1) Why are you running?
I’m running for re-election in Arran-Elderslie to continue trying to make our community the best place it can possibly be. Properly planning for the future, while not losing focus of the current, and building our municipality as a great place to live, work and play. I don’t consider myself a politician, just a normal person who wants our community to be as awesome as it can be.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Proper budgeting and future planning processes like asset management are at the forefront of reducing cost of living expenses as a municipality. Doing our best to predict needed upgrades to facilities, infrastructure, services, etc. and limiting surprise expenses is the best way to keep property taxes and fee for service projects affordable for our residents.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Having the right people in place to help recruit economic development is the biggest need in Arran-Elderslie. Our Ecdev department was just getting off the ground in the past term of council, and currently has a vacant senior position that needs to be filled. Once that is filled, working with neighbours and upper tier Bruce County is going to be our best approach.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
100% we do. We currently have physician recruitment in Chesley. It is our job to sell our municipality as a great place to come to for any healthcare professionals. Sell them on building a life in Arran-Elderslie, that’s what we can do to help recruit, and maintain these people. Our community is so great, if we can get them here, they’ll never leave!
5) How do you think Arran-Elderslie can best position itself to attract both businesses and families to the municipality?
Our mayor Steve Hammell coined it best in the last election when describing Arran-Elderslie. He said it’s not in the middle of nowhere, it’s in the middle of everywhere. We can provide a great place to live, work and play for anyone and everyone. Small town and/or rural living, with bigger centres equal distance in each direction for things we don’t have. Arran-Elderslie can provide everyone of all walks of life with everything they need.