1) Why are you running?
I am running for a position of Councillor in the Township of Georgian Bluffs as I have the ability and mindset to collaborate with fellow council members, staff and stakeholders while representing the constituents of Georgian Bluffs with an open-minded, forward-thinking approach when considering the matters and decisions affecting the municipality.
My extensive experience in civil engineering and land use planning provides me with an exceptional understanding of the local geography and current state of infrastructure within the Township. This acquired knowledge will allow for conscientious and fiscally responsible consideration of the matters and challenges that will face the incoming council.
Being a resident of Georgian Bluffs for the past 24 years, I recognize it as a beautiful municipality that offers something for everyone, and as an individual that believes in honest and transparent communication and accountability, I will strive to make fair and informed decisions for all residents of Georgian Bluffs.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to ease cost of living concerns? If so, what measures would you support?
Cost of living includes housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, leisure, and entertainment.
Consumer pricing for some of these expenses is not within the control or governance of lower tier municipalities; however, municipalities can potentially influence the cost of housing and some utilities. Housing availability and affordability can be examined through review of local land use planning policies while utility costs such as water, internet and natural gas can be explored through expansion opportunities that are fiscally sustainable.
Further, the municipality can exercise fiscal responsibility, a direct impact on taxation, by ensuring each department spends within their operating budgets, purchases and expenses are necessary and within reason, purchasing bylaws are consistently adhered to and not waived, expenditures are transparent to council and ratepayers, and efficiencies are realized where possible.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Each municipality has its own opportunities, challenges, and priorities; therefore, it will be necessary to include residents and businesses within the municipality to learn of their wants and needs and create an economic development action plan to address such. Further, collaboration with Grey County’s economic development team to strategize future opportunities and promotion within the municipality will be of benefit. Programs and activities that pursue improvement in the well being and quality of life within the municipality could include creating more business opportunities and jobs and promoting local products and area assets.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Healthcare is in crisis as not only is there a shortage of physicians in the area but there is also a shortage of nurses, paramedics, and personal support workers. These shortages can have dire consequences for the residents, ratepayers, and visitors of Georgian Bluffs. Did you know that nurses are working with higher patient to nurse ratios, ambulances are being down staffed in Grey County, ER visits are high as many do not have a family physician, and overtime shifts for healthcare workers are plentiful? I know this as I have immediate family members that are affected by this healthcare crisis. The municipality of Georgian Bluffs at one time did financially contribute to and participate on the South Bruce Peninsula Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee; however, has since ceased involvement. This committee due to restructuring has now become an independent, citizen-led group that provides updates to South Bruce Peninsula Council who continues to provide funds to the group for recruitment initiatives. As Georgian Bluffs relies on neighbouring municipalities’ health care facilities and healthcare personnel, it is important and necessary that the municipality actively participates and funds physician/healthcare worker recruitment and retention regionally.
5) Should the township pursue more shared services with neighbouring municipalities?
Absolutely, there must be as a strengthening of relationships with neighbouring municipalities to allow for sharing of resources and services. The lines of communication must be opened between neighbouring municipalities to promote discussions regarding services and the contractual sharing of such where possible to provide the best value for all and offer economies of scale.
6) What issue do you believe is a top priority for Georgian Bluffs to tackle during the next term?
During this past term of council, the Township has significantly increased its staffing complement, added numerous vehicles to the fleet, and adjusted service levels; therefore, a thorough review and analysis to measure the proficiencies and gaps in service to strengthen the operational capacity of the Township is required.
Part of this review and analysis should see a full return to customer service and accessibility so that public matters like the short-term rental concerns can be addressed, along with a forecast of future service levels and fiscal action for the biodigester, waste management/recycling, recreation, public works, fire and police protection, and water and wastewater servicing.
Georgian Bluffs has seen tremendous tax assessment growth in recent years so previous councils have not needed to look to find savings to minimize tax increases; however, it should be a practice of the Township staff and council to find efficiencies within each department to assist with minimizing future tax increases.