1)Why are you running?
Growing up, my father was a municipal employee, so I was predisposed to municipal politics. I believe with my education and background, I can assist Brockton on its path to a more prosperous future. The world is expensive, and I believe in ensuring our tax dollars are being used responsibly. Operating a municipality is much like running a business, the more streamlined our processes are, the less revenue we need.
I attended school in Niagara where I completed a four-year bachelor’s degree in computer science and business. I then pursued a two-year master’s degree in computer science where I studied large-scale optimization. Additionally, I was taking courses in finance, preparing to write my chartered financial analyst designation. During this time my passion for optimizing finances and allocating budgets transpired.
With the upcoming municipal elections, I decided to return to Walkerton to pursue my passion for municipal politics in my hometown.
I am hoping to use my education, experience, and deep roots in Brockton to keep our home an attractive place for families to live. The world is expensive, however, I believe in keeping Brockton affordable for generations to come. More details can be found on my website – www.mitchclark.ca.
2)Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Much of this crisis is global, caused by increased inflation, which our municipality has no control over. However, we can limit its impact. Interest rates are increasing, meaning our debts are more expensive to maintain. Around 5% of the average household’s after-tax income in Brockton goes to the municipality in the form of taxes.
We need to be quick to act, delays in today’s world are costly. We need to give contractors and businesses ample time for bids and tenders, reducing our chances of being forced to a singular rate. We need to look at our macroeconomic environment and determine whether now is the time for debt to be increased, decreased, or limited. We need to put some of our cash reserves into assets that offer dividends and stable returns, resulting in increased cash flow without increasing taxes. We must welcome grants and funding as alternative means of capital. However, we should be cautious that a one-time grant is not producing a long-term liability.
Limiting excessive spending could ultimately put more money in the pockets of our residents. More money in the pockets of residents means more money circulating in the community, creating a thriving economy.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Economic development in Brockton over the last decade has increased at a tremendous rate. In my opinion, we are doing very well. However, like anything, there’s room for improvement. We must ensure that red tape is limited so builders are able to create affordable housing. The affordability crisis is affecting everyone and if we want people to settle in Brockton, we must ensure living expenses align with wages.
Many of Brockton’s businesses, hospitals, and organizations are having to close due to worker shortages. I understand technology is only beneficial when used properly. This is an opportunity to educate our community on the benefits and display how new advancements can be used to fill voids in our economy.
Like any economic shift, there will be consequences that root from it. With the economic development we are pursuing in Brockton, I believe in being proactive by ensuring our core municipal responsibilities are stable and can handle the increase in community members.
Ultimately, my platform stems from the belief that our community comes first. That taxes are used in a way that builds on our local economy and that the resources residents expect are accessible.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
The municipality does have a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians. However, not in the way that is typically thought. The hospital recruitment process is done external to the municipality, and as such, we have very little say in this. The municipality’s responsibility for this stems from creating a vibrant and growth-driven community. We must ensure that our community is safe, proactive, and enjoyable for physicians to want to call Brockton home.
Brockton has a tremendous amount to offer, we have canoeing, fishing, agriculture, shopping, restaurants, and an incredible community. I believe the municipality must promote our heritage through videos, social media, and other news outlets.
Although not an immediate solution, the municipality should focus on our local high schools, and assist in encouraging interested individuals to follow a path in healthcare. Municipal organized funding initiatives that are used to assist in healthcare worker retention would be invaluable.
Like many other municipal issues, healthcare worker retention and recruitment are pressing and requires fast action. I hope to be the candidate to lead this and focus on proactive approaches to solve this problem.