Married to Laurie Moskalyk, I have made Chatham Kent my home since 2010. As I watch my daughter Lauren, my son Brandon along with his wife Annalyssa and granddaughter, Kiera grow and thrive, it is important for me to provide a leadership role in our community, making Chatham Kent the best place to live, work and play.
My leadership skills and success in the business world will be key in continuing to move the municipality forward. We require a voice that promises fiscal responsibility and a commitment to enhance both work and play here in C-K.
My previous municipal council experience, as well as my history of community volunteerism, local leadership and a strong business acumen will be invaluable to the residents of Ward 6 as I represent the Chatham-Kent on our newly elected council.
- 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. Increase in funding yes, increase in taxes, no. I support long term planning when it comes to all community infrastructure. Utilizing ministry programs and other opportunities, when they are available, should result in less of a need to increase taxes. Ultimately, we must be proactive to avoid emergency closures. Council will need to reallocate tax dollars and establish infrastructure as a priority.
- Would you support a tax freeze or rollback if it meant reduced staff and/or services?
No. I believe it is imperative to live within our means both as individuals and as a municipality. At times this may mean to rethink how we efficiently spend our tax dollars. Reduced services is not my answer to saving money.
- Would you support shifting some services to the private sector if those services could be done more efficiently that way?
No. Even as a strong supporter of the private sector, I believe we must always be very cautious of equating efficiency with effectiveness. The local impact must be considered when we outsource services. There is a risk of losing ownership and decision making when we go private.
- Do you believe we need a municipal ombudsman or ethics commissioner?
No. The Ontario Municipal Act has measures and mechanisms in place to ensure ethical practices of all elected officials are dealt with across the province in our 444 municipalities.
- Do you support investigating a reduction in the number of council members?
Yes. We require a comprehensive task force to look at how each councilor can better represent the entire municipality. Ward restructuring will be an important piece of the success of Chatham Kent.
- Should the municipality try to land an Ontario Cannabis Store as soon as possible?
Yes. I feel it is better to be proactive and to work with senior government to insure proper implementation of such an endeavor. Establishing ourselves on the ground floor, providing knowledge and information to all, as well as creating employment opportunities are keys.
- Should council be more proactive in terms of working with landowners with contaminated wells?
Yes. Council must be leaders in assisting all residents when it comes to matters of safety such as drinking water. Ultimately, working with all levels of government as well as the private sector to ensure clear, concise communication and data as we move forward. We need to ensure we are comparing apples to apples.
- Some critics say the municipal building department is an impediment to development in C-K. Do you agree?
Yes. I have met with this on many doorsteps. It may not be the actual Municipal Building Department itself but onerous bylaws and processes that clearly frustrate residents. All departments should be proactive in providing insights and suggestions to expediate development in Chatham Kent. Our new Council must break down and streamline the process of doing business in CK.
- Do you believe Chatham needs a new twin-pad arena?
Yes. This will require that we all collaborate and work together. Access all levels of both provincial and federal governments, secure partnerships with major companies and with local industry. Engage service groups to provide a multi-faceted facility that can be enjoyed by those of all ages. A twin pad arena, splash pad, jogging/walking trails and picnic area would be created that all families could enjoy.
- Should the municipality cut back on its expenditures for overseas economic development efforts?
Yes. The future of Chatham Kent is with small business. Let’s focus on business opportunities here in Ontario. By focusing on a creating a municipality that is family friendly where it is enjoyable to live, work and play, such that business opportunities will find us. It would seem that previous travels abroad have not really been successful in delivering the intended growth.
- Should municipal councillors ever be forced to go the Freedom of Information route when seeking municipal information?
Yes. Councillors should be treated the same as all taxpayers. We should respect the process and not micromanage the municipalities administrative procedures.
- Should members of the public have more access to municipal information without having to resort to an FOI?
No. Respect for the FOI process is important. The Freedom of Information Act has been established to safeguard the privacy and access to records and personal information.
