1. What is the most important issue facing the City, and how would you propose to deal with it?
This is probably one of the most difficult questions that I have been asked. We hear and see so much of our social issues, the need for better public transit, the revitalization of the downtown core, amalgamation, crime, and others. Most of these issues are long-term projects and not easily resolved, however during my door-to-door campaign I believe that we need to focus on achievable goals such as the following;
Keeping taxes low 鈥� detailed review during the budget process to ensure resident and community priorities are met, ensure that there is maximum and efficient use of our tax dollars, and explore the most effective use of the casino revenue stream. To be clear, I would not support the reduction of the services we currently provide.
Public Safety 鈥� areas such as the downtown core and Nicomekl Trail network must be safe, accessible and inviting for all of our residents, all of the time. By engaging with various user groups I believe that we can implement strategies to make this happen.
Brydon Lagoon and other environmental areas 鈥� we need to protect and enhance these valuable ecosystems for us, as well as future generations. I have seen far too many critically important environmental features lost for the gain of others. I believe that we owe it to our community to embrace and enhance such areas in a fiscally responsible and thoughtful manner which would include appropriate partnerships. These partnerships would include potential cost sharing and senior government grant possibilities.
2. What is the best way to deal with the crime issues in the City?
I believe that the City has the capacity to explore a few options (such as enact bylaws) that could make it difficult for individuals with criminal intentions. I also believe that we have many valuable groups of residents who are interested in improving our community/neighbourhoods, and we need to engage these members to find solutions together. We should research other jurisdictions to determine measures taken and review their successes and see if they are transferrable. I truly wish I had the answers but what I do have is the desire and energy to roll up my sleeves and work in the best interests of our community.
3. Should the city apply most if not all of its annual take from the casino to upgrading its aging infrastructure, such as water and sewer lines?
While I would like to say yes as our infrastructure will require attention in the foreseeable future, we must take a practical and planned approach. It is difficult to predict how and when re-development will occur, so members of council need to be mindful of the long-term big picture when deciding to conduct such upgrades. As an example, there have been many instances where I have seen a freshly paved road dug up to service a new development of some kind or to upgrade/install an underground facility be it water, sewer or for that matter a utility of another agency (i.e. gas, telephone, hydro, etc.). All these factors must be taken into account or at least those questions need to be asked by our elected officials, at least that is what I would do.
4. Do you support term limits for members of council?
This is an interesting question and while I can appreciate the concept I believe that elections are the public's (voters') way of setting those limits. Elections are democracy in action. If the voters are unhappy or if a member of council has been in office too long, the voters can make that statement loud and clear. Serving as a member of council is an honour and a privilege that should never be viewed as a right or expectation.
