1. I believe it is time for huge change on council and its leadership. This election is about providing our ratepayers with options to make that change. I have always been passionate about politics in particular municipal which involves our day to day living. Since the last election I have attended approximately 75 per cent of the council meetings and this has increased my belief in the need for change. When I see decisions to turn paved roads to gravel and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on consultants I have a need to be involved. For me I feel it is time to stop talking and start doing something to create positive change. It has been 14 years since amalgamation and it is time to have a council that represents the region as a whole. I feel I would be a great choice for the voice of that new council.
2. The mayor is the head of council who presides over meetings (according to Roberts rule) provides leadership and represents the Township at official functions. The Mayor along with all council members are duty bound to work for the people with honesty and integrity.
3. As we have been establishing our business my community Involvement has been a behind the scenes approach. Providing support financially, donating potatoes and time preparing them to The Cobden and District Civitan Golf Tournament, The Legion Tournament, Cobden Fair, various Community Church Suppers, the Orange hall in Foresters Falls, the Fly in breakfast at the Cobden Airport and Cobden school fun fair.
4. Time- I believe I am at a place in my life where I can devote time and energy toward council matters.
Passion- for our community for its growth and prosperity. As a father and grandfather I want to see positive changes where our council truly is the voice of the people.
Business experience- Owning and operating a business for 9 years
Training- in grievance procedures, employee relations and negotiations
Researcher- as a director on the Renfrew county landowners I have gained knowledge and understanding of individual property owner rights
5. Growth and Development – since the 2010 election our voters list has only increased by 94 people (as per the voters list in 2010 6,184 eligible voters and in 2014 6,278 eligible voters) this is unacceptable! It is time to increase our tax base not our taxes! This will put our local tradespeople to work and support local businesses. Increase in population will fill our schools again and increase usage of our recreation facilities and our churches.
Responsible Spending- should begin by eliminating huge tax dollars being spent on unnecessary consultants fees and with only purchasing equipment which is vital to the running of our township.
6. We need to be open for business, an influx of new residents is essential to keep our township alive and prosperous for our children and grandchildren who wish to live in this wonderful township.
7. It is time our council became more aggressive in seeking funding directly from Queen’s Park. The rural parts of Ontario matter too and we need a council who will remind them of that. As the four lane highway reaches us we need to be prepared for the future.
8. Wouldn’t it be great that in a farming community that this was implemented and it goes without saying a necessary part of the development of our community.
9. Of course, I’m not a farmer and don’t pretend to be, if I’m going to base an opinion on something I am going to ask the experts and it likely won’t cost us an arm and a leg for their opinion.
10.Farmers feed us and with all the regulations being imposed upon them, they need our co-operation and help to make it a viable business to continue to operate.
11. What amalgamation? After 14 years it shouldn’t even be a question we are not and will never be a separate entity again. So let’s start making choices based on financially sound decisions.
12. The same way I’d feel about taking my plumbing out of my house and return to using an outhouse. Let’s move forward not backward.
13. I have to assume that past councils and the employees that work for them have done their due diligence and investigated that very issue. With that assumption in mind we still have all 5 so the need must be there.
14. Absolutely!! We need to hold those that made the mess accountable for the clean up. Muskrat Lake is one of our many attractions in this beautiful township and we have a responsibility to the landowners around the lake and the public as a whole to rejuvenate and maintain a healthy lake environment.
15. We can’t stop people from making irresponsible decisions, we can however educate and communicate the importance these lakes have on our region. The Muskrat Lake situation was created by government bureaucracy and it is our duty to stand up to decisions like that so they don’t happen again.
16. Although I don’t feel it is the council’s responsibility to create adventure recreation we also shouldn’t put up unnecessary road blocks which will prevent it. Our region already offers a vast amount of this with the Ottawa River & snowmobile trails etc. our role would be to support new ideas to promote the tourism in this area.
17. Eliminate unnecessary spending on Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) and return to qualified employees with a water ticket who can manage the operations of our water and sewer. The sensible way we handled things a few years ago by using the skills of the people we had.
18. We should continue with past practice of our employees doing repairs without the unnecessary cost of again paying OCWA. The cost of paying this firm greatly outweighs the cost of a qualified employee.
19. I am extremely passionate and concerned about the future of Whitewater region. I feel we are rapidly being swallowed up by the county. Hired employees who unlike council are not elected by the people. It is time to take back control of our own affairs. We are the people of this region and we the people should make decisions that affect our lives and those of our children and grandchildren. My vision is to put words into action and to work for you. It is not about collecting a pay check but about making solid sound decisions for the prosperity of Whitewater region.
