I moved here from Windsor 20 years ago after meeting my wife, Mary Beth, who was born and raised in Wheatley.
Presently I am part of Wheatley Waterfront – A Citizens Initiative, working together for a more environmentally and economically sustainable waterfront community. I am involved with both the provincial and federal NDP riding associations. I had the honour to run as the NDP candidate in the last provincial election placing a close second to the incumbent.
I spoke of the need for jobs in Chatham-Kent and how I have worked with many federal, provincial and municipal leaders in an effort to bring jobs to this area.
I have travelled to China with my good friend, the Hon. Lorne Nystrom in an effort to find investors willing to open businesses here.
Recently, we celebrated the announcement of our $45 million Global Development Centre in Blenheim that will create up to 500 new jobs. I am honoured to have been the person who brought Mayor Randy Hope and Lorne Nystrom together to put this project together.
My wife and I both believe the future of Chatham-Kent is dependent on the quality of leadership and the direction our elected officials.
Would you support a tax freeze or rollback if it meant reduced staff or services?
No
Would you support an OPP costing study?
Yes
Would you support examining a volunteer-only fire service if the provincial arbitration system isn’t overhauled?
No
Do you believe we should continue our ongoing efforts to attract economic investment from China?
Yes. My involvement with the Global Development Centre just announced in Blenheim, was a result of my bringing together our Mayor Randy Hope and Lorne Nystrom in an effort to bring new investment and jobs to Chatham Kent. We need to continue down this path to grow and prosperity.
Would you support contracting municipal services to the private sector if those services can be delivered more efficiently?
No, unfortunately once we contract out municipal services we do not have any control on the quality of work nor do we have control over the increases in cost by the private sector. We might win in the initial costs being reduced but history has showed us that this honeymoon does not last long and we suffer with inferior workmanship and higher costs with no control or transparency.
Would you support investigating amalgamation of fire/ambulance/police services to reduce costs?
No.
Would you support a municipal tree-cutting bylaw if it contained incentives for woodlot owners to retain/increase tree cover?
Yes. We have to understand the necessities of keeping trees and how this program helps in stopping the erosion of our property. While it is important to keep disease out of our trees by removal we must also plant more trees to replace them. Farmers should be encouraged to keep woodlands on their farms and should be financially compensated for doing this.
Do you believe we need a municipal ombudsman or ethics commissioner such as London and Windsor have added?
Yes.
Would you consider developing a usage benchmark for municipal offices, arena and libraries and closing those that don’t meet the standards?
No.
Do you support development of a community-wide multipurpose recreation centre?
Yes. I am a strong supporter of any programs that promote good health and exercise programs for all. Availability to programs and centres must be offered to build an active and healthy community.
Do you support an adopt-a-park program in which service or volunteer groups assume some maintenance (grass cutting) of some municipal facilities?
No
Do you support investigating a reduction in the number of municipal councilors?
No
I am running for council to give a strong and experienced voice representing not only Wheatley but also Tilbury and Merlin.
Wheatley needs a person from this town to be a presence at council.
I believe we must open the lines of communications with not only governments but with investors giving then reasons to invest here.
More jobs, more investments and government awareness equals more taxpayers. I am confident my experiences allow me to be an important part on the decision making for Chatham Kent.
Our job as elected councilors is to get the best bang for your tax dollars and I conclude, as your elected councilor, I can achieve this. Therefore every effort will be made on my part to create more investment here resulting in more jobs and increased population to expand the tax base so we can grow and prosper.
