1. I am seeking the role of Councillor in Whitewater Region with one simple goal in mind. I want to offer my time, energy and resources to help improve the quality of life for residents of the municipality. I want to contribute my knowledge and experience in small business, large privately owned and operated Canadian business, and in a multinational publicly traded corporation.
2. A Councillor generally represents the views and opinions of the constituents and deals with issues that come before council. They should have a broad understanding of the issues and bring simple and innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for the residents. They are accountable to the public to ensure resources are maximized with utmost efficiency, and programs and services delivered productively.
3. Community contribution is an important pillar in my life. My involvement locally includes volunteering for non-profit groups such as Civitan, the Orange Lodge and school events. I have also been deeply involved in sports, playing, organizing, officiating and coaching for over 40 years. These programs include competitive and non-competitive hockey, fast-ball, and fitness training.
4. An effective council needs good listeners, effective communicators and strong leaders with common sense. I want to demonstrate these qualities to Whitewater taxpayers, along with having good business logic, during the next term of council. I believe my “family first” approach will serve Whitewater constituents with great respect.
5 IMPROVED PLANNING
• Develop short and long term prioritized strategies
• Detailed business plans for one, five, and ten year increments for roads, water/sewer, municipal property
• Ensure all decisions benefit the long range plan vs “crisis management”
ENHANCED RELATIONS WITH GOVERNMENT
• Cultivate closer relationships on Regional, Provincial and Federal levels
• Better awareness of grants and programs for infrastructure
• Preplan for background work, studies and surveys required for successful application of funding
NEED FOR GROWTH
• Increase the tax base!
• Promote growth through new homes, small businesses and industry
• Entice prospective residential and business taxpayers to the region
JOB CREATION – Our youth need opportunities to work and live in this municipality!
• New housing will enhance local business
• Development will give existing businesses opportunity to expand, and will attract new ventures
• Partner with local employers, youth and government programs
TOURISM
• Better capitalize on approx. 1 million visitors/yr
• 4 season destination would be enhanced with more focus given to areas such as:
o Expanding trails for hiking, biking, walking and cross country skiing
o Support communities to expand with a focus on arts and crafts, food, and sports and recreation outfitters
RECREATION
• Build on generous activities the region currently offers such as:
o New summer recreation programs
o Outdoor arenas
o Better use of beaches and boat launches
o Year-round use of indoor arenas
AGRICULTURE
• Increase support to ensure farmers have opportunities to gain experience, own and operate these vital businesses
• Fiercely defend against Provincial and Federal government cuts to programs, funding or education
6. The formation of a Whitewater Chamber of Commerce would be a good start to ensure local businesses band together to promote themselves and have a united voice when approaching council. A unified group would be better able to plan activities, sponsor events, and demonstrate why this region with its abundance of natural beauty, resources, outdoor recreation and small businesses in one of the best destinations in the world to live, work, play and vacation in.
7. While it may be true grants that once helped with certain infrastructure are no longer accessible, it is completely false to believe there is no money available. You need only to travel to other regions like Pembroke, Renfrew, Arnprior or even Ottawa and Toronto to witness the tax money being spent. Many regions do a very good job at developing relationships with higher governments designed to ensure they are aware of programs and grants that may be offered in the short and long term.
8. It is imperative that our municipality develops a detailed strategy plan for one, five and ten year increments. These plans would carry the vision of council for growth and development and incorporate priorities for waste, traffic, water/sewer, recreation and tourism and the needs of agriculture. All decisions would need to fit with the long term strategy plan for the region.
10. Farming is the backbone of our community. Over 33% of the agriculture sales in Renfrew County comes directly from Whitewater. The region has a strong history of agriculture with generations of families who have continued to evolve the local agri-business with dedication and innovation. We need to increase our support to this industry to ensure farmers have the opportunity learn, gain experience and own and operate these vital businesses. We must fiercely defend our farmers when Provincial and Federal governments even hint at cutting programs, funding or education.
14. The issue with Muskrat Lake is much bigger than just Whitewater Region. The Provincial Government must be held accountable for poor decisions made over the last few decades that are now so badly affecting one of the regions’ biggest natural assets. The next council must aggressively pursue provincial authorities to act swiftly and stop the contamination immediately.
17. Before any service is given up, we need to clearly understand the reasons for the rumoured increases. If the rumours turn out to be accurate then alternative solutions need to be examined. These may include sharing services with other regions or perhaps provinces, formation of local policing with other municipalities or cutting back on current police program and increase responsibilities of by-law officers.
18. Most water/sewer bills in Whitewater district have increased over 50% in the last four years. This is not acceptable and certainly isn’t sustainable. We need growth to increase the tax base in the region to share the burden of these high costs. The region would benefit in the form of taxes collected, businesses would have more customers, and developers would pay the cost of necessary infrastructure.
19. I have a great appreciation of what Whitewater Region offers as I have lived here my entire life. I have many ideas that I trust will benefit the region. Ultimately I wish to play and work with, meet and represent you!
What may appear as an issue is typically a great opportunity to improve.
For more information or to contact me please go to Voteolmy.com. I would love to hear from you.
