John McGee – The Blue Mountains Council Candidate
First of all, tell us a little about your background and overall platform in 100 words or less.
I am a professional engineer and have lived in the Blue Mountains since 2000. With 25 years experience in business management and four years experience on The Blue Mountain’s Council I believe I have a proven track record in listening to concerns and opinions, evaluating all the available information and making sound decisions on behalf of residents.
During my 4 years on Council from 2006 to 2010 I served on the finance and administration, infrastructure and recreation, and planning committees. I was also on the Collingwood General and Marine hospital board and the affordable housing committee.
What do you see as the major issue(s) facing business-owners in Grey-Bruce?
Access to markets has always been an issue in Grey-Bruce. Today, access must be electronic and to be successful businesses need high speed internet to connect them seamlessly to their customers.
In the Blue Mountains we need an economic development strategy that has resources dedicated it its implementation.What strategies do you have in mind to stimulate economic growth in the region?
In the Blue Mountains we need an economic development strategy that has resources dedicated it its implementation. Updating by-laws, simpler interfaces to municipal government, lower development charges and support for the Community Improvement Plan should be part of the strategy.
Do you feel economic growth should focus on:
A) Bringing in new business developments, or
B) Encouraging small businesses presently in operations?
Retention and expansion of our current businesses needs to be a priority, but we must also work to attract new ventures.
Do you think local business taxes should be:
A) Increased
B) Decreased
C) Maintained at current levels
I think the major impediment to business growth is not the tax structure, although the portion of tax dollars going to the county and education (a total of 60% of the total taxes raised) is difficult for both businesses and ratepayers. Expansion and new ventures requires new commercial space and currently the commercial development charges limit growth.
Should there be any changes in the services offered to local businesses?
Through a process of public engagement, involving the community in the ongoing governing process, we can respond to the changing needs of all our communities.
