1) Why are you running?
I am running again in order to continue making positive changes in our service levels and policy making, like I have done throughout the Municipality of Meaford in our snow removal in town getting the snow removed when it is one meter high and out in the country open roads early in the morning in order to get to work and in evening upon returning home. This is above the provincial minimum standards. On a policy note during covid I did a notice of motion to have two other members of council in the emergency control group with voice in order to help the mayor use the council members to give support on actions during a very difficult time.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
As to the cost of living I will always remember my dear mother who one evening said to me “how dare you raise my taxes I am on a fixed income and already watch my Hydro use and the money I spend on food”so the increase if required must be kept as minimal as we can and yet still deliver the services we all have come to expect. Basically learn to live within our means. We also all know that the baby boomers are retiring and who are the folks that will fill the gap! doing 5 6 or 7% is quite simply not sustainable. So taxes are a big influence on the cost of living.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Like all municipalities Meaford in my opinion on economic development should engage regularly with current business.We have listed on our municipal information site well over 1350 business lets build on them both urban and rural .This will also help build better working relations with council and staff as growth happens.Our agricultural sector is a major driver and often it is looked over and yet the workforce that is required is substantial.If our municipality continues to be innovative using our new official plan diversified housing can and will lead to more people being here get into the workforce or opening a new business.Again promote the heck out of ourselves as we have what folks want for a wholesome and lovely lifestyle And finally we need to demonstrate that we are business ready including the infrastructure to support growth .
4) Do you think a municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Our municipality has an older demographics than the province and Doctor recruitment has been and will be for some time an ongoing concern.This last term we had two or three doctors give serious thought in coming here as they see the quality of life in outdoor activities like skiing and arts and culture at the Meaford Hall as drawing cards but they look at other incentives to locate here and we need to figure out what we can do to seal a deal as it were .Now that the government of Canada has opened the door to doctors who come here from other countries hopefully we capitalise on this new directive.
5) Should the municipality pursue more shared services with neighbouring municipalities?
Our municipality is already engaged in sharing services when and where we can. Like hooking up with Grey County when winter sand is purchased having a bigger demand can lower the cost.Out in Leith Owen Sound delivers water to residents out there who can hook up onto the system.Fire protective services is another area were we are unique in having the Meaford and District Fire and the Inter Township Department delver service and the Two forces from what I hear are working a whole lot better now than they ever have. So collaboration with others is a must as doing things on our own will only lead to much higher costs than we all want to see.
6) What issue do you believe is a top priority for Meaford to tackle during the next term?
The main issues in Meaford are the aging infractures of bridges, roads, water pipes and how to pay for them.We will likely use more long term debt but I want to use some of our reserve funds to offset this.We have been discovered and new development means more services so it will be an ongoing responsibility to engage with them on what our vision is now and into the future as proposals come into staff and if they continue with their plans bringing them to council. Another age-old problem is either a communications problem or a perceived problem of the divide that persists between the urban and rural communities. In order for you folks who will read this council and staff work hard to ensure tax dollars are spread out as evenly as possible. Some years the town gets more but in this upcoming budget the rural areas will see more money spent there ,I think we need to talk to each other more often. Finally on that note I know that I work hard in bringing people together. We have a lot in common and working together in a positive manner will lead this municipality to be looked upon as an example of what can be done by pulling together. I believe in leading the way and let others follow.