As mayor, I have worked hard to stimulate the economy, we achieved results in the right direction. Unemployment is 5.6 per cent, lowest in a decade, from a peak rate of 14 per cent when Navistar closed. A recent survey indicates employers have 650 new jobs available.
We have cut debt in half; the community’s population is increasing; recently announced two projects creating 300 jobs.
A successful track record indicates that my qualifications and experience will ensure the community moves forward.
Our “pay as you go” strategy is working. Improvements in firehalls, arenas, trails, roads and bridges serve residents well. I want to lead Chatham-Kent to a better future over the next four years.
I have a passion to see Chatham-Kent’s future success. We have set the direction and strategy for success. My experience, leadership and past results indicate that I am the best candidate to lead the community for the next four years.
- Do you support increasing funding for infrastructure given the fact several culverts and bridges – including the Third Street Bridge – have had emergency issues and closures recently?
YES
Infrastructure is a critical asset for the community. The next Council will have to increase funding to maintain and replace infrastructure ensure we serve residents’ expectations. It is critical to the Agricultural community our largest economic sector at $3 Billion per year. They need investments in infrastructure to operate efficiently in getting their product to market.
- Would you support a tax freeze or rollback if it meant reduced staff and/or services?
NO
Residents have expectations on the services they receive. While I have pushed for greater efficiency in the past and will do so in the future, I do not believe residents want cut-backs in services. It is quite easy for candidates to promise a tax freeze during the campaign quite another matter after being elected. I will not promise something I cannot deliver. I will commit to keep any tax increases at or below inflation. I will also support on-going reviews of the operations to ensure good value for money spent.
- Would you support shifting some services to the private sector if those services could be done more efficiently that way?
YES
This is an area where efficiencies might be found. I have supported privatization in the past and will continue to have administration review areas that may lend themselves to more value for the money via privatization.
- Do you believe we need a municipal ombudsman or ethics commissioner?
YES
Residents must have faith in the members of local government. One way to provide residents with access to avenues to question behavior of Council members is to have an independent third party available to review issues of concern. A number of communities have adopted this position and it may serve Chatham-Kent residents well. I would support such a position.
- Do you support investigating a reduction in the number of council members?
YES
I believe we should investigate the appropriate size for Council. This should also include a process to ensure that each Councillor represents both urban and rural residents. Often, we find Councillors’ positions of urban interests vs. rural interests. That should be avoided.
- Should the municipality try to land an Ontario Cannabis Store as soon as possible?
YES
Some residents will expect to be able to purchase cannabis once it is legally available in Canada. We have a number of growers in Chatham-Kent that contribute to the local economy. While I do not feel there is a great urgency or “as soon as possible”, I do believe we should permit the legal sale in Chatham-Kent.
- Should council be more proactive in terms of working with landowners with contaminated wells?
NO
Council has been very concerned about the complaints regarding well problems that are attributed to the wind turbines. We have put supported pressure on the province to investigate the problem. We have also put pressure on the companies to increase their level of investigation through independent testing companies. The issue is not under the Municipality’s jurisdiction but regardless we have been proactive to get answers for the residents impacted.
- Some critics say the municipal building department is an impediment to development in C-K. Do you agree?
NO
The building department must follow codes. Usually, those critical of the department are not happy with delays which reflect alterations needed to meet code. Are they perfect? No, but at the same time we must ensure that they are doing their job effectively. This is a common complaint throughout most communities in Ontario. I honestly do not think they impede development. If that were the case, I would address the matter with administration.
- Do you believe Chatham needs a new twin-pad arena?
YES
One of the Chatham arenas is 70 years old, the other is 50 years old. It is time to build a new arena in Chatham. We will need both levels of government to support this initiative as they have in nearby communities. With the new Conservative government, I trust we will be successful. I have a developer that is very interested in establishing a new commercial complex, transportation hub, baseball fields, hotel and arena complex on one site. I hope to bring this development to a successful completion if re-elected as Mayor.
- Should the municipality cut back on its expenditures for overseas economic development efforts?
NO
My overseas economic development effort has cost tax payers about $13,000, that’s out of a $300 Million budget. A comprehensive report to Council a while back indicated an overall positive return on the total overseas Economic Development costs. A few examples of results reported included an investor involved with us in China purchased a local company just days before going bankrupt saving 100 jobs. That investor also purchased a struggling company in Blenheim scheduled to close saving 50 high paying jobs. Another investor involved with China has brought an investment group currently negotiating a major industrial land purchase in CK.
- Should municipal councillors ever be forced to go the Freedom of Information route when seeking municipal information?
NO
Councillors should have full access to information they need to make informed decisions. They should not have to resort to FOI’s to get that information. I fully support this position.
- Should members of the public have more access to municipal information without having to resort to an FOI?
YES
I believe that information should be readily available to the public. Naturally personnel matters and contracts under negotiation must be kept confidential. The public should not have to resort to filing a Freedom of Information request on most matters.
