1) Why are you running?
I am running for council because for over 10 years and 2 elections our municipality has been part of the NWMO site selection process and not once have the citizens been asked if we want to participate. So much time and resources have been devoted to the DGR proposal. We’ll never know what opportunities have been missed.It is time to give the residents of South Bruce a voice so a decision can be made. Only then can we begin to heal the division within our community and work together to develop an Official Plan that reflects how residents envision the future of South Bruce. We need to work towards an open, transparent and approachable government and I would like to see a referendum as soon as possible.Then we can work together based upon that decision, to promote growth in a way that improves and protects the communities we all love.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to ease cost of living concerns? If so, what measures would you support?
We must be good stewards with every dollar and make sure we are providing the services needed in the most cost effective way. If residents are struggling we must provide a safe place for them to ask for help. If the municipality doesn’t have the resources they need we should be willing to connect them to the services available in our surrounding area.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
First we have to answer the DGR question. The types of businesses that will choose to invest here will be determined by that decision. Then we must work with the community to develop an Official Plan so we know which direction they want to go. We need to look at improved internet services because today businesses need fast, efficient and reliable internet. We need to talk with small business owners to learn from them how the municipal government can best support them. Let’s look at ways to reduce red tape and delays so businesses can open their doors sooner.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
With a shortage of doctors and nurses across the province it is going to continue to be a struggle for medical clinics and the hospitals within our surrounding municipalities. We will need to continue to work with our nearby Family Health Teams to encourage new doctors to explore the possibility of rural healthcare. As more and more people aim to have a better work to life ratio our rural municipalities offer a lower cost of living and are great places to raise families.
There have been some new doctors recruited to the area and perhaps from them we could learn what enticed them to choose the small town experience. Physicians who choose to practice in rural communities are often recognized as the “town hero.” Members of smaller towns recognize that local physicians have selected their community as their place to practice and can develop a greater allegiance and admiration for their doctor than that of a city doctor who sees hundreds of patients
5) What is your view on South Bruce being a potential host municipality for a deep geologic repository to store spent nuclear fuel?
I do not want South Bruce to become the host community for the DGR. Over the past 2 ½ years I have researched NWMO reports, looked at the history of previous attempts to bury nuclear waste and been in contact with researchers around the world and this is an unproven radioactive experiment. But ultimately this needs to be a community decision. This could be the only election where residents get a real voice on that issue. The NWMO and their supporters will tell you that you will have a choice but only after you are informed. According to the Bleiker Method of Systematic Development of Informed Consent or what we call the ‘red binder” program, the definition of informed is “the grudging willingness of opponents to grudgingly go along with an action they are opposed to.” Does that mean we will only be considered “informed” when we are willing? How long will the current council and the NWMO drag out the process?Whether your family has been here many generations or you’ve only lived here several weeks. Whether you are financially blessed or still working to get ahead. If this is your municipality you deserve a voice. Everyone deserves to be heard and welcomed. It is time to hold a referendum.