During the last four years, I have done my best to voice the concerns of the citizens of Chatham-Kent. I have tried to hold taxes, with no success, but will continue to promote smart spending of tax dollars.
I have opposed what I believe to be foolish municipal spending on projects that are beyond the municipality’s scope (college bakery, convention centre, etc.). I believe I bring a strong voice and opinion to council.
I have never been afraid to challenge the administration when I feel the people’s tax money is being spent incorrectly. If re-elected, I will aim to stem needless spending, fix the ongoing fiscal bleeding of the Bradley Centre and promote a logical reduction of council, exploring the elimination of the ward system.
Would you support a tax freeze or rollback if it meant reduced staff or services?
Yes. I have never voted for a tax increase and have twice brought motions for a tax freeze (defeated by Council both times).
Would you support an OPP costing study?
Yes. I voted in favour of inviting the OPP to Council.
Would you support examining a volunteer-only fire service if the provincial arbitration system isn’t overhauled?
Yes. If provincial arbitration is not changed, emergency services will eventually bankrupt the municipality.
Do you believe we should continue our ongoing efforts to attract economic investment from China?
Yes. I believe we should continue to try an attract investment from every country in the world. I do not think we have to go there to make our case. The electronic age has made that travel almost unnecessary.
Would you support contracting municipal services to the private sector if those services can be delivered more efficiently?
Yes. Privatizing has advantages, such as garbage removal. Not a great idea in all departments such as Public Health.
Would you support investigating amalgamation of fire/ambulance/police services to reduce costs?
Yes, amalgamation of these services would be great as they all show up to every call. Every time.
Would you support a municipal tree-cutting bylaw if it contained incentives for woodlot owners to retain/increase tree cover?
Yes. Only if there are exceptions to the by-law to preserve the integrity of property ownership.
Do you believe we need a municipal ombudsman or ethics commissioner such as London and Windsor have added?
Yes. An Ombudsman would have prevented me filing a Freedom of Information request.
Would you consider developing a usage benchmark for municipal offices, arena and libraries and closing those that don’t meet the standards?
Yes. Times change and so do the needs and wants of the public.
Do you support development of a community-wide multipurpose recreation centre?
Maybe. I know that is not a yes/no response, but funding from other levels of government – and private business would make that decision. Solely funded by the municipality, no, not now.
Do you support an adopt-a-park program in which service or volunteer groups assume some maintenance (grass cutting) of some municipal facilities?
Yes. Absolutely.
Do you support investigating a reduction in the number of municipal councilors?
Yes. We should also consider a new ward system with 8 to 10 members of Council.
I am seeking re-election in Ward 6, as I believe I have been a strong voice for the people of Chatham-Kent over the last four years. I have opposed tax increase and spending tax money on projects the municipality should not be involved in. In the next term of Council I hope to continue fighting for fair taxes, question administration and specifically, aim to stop the financial bleeding of the Bradley Centre. I will always remain dedicated to the logical spending of tax dollars.
