My vision for Wallaceburg is an age-friendly community that actively thrives and supports sustainable jobs, continued growth and youth retaining strategies.
I am running for municipal council because I believe that my experience and desire to serve will be of benefit to my community. I would like to once again engage my community in the decision-making process.
Married to Tom for 27 years with four children and five grandchildren. Currently work part-time for my husband’s law firm. I have owned two businesses, worked as an operations manager of a small transportation firm and for the Wallaceburg Hydro.
I volunteer and sit on many boards within my community.
I’ve been a public school board trustee for the past nine years, during which I was chair for three and vice chair for two, and have been the board’s representative provincially.
More information can be found at www.carmenmcgregor.ca.
Would you support a tax freeze or rollback if it meant reduced staff or services?
Yes & No. I believe we should reduce staff as people retire then find ways to reallocate duties within. I don’t believe that we can maintain our infrastructure and promote all of our communities equally for new business, youth retention, immigration and healthy lifestyles by rolling back taxes. I would support a tax freeze providing the efficiencies were found within.
Would you support an OPP costing study?
Yes & No. I do not have a problem investigating OPP costing study. I do have concerns that we would lose total ability to control the cost for service and that we will be left with escalating rates that are provincially controlled. We will have no option but to pass the expense on to our commercial and residential partners.
Would you support examining a volunteer-only fire service if the provincial arbitration system isn’t overhauled?
No not a volunteer-only system. I do believe that the Provincial Arbitration System is broken and that it needs to be corrected by the provincial government. I would be interested in investigating an increased blended system with expanded use of volunteer firefighters in all areas of the municipality.
Do you believe we should continue our ongoing efforts to attract economic investment from China?
Yes. Though I am disappointed with some of the results from past ventures to China I think that we still need to investigate opportunities not only in China but Europe and the Pacific Rim.
Would you support contracting municipal services to the private sector if those services can be delivered more efficiently?
Yes as long as the current jobs are retained within the municipality. What I would like to see are efficiencies within departments and reduction of any overtime hours. For example using off-season farmers for overtime snowplough coverage.
Would you support investigating amalgamation of fire/ambulance/police services to reduce costs?
Yes. I think that all areas of opportunity to find savings that could result in a lower tax-base for Chatham-Kent should be investigated.
Would you support a municipal tree-cutting bylaw if it contained incentives for woodlot owners to retain/increase tree cover?
Yes but I would also want the incentives to include promotion and education for the community and the landowners of the value and long-term benefits.
Do you believe we need a municipal ombudsman or ethics commissioner such as London and Windsor have added?
No. I do not believe that is necessary at this time.
Would you consider developing a usage benchmark for municipal offices, arena and libraries and closing those that don’t meet the standards?
No. There are many services within each of our communities that are needed to provide healthy lifestyle options. Some of these are not always profitable but necessary.
Do you support development of a community-wide multipurpose recreation centre?
No. There needs to be multipurpose recreation access and opportunity within each of our communities.
Do you support an adopt-a-park program in which service or volunteer groups assume some maintenance (grass cutting) of some municipal facilities?
Yes. I think that there is a wealth of opportunity and advantage by utilizing the expertise and service of local volunteers.
Do you support investigating a reduction in the number of municipal councillors?
Yes and No. I only would support a reduced number of municipal councillors if it could be proved that local representation within all communities could benefit. Currently many people within our communities have become disengaged and their only connection to the municipality is through the people that represent them at the council table.
Platform
I am prepared to dedicate the time and loyalty required to building a better future for our community and once again engage our Wallaceburg in the process.
Sustainable Jobs
Wallaceburg does not need any more minimum paying jobs. Wallaceburg needs councillors that will lobby on behalf of the community to obtain sustainable jobs, jobs that allow our residents to live comfortably above poverty levels. We need our municipality to continue to work with our local businesses, industries and area contractors. Our economic status dictates that we need to work harder and smarter to entice new business while supporting existing business. We need to align the required skills with the needs of the employers in Wallaceburg.
As a councillor for Wallaceburg, I will support all efforts that will bring new jobs while strengthening the existing businesses and remove the current skills gap that exists locally.
Tax Dollars
The current state of the economy dictates that we can no longer get away with frivolous spending. We have to ensure that our municipality is acting responsibly with our tax dollars. It may not be possible but every effort needs to be made to produce a 0% increase to the budget without the sacrifice of our infrastructural needs.
There needs to be increased attempts at finding ways to cut costs. This includes the services provided by the municipality. We need Councillors that will ensure that this is always in mind when making decisions with our tax dollars. The current community consultation process does not work. The councillors need to concentrate on consultation methods that will involve our communities.
As a councillor, I will push for methods that will increase transparency and strive to once again engage the community in local decisions and the budget process.
Youth Retention and Immigration
Reports made to council outlining the growth projections for Chatham- Kent indicate that we need to retain our youth and increase immigration. If left unaddressed it would negatively impact the long-term sustainability of the municipality. We need councillors that will take this information seriously and direct the needed resources to make a change for the future. I have demonstrated my passion for education and youth through past positions and will use this passion to work to increase awareness of local careers and lifestyle available in Chatham-Kent. Letting our youth know what a great place this is to live work and raise families.
Age Friendly Community
The current demographics show that average age changes within our community demonstrate higher number of senior adults and a lower numbers of youth. While we work to increase sustainable jobs, youth retention and welcome new comers and business we also need to embrace future projections. We need to be prepared to work together to support our senior adults. We need to ensure that our health facilities remain intact within Wallaceburg. We need to support events and increase awareness of the great programs that are offered for our seniors. Together we can help to keep our senior adults active, stronger and healthy.
As a councillor I will offer my leadership and I will work to support local age friendly efforts. I will put information back into the hands of residents of Wallaceburg that will help build a strong age friendly community.
