Having worked and volunteered in all three sectors (business, government and non-profit) of the community, and developed numerous collaborative partnerships and community building initiatives, I believe that I bring a unique perspective to municipal cCouncil – one that will endeavor to ensure that the voices of local citizens throughout Chatham-Kent are heard when key decisions are made that affect them.
For more information about my background and experiences, please check out noONEleftBEHIND.ca.
- 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 … and there should be a detailed procedure or contingency plan to allow administration and Municipal Council to act quickly in emergency situations – particularly if a damaged culvert or bridge is restricting traffic flow for members of our community – including members of our agricultural community who need to get from field to elevators and other destinations for expeditious export. A risk management plan should identify potential emergency situations and proposed action steps to be undertaken.
- Would you support a tax freeze or rollback if it meant reduced staff and/or services?
Yes … but it would depend on the services earmarked for reduction. With the exception of essential services (police, fire, EMS), I believe there are always options to be considered – particularly when some services could be provided by the private or nonprofit sector.
- Would you support shifting some services to the private sector if those services could be done more efficiently that way?
Yes … privatization of services can be effective in specific situations. I would also explore the notion of shifting services to the nonprofit sector if such services could be delivered as well or more efficiently than government.
- Do you believe we need a municipal ombudsman or ethics commissioner?
No … a confidential citizen review committee could be established to develop criteria and provide oversight. Civic engagement is lacking in our community and efforts need to be made to acknowledge the skills of grassroots leaders – those individuals who are neither Municipal Councillors nor paid Municipal Staff.
- Do you support investigating a reduction in the number of council members?
Yes … I believe that our Municipal Council could function well with eleven members plus a Mayor if the ward boundaries were changed and if the structure ensured that the Chatham bias was eliminated. I have also heard – many times … “I wish I could vote for you but I’m not in your Ward”. I suspect that other candidates have heard the same. If it was possible to develop a structure that provided for specific candidate expertise from around the Municipality, I believe the majority of constituents would welcome that. A Municipal Council with well-rounded expertise in a number of subject areas – economic, social services, the environment, health, arts and culture, etc. – would serve our community well.
- Should the municipality try to land an Ontario Cannabis Store as soon as possible?
No … I do not believe that sufficient consultation has been held with service providers, employers or police services to ensure a satisfactory social safety net and adequate level of services is in place to address the challenges to be faced by those recreational users who may become addicted to this substance. I am confident that the research will demonstrate that cannabis – in specific formulations – is of benefit to those suffering from medical issues … but I would like to explore research from other communities who have moved forward on this issue – including the impacts of cannabis in the workplace as well as the impact on conversion of local agricultural land. I would prefer a “wait and see” approach on the non-medical side of the issue.
- Should council be more proactive in terms of working with landowners with contaminated wells?
Yes … I think that it is appalling in this day that our residents in the north are being challenged with this situation. And, we need a third party, arms-length research study to confirm or deny the effect of wind turbines on the water wells.
- Some critics say the municipal building department is an impediment to development in C-K. Do you agree?
No … but I am supportive of any change in current procedures that would reduce unnecessary legislative barriers to small business growth and retention. These businesses hire individuals and pay taxes … and unnecessary restrictions to progress should be reduced and/or eliminated.
- Do you believe Chatham needs a new twin-pad arena?
Yes … but only if financial support can be secured from the Federal and Provincial governments. With our current population base, it would be impossible to raise sufficient funds to pay for such a facility on our own. I would prefer to see a multi-purpose, recreational and sports complex – including a twin pad arena as well as other recreational opportunities (a library, soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, dance studios). Families need healthy activities to pursue when they are not working. As for the proposed location, I would prefer to see such a complex located adjacent to – and visible from – the 401.
Should funding from upper levels of government not be accessible/available in a timely manner, then Municipal Council must develop a strategy and funding model to upgrade Memorial Arena, similar to what is being done at the Wallaceburg Arena. In the absence of government funding, the Municipality should look at the Sarnia Arena to see what can be done to update an old barn and give it a new life and more functionality.
- Should the municipality cut back on its expenditures for overseas economic development efforts?
Yes … but I believe a specific percentage of the economic development budget should be earmarked for travel abroad in order to showcase Chatham-Kent as a future destination for new business.
- Should municipal councillors ever be forced to go the Freedom of Information route when seeking municipal information?
No – as a member of the elected governing body, I believe that no matters should be withheld from Municipal Councillors.
- Should members of the public have more access to municipal information without having to resort to an FOI?
Yes – I believe all documentation – with the exception of reports from in camera meetings – should be made available to eligible constituents. Should such requests for information exceed an agreed-upon maximum, a fee should be charged for provision of copies and time devoted to compilation of such documentation or meetings with Municipal Staff. Transparency is one way for local citizens to build trust with elected officials and those serving in administration.
