First of all, tell us a little about your background and overall platform in 100 words or less.
The leadership skills I practiced in my professional life as the senior executive for a cancer research foundation were strengthened during the past 15 years of my volunteer commitment to municipal and community development projects. That and my current role on council prepared me well for the position of mayor.
Three pillars of my platform:
1) Financial sustainability: insisting on the most value for tax dollars; providing the right service for the right price with the right people; stabilizing property taxes
2) Economic development: encourage responsible residential development which will attract more business, inspire more jobs; I am a champion of high speed internet connectivity; I will focus on responsible road maintenance and rehabilitation on a most value for the money model
3) Community engagement.: utilizing local skills and expertise in finding solutions to community issues, effective communication strategies to provide transparency, inclusivity and accountability
High speed internet connectivity is essential to provide opportunities for existing as well as new businesses.
What do you see as the major issue(s) facing business-owners in Grey-Bruce?
1) Encouraging shoppers to “choose local”. Our local businesses give back to the community through sponsorship of events and programs and through superior customer service. We must return the loyalty by approaching their businesses first, year round, to combat the “seasonality” factor.
2) Consistent hours of operation which is often difficult with limited staff.
3) Hiring and retaining qualified staff
What strategies do you have in mind to stimulate economic growth in the region?
I will strongly encourage varied residential growth which will attract new businesses. Attention paid to sustain and grow existing businesses will pay dividends in the future. High speed internet connectivity is essential to provide opportunities for existing as well as new businesses. Implementing the economic development strategies including tourism and agribusiness initiatives are important activities.
Do you feel economic growth should focus on:
A) Bringing in new business developments, or
B) Encouraging small businesses presently in operations?
It is always easier and more effective to concentrate on retaining and building the businesses we have at hand. But no opportunity should be overlooked to welcome new business.
Do you think local business taxes should be:
A) Increased
B) Decreased
C) Maintained at current levels
Maintained at current levels until we are able to broaden and diversify the tax revenue base, the business tax rate will have to be maintained.
Should there be any changes in the services offered to local businesses?
Local business and business associations must play a key role in determining if there should be changes to existing services and those changes if any must be based upon cost effectiveness.
