For the past 15 years, I have held executive positions with two companies in Chatham-Kent. Currently, I am the chief business development officer for TransForm Shared Service Organization.
For the past four years, I have been honoured to represent the citizens of my hometown.
During my last term as councillor, I demonstrated a strong commitment by working tirelessly towards resolutions on issues. My proudest moment was bringing forward the long-overdue motion to establish a hospice in Chatham-Kent.
If elected for a second term, I will remain focused on innovative strategies that will position Chatham-Kent in a financially sustainable manner for years to come. I am committed to challenge council and administration to seek out strategic efficiencies. A solid financial position will promote further investment in our community, the cornerstone for a healthier local economy.
Would you support a tax freeze or rollback if it meant reduced staff or services?
Yes. Council needs to prioritize its spend on strategic initiatives. It is not unreasonable to think that services and service levels require change. We need to make some tough decisions and consider that the services offered from yesterday may not be the requirement for today or tomorrow.
Would you support an OPP costing study?
Yes. There is absolutely no harm in conducting an analysis of competing economic models in any facet of the business operations within the municipality.
Would you support examining a volunteer-only fire service if the provincial arbitration system isn’t overhauled?
No. A volunteer fire service is not equipped to mitigate the risk associated with the presence of an urban hospital, high rise apartments and nursing homes, etc.
Do you believe we should continue our ongoing efforts to attract economic investment from China?
Yes. We must effectively focus our economic development dollars in many avenues to produce diversity and growth for a strong and stable local economy. We must look for economic opportunities beyond the boundaries of Chatham-Kent, whether that be Asia, North America, Ontario or our own backyard.
Would you support contracting municipal services to the private sector if those services can be delivered more efficiently?
Yes, however very careful value analysis needs to be completed when reviewing critical service delivery to the citizens.
Would you support investigating amalgamation of fire/ambulance/police services to reduce costs?
Yes. We should continually investigate alternate models of service delivery. The deliberation related to critical services must be conducted with prudent care however we should not shy away from being on the leading edge of innovative and transformational change in the manner which we conduct our business.
Would you support a municipal tree-cutting bylaw if it contained incentives for woodlot owners to retain/increase tree cover?
Yes. I have supported a municipal tree cutting by-law related to woodlot conservation throughout the term and will continue to do so.
Do you believe we need a municipal ombudsman or ethics commissioner such as London and Windsor have added?
No. It is a costly venture with little gain. I do believe however that there is value in attaining the services of an internal auditor.
Would you consider developing a usage benchmark for municipal offices, arena and libraries and closing those that don’t meet the standards?
Yes. I support evaluating services to ensure they have maintained industry standards during the ever-changing times.
Do you support development of a community-wide multipurpose recreation centre?
Yes. Chatham-Kent deserves to have a multi-purpose recreation centre. The best facilities developed in neighbouring regions of the same size have been completed in partnership with senior levels of government and collaboration with the private sector.
Do you support an adopt-a-park program in which service or volunteer groups assume some maintenance (grass cutting) of some municipal facilities?
Yes. Chatham-Kent citizens are active and take pride in their community. Offering opportunities to citizens in this vein is a worthy venture.
Do you support investigating a reduction in the number of municipal councilors?
Yes. I have sat on a number of boards in the not for profit sector and reported to boards in private sector life. I have yet to see one run effectively with 18 people around the table or contextually (tongue in cheek) we could consider our council to be 40% the size of the City of Toronto. Additionally, the principle behind the composition of a Council should adhere to representation by population and equal representation. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent fails in all of these avenues. I strongly believe we can correct the faults in our system with a council of 8-10 councillors without losing the current proportional representation within our urban and rural composition.
Excellent presentation! Be careful, looks like Mr. Brent will not allow you to vote what you think but only what he thinks! Scary!
Watch Me!!!
Scary that you think that Uly! Would love to meet and have a chat so that you get to know me and how I work – there is no leader that creates more synergies than me and working with Council to ensure we are always benefiting the tax payer should be the desired state right.
Hey friend well said, I have known you since public school and I know you have always enjoyed politics and what you say is from your feelings for Chatham Kent, where you want a great change and the best for Chatham and the surrounding area. Some older representatives don't want change, I use to share a table with Mayor Ericson at 628 Legion and he had a excellent vision for Chatham. I see that with you and I know in time you will do just that, well done. Keep you eye on the ball and never turn away. Your friend always and supporter Craig