Over the past four years, it has been a privilege to represent residents of Ward 6. I see tremendous opportunity in our community, and believe we require innovative, open-minded, and transparent government in order to move our municipality forward.
Having a young family, running a small business, and being involved in a number of community initiatives has provided me with a unique perspective with which to view our municipality. That perspective is required on council in order to attract and retain young families, and facilitate small business growth.
I care deeply about the success of our community, and firmly believe I have the skill set to be an important part of municipal leadership capable of seizing opportunity, facing challenges, and responding to the needs of our community.
- 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.
Chatham-Kent, much like the rest of Ontario, faces a significant infrastructure challenge. Long-term infrastructure planning including a well designed and prioritized asset management plan is crucial to leverage provincial and federal funding to help bridge the gap in ongoing infrastructure need. The municipality must also play an active role advocating for fair, consistent funding from both the province and federal government in order to responsibly manage infrastructure needs.
- Would you support a tax freeze or rollback if it meant reduced staff and/or services?
No
I have not encountered broad based support for reduction in municipal services amongst residents in Chatham-Kent. In fact many residents routinely lobby for increased services to improve quality of life, maintain infrastructure, and fulfill community needs. I believe in ongoing assessment of need and alteration in services based on identified need. Opportunities to both find cost savings and improve the effectiveness of services need to be continually explored. Setting an arbitrary tax rate goal without considering service impact is irresponsible.
- Would you support shifting some services to the private sector if those services could be done more efficiently that way?
Yes
Privatization of any service should only occur if effectiveness and responsiveness remains a priority. Likewise, if cost savings or increased effectiveness can be found by bringing a service in-house that should be explored.
- Do you believe we need a municipal ombudsman or ethics commissioner?
Yes
In the last term of council I supported the establishment of an Integrity Commissioner. The role of the Integrity Commissioner is important, and provides the opportunity for an individual with an understanding of local experience to advise council on potential code of conduct issues, as well as provide residents with an avenue to keep councillors accountable.
- Do you support investigating a reduction in the number of council members?
Yes
In the last term of council I supported motions to re-draw ward boundaries and investigate reducing the size of council. Current boundaries serve our communities poorly, and lead to a system that wildly violates representation by population. If re-elected I will again move to initiate public consultation to redraw ward boundaries, with an option for reduction in the number of councillors.
- Should the municipality try to land an Ontario Cannabis Store as soon as possible?
Yes
With the legalization of cannabis, the municipality should not exercise its one time ability to prevent a retail store. We currently are home to a number of primary cannabis producers, and as a legal product (which will be available online) we should allow local entrepreneurs the opportunity to run a legal business in our community.
- Should council be more proactive in terms of working with landowners with contaminated wells?
Yes
The municipality, and council, has a responsibility to work within its legal means and jurisdiction to address and assist in any local concerns. That responsibility does not end at water quality, but includes many current concerns ranging from shoreline erosion to provincial planning restrictions.
- Some critics say the municipal building department is an impediment to development in C-K. Do you agree?
Yes
Some local business owners and residents have reported difficulty in dealing with the building department, while others have reported positive experiences. It is important that every citizen and local business feels that they can communicate openly and effectively with the building department. While the municipality cannot change provincial requirements, it should effectively guide individuals through the process and work to facilitate, not impede development.
- Do you believe Chatham needs a new twin-pad arena?
Yes
It is very clear that our recreation infrastructure is aging. Costs to maintain and run our current arenas in Chatham are increasing. In order to best serve the needs of our community now and in the future a twin pad arena should be built. This development requires partnerships with both the provincial and federal governments, as has been the process in number of neighboring communities in our region. Options affecting location, size, and cost need to be fully explored prior to any permanent decision-making.
- Should the municipality cut back on its expenditures for overseas economic development efforts?
Yes
There needs to be continued focus on retention and expansion of local businesses. Targeted overseas economic development efforts when coupled with provincial and federal efforts should be a priority, with one-off overseas municipal initiatives planned only with significant discretion.
- Should municipal councillors ever be forced to go the Freedom of Information route when seeking municipal information?
No
Municipal information is crucial when making decisions. Municipal councillors require a broad array of information to accurately, and responsibly make decisions. As a municipal councillor over the past four years I have never found any resistance to accessing information. No doubt municipal information could be better formatted and stored to make information searching more efficient and effective.
- Should members of the public have more access to municipal information without having to resort to an FOI?
Yes
Any information not considered confidential under the Municipal Act should be easily accessed by community members. Ongoing efforts to make budget information more accessible and easy to read need to be a priority. The way information is stored and communicated needs to be continually updated to ensure effective, efficient information gathering for all those who are looking to become informed on municipal issues. Over the past four years I advocated for improvement of communication, and will continue to do so if re-elected.
