Marion Koepke
Tell us a little about your background and overall platform.
I have a sincere desire to serve my community as I have since moving here in 1967 when I married my husband Gord. I began working for the City in 1984 moving into the role of Deputy Clerk in 1988 and Clerk in 2007 retiring in 2010.
This City needs to build a team of Council that can work together for the betterment of our taxpayers. I strongly feel that we should recognize Owen Sound for the “size” it is and that focus needs to be placed on our “better qualities” making this the place “where you want to live”.
What do you see as the major issue(s) facing business-owners in Grey-Bruce?
Business owners in Grey Bruce need to recognize that Owen Sound, being the largest urban centre in the counties, can offer services that would enhance a region they can be proud of. Co-joined or shared services by municipalities needs to be investigated to lessen the burden on the taxpayer in general.
What strategies do you have in mind to stimulate economic growth in the region?
I feel Owen Sound needs to recognize its “size” and focus on our “better qualities” making this the place we want to live. We need to look at what we can offer our neighbouring municipalities and what they can offer us.
Do you feel economic growth should focus on bringing in new business developments, or encouraging small businesses presently in operations?
I definitely feel that small business should be encouraged to continue as this appears to be the stabling factor in our industry base at this time.
Economic growth and business development should focus on bringing smaller manufacturing type businesses and technology based or technically remote businesses to Owen Sound. We are a perfect location for marketing firms which employ a large number of individuals and we once again need to get this type of business back in Owen Sound.
I definitely feel that small business should be encouraged to continue as this appears to be the stabling factor in our industry base at this time. With transportation costs what they are it is not likely we will attract many larger industries, at least not until there are some economic growth grants available in Ontario once again.
Do you think local business taxes are should be increased, decreased or maintained at current levels?
My focus would be to maintaining business taxes at the current level or, if at all possible, decreasing them so that new businesses could be encouraged to open.
Should there be any changes in the services offered to local businesses?
If there were some suggestions on other services that should be offered to local business I am willing to listen.
