1) Why are you running?
I have been a South Bruce Municipal Councillor for the past 8 years and find this work very challenging and rewarding. I feel it is important to give back to the community where you reside and this is one way I can do that, along with volunteering. I am not running in this election with just one agenda or project in mind, like the DGR, instead I want to focus on the next 4 years and all the potential projects so South Bruce can prosper and grow. I want to see large projects that have been on-going with the Municipality through to completion. Using my hands on knowledge and municipal experience, I can help grow existing businesses and attract new entrepreneurs to South Bruce. I have been on the following committees: the Mildmay Community Health Foundation, Saugeen Valley Conservation Area, Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling, South Bruce Tourism, Recreation Advisory Committee, and the Tree Committee. The next 4 years will be very difficult to achieve a balanced budget, with the increased cost of living and increased inflation, we need councillors with experience with municipal budgets so we can continue to afford to live, work and play in South Bruce.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to ease cost of living concerns? If so, what measures would you support?
I believe this starts with fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget. To prioritize wants from needs without jeopardizing services that are needed or enjoyed by the residents. Looking forward with an asset management plan and setting funds aside for future repairs to roads, bridges, facilities and equipment upgrades or replacements. Working together with neighbouring municipalities and the County to share resources or grants to help save expenses. We already partner with Municipal Innovation Council for cost sharing through purchasing in bulk. Upgrading our Municipal facilities with energy saving lights and equipment. To offer discounted training and affordable recreation programs. Retaining and supporting our youth by offering apprenticeships and local employment. To look at affordable housing options, like renovating the top of businesses for apartments or converting vacant buildings into housing. Affordable daycare in our community so that both parents can stay and work in South Bruce. We need to increase our population base in order to reduce taxes. Healthcare in our Municipality, helps to keep our residents healthy and employed. Supporting our existing businesses, allowing for expansion and welcoming new entrepreneurs. All of these things are important to consider and I would support all of these efforts.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
We need to continue to support our existing businesses through grants, funding and employee recruitment and retention opportunities. We need to have the infrastructure to support our businesses through increased broadband, expansion of wastewater, sewers and union gas to allow for growth and expansion. We need a water tower in Teeswater for residential expansion. Changing our Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to include all South Bruce businesses will allow more funding for businesses to improve items like facades, signage, upgrades, marketing etc to increase sales. Having more shovel ready land so that we can attract new businesses and various different sectors. To ensure our downtown cores are vibrant to attract businesses and increase sales. To build a community where people want to reside with good schools, upgraded infrastructure, medical care, recreation programs, daycare, jobs etc. Ensuring that South Bruce is a welcoming and inclusive community. Retain our youth through apprentices and job specific training to fill positions in our local economy. To support our community clubs and service groups through grants like the Building Better Communities. We need to continue to work together with other municipalities and the county to help share resources so that our funds can stretch further.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Absolutely. As the Municipal representative of the Mildmay Community Health Foundation, I am familiar with and realize the importance of recruitment and retention of physicians. Attracting doctors or healthcare professionals to work in a rural area is very difficult, especially with the recent shortage. Communities are more attractive if they have a medical centre in their municipality and is a valuable asset to all residents. With a Medical Clinic in Mildmay and a proposed medical centre in Teeswater, it is important to work together supporting through grants, best practices, marketing and various resources. I do not believe that tax payers should have to fund the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers, however municipal support can be made in various forms. The Municipality may have access to various funding that is not available direct to medical professionals and these cost savings may be transferred to reduce expenditures. Also, use of Municipal website and social media outlets to help promote healthcare employment opportunity. To have a voice at the County level expressing our needs and work in partnership with them on recruitment. Having medical centres and medical professionals are very important for economic development and it keeps our community healthy.
5) What is your view on South Bruce being a potential host municipality for a deep geologic repository to store spent nuclear fuel?
If the DGR project is considered to be SAFE according to scientists and engineers (not based on personal opinions or fears), then I trust and support the experts. I understand that the nuclear industry has a very rigorous testing standard and are accountable to the Nuclear Safety Commissioner and take multiple years for testing. If it is not considered safe, then I do not want it and I think we can all agree on that. No one wants our land or water polluted. We know where the nuclear fuel is stored now (right beside a body of water) has only ever been a short term solution. Nothing in life is guaranteed, except for death and taxes and everything comes with a risk. We need to weigh out the benefits vs the risks to determine if it is right for us or not. I think this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to at least explore this project to the fullest. Lets get educated and wait for all of the test results and studies before we make any decisions. This election is NOT a referendum, that will come and I am in favour of a referendum.