. It is critical that we encourage economic growth while keeping climate concerns at the forefront: I believe that these two efforts can cooperate and encourage each other. In the long term, I would like to see the municipality encourage sustainable, climate friendly businesses; innovative residential developments; and alternative modes of transportation. Working with surrounding municipalities, West Grey could promote agritourism and related farm-based businesses; find innovative uses for both retail and public spaces through pop-ups, festivals and markets; look to our artist communities for creative ideas; and support current business ventures through broader general promotion. On a more immediate level, while canvassing different areas of West Grey, I heard many members of our business community express concerns about ongoing delays in getting permits, as well as responses to inquiries generally. While obviously oversight remains necessary, perhaps finding ways to streamline this process would help current businesses thrive, while also establishing West Grey as congenial to new enterprises.
4) Do you think a municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Absolutely—we must all do all we can. I have lived in West Grey for six years and am still looking for a doctor! It is a very stressful situation for many members of our community. I am aware that Durham Hospital is conducting a recruitment program, but West Grey is in competition with many other areas for a decreasing number of healthcare workers. This is a national crisis that must be dealt with at the provincial and federal levels. That being said, promoting West Grey as a great place to live would encourage more medical professionals to relocate here. I also think that neighboring municipalities must work together to find ways to incentivize medical professionals to choose this region of Ontario.
5) What is your vision for the future of police services in West Grey?
The community policing provided by the West Grey Police is highly regarded by residents and is a genuine asset to the area. Increasing costs, however, have been placing a strain on the municipal budget. A study assessing these costs is currently being conducted, and it would be injudicious to form fixed opinions until all information is made available. That said, I hope that we can find a way forward that will allow the community to continue to be served by the West Grey Police.
6) What issue do you believe is a top priority for West Grey to tackle during the next term?
I don’t think that municipal concerns can be reduced to any single issue. Business support, cultural promotion, agricultural interests, community safety, economic stability, local employment, medical care needs, affordable housing, transportation, and infrastructure repair–they all matter. Over all of this looms the climate emergency, which shapes how each of these issues are managed as well. However, on a more immediate level, I have found that residents are eager to feel heard and understood, and want to be reassured by their representatives so that, even when certain problems may take time to be resolved, they know someone is actively trying to figure it out. Regardless of the innumerable issues we must face together, what really matters is constant clear communication between the municipality and its residents. To that end, I hope to be a listener and a voice for the West Grey community.