Mayoral candidate Ian McLarty

Would you support a tax freeze or rollback if it meant reduced staff or services?

No. There is enough waste and discretionary spending that the need to reduce services is not necessary.

Would you support an OPP costing study?

Yes. This is something that is absolutely necessary in order to determine if we are paying what we should. All alternatives should be examined and explored before making a decision.

Would you support examining a volunteer-only fire service if the provincial arbitration system isn’t overhauled?

I think any options should be explored. This might not be viable or prudent, but looking at it in order to determine the facts is always something that we can do to determine if we are operating in the most efficient and cost saving manner.

Do you believe we should continue our ongoing efforts to attract economic investment from China?

No. Having personal experience, I think we need to look nearer to home. If foreign companies are truly looking to relocate, we should entertain them here.

Would you support contracting municipal services to the private sector if those services can be delivered more efficiently?

Yes, it would also have to include substantial savings for the same level of service.

Would you support investigating amalgamation of fire/ambulance/police services to reduce costs?

Yes, this is something that can be done immediately.

Would you support a municipal tree-cutting bylaw if it contained incentives for woodlot owners to retain/increase tree cover?

Not as easy as the question sounds. While I support a tree-cutting plan, I also realize that we are an agricultural based community. With a world food shortage, viable farmland is more important for this area. Remember farm crops are green as well.

Do you believe we need a municipal ombudsman or ethics commissioners such as London and Windsor have added?

Yes. If things improve we can revisit the idea but as the situation is presently, an ombudsman or integrity commissioner is absolutely vital to this community. We need this in order to rebuild trust in our officials and administration.

Would you consider developing a usage benchmark for municipal offices, arena and libraries and closing those that don’t meet the standards?

No. These are vital institutions to their communities and closures would be a last ditch option only after every other avenue has been explored and exhausted.

Do you support development of a community-wide multipurpose recreation centre?

Absolutely.

Do you support an adopt-a-park program in which service or volunteer groups assume some maintenance (grass cutting) of some municipal facilities?

Yes.

Do you support investigating a reduction in the number of municipal councilors?

Yes, this is the first thing I mention in my campaign platform.

***

I am a 55-year-old father of three.

I played hockey in Dresden, football and rugby in Chatham. Through rugby, I was fortunate enough to travel the world playing, meeting great friends and people throughout. I am a pilot and rescue diver.

As the past chairman of Branch 628 Legion Remembrance Day committee, I had the honor of being part of an exceptionally talented team that brought Remembrance Day ceremonies back to the cenotaph in Chatham.

I participated in several projects around the world helping poor children and orphans in Asia and the Philippines, funding these direct actions myself without assistance or donations. A dollar goes far in the jungle. A greater joy is seeing how these actions can make such a profound, positive difference in someone’s life. Experiencing different cultures and religions is enlightening and educational.

I’m a member of our community neighborhood watch program, assisting several neighbors all hours of the day and night when called upon to do so.

I’m a board member of the V.O.N. which provides vital health care services to all members of our community.

These aren’t limited to home care but also include counseling and support services for all age groups, ranging from senior health and activity programs to kids circle, a vital program providing support and counseling for children who have suffered a traumatic event. While not well advertised, this program is wildly successful and has a waiting list of children that need these services.

I’m a Marine Engineer, Stationary Engineer, Industrial Millwright, with related certificates Officer, chemical Tanker and Engineering officer in charge of a watch. I have training in Marine Emergency duties which includes firefighting and emergency crisis response.

These skills are easily utilized on shore. I have sailed the Great Lakes, North Atlantic, Arctic Ocean, Mediterranean & Red Seas, and the Gulf of Eilat in the Middle East with both private shipping firms and the Canadian Coast Guard.

In Canada, I have been part of several business ventures across the country, including several projects for the municipality. I have lived in Asia and the Middle East. In addition to being the only rural candidate, I am the only candidate with overseas international business experience using my own money. My knowledge, experience, and varied background make me the most qualified candidate for mayor.