Bill Twaddle – Owen Sound Councillor
First of all, tell us a little about your background and overall platform in 100 words or less.
I am an experienced member of council. I have worked in senior management for a large Canadian company and I have also owned my own small business. I believe in the value of a strong, supportive community and that means that local government must work with and be sensitive to the issues that affect all groups, including business. I have always pledged to listen to the community and to make sure I understand all the implications of a decision before casing a vote.
What do you see as the major issue(s) facing business-owners in Grey-Bruce?
Infrastructure is a big issue for local business. Transportation is a challenge for manufacturing, and we must continue to lobby for improved road access.
We also need to support initiatives to improve digital access to world markets. If we can improve high speed internet connections we can attract more of the smaller, entrepreneurial types of business that depend on high speed connection to the world. With that access the lifestyle benefits we enjoy can play a significant role in attracting innovative businesses to our region.
What strategies do you have in mind to stimulate economic growth in the region?
I believe the leadership for economic development must come at the regional level, or at least the county level. I support and encourage stronger regional leadership because new business development anywhere in Grey-Bruce benefits all of Grey-Bruce.
At the same time local municipalities need to have the serviced land, and the planning and zoning rules in place so they can react quickly when opportunities arise.
Continued support for Georgian College expansion is vital, as well. Growth at the college will create more opportunities for youth to stay closer to home and help create the skilled workforce new business will need.
Do you feel economic growth should focus on:
A) Bringing in new business developments, or
B) Encouraging small businesses presently in operations?
These questions are really two sides of the same coin. We cannot encourage new growth if we do not have a strong economic climate to support existing business. If we are losing existing jobs while attracting new ones there is no net gain. If we continue to maintain close communication with local businesses, and make sure we are meeting their needs, then at the same time we will be creating the right climate to attract new economic development opportunities.
We need to encourage new business growth to provide jobs and opportunities for young people. We can only do that if existing business climate is thriving. One of our best economic development tools is word of mouth. If local business believes Grey-Bruce is a good to operate new businesses will be attracted to that optimism.
Do you think local business taxes should be:
1. Increased
2. Decreased
3. Maintained at current levels
Owen Sound has made strides in moving business taxes closer to the county tax ratios and I am committed to continuing in that direction. Businesses have seen significant benefit in recent years.
Should there be any changes in the services offered to local businesses?
Local government and business must maintain regular, open lines of communication to ensure that all are able to anticipate and react to changing needs. We have never been more closely tied to the world economy and that can create great challenges but it can also create tremendous opportunities if we are prepared. That means a close, open relationship between government and business.
