Monday, October 27, citizens across Ontario elected their municipal officials for 2014-2018.
The Grey Bruce Business Journal asked the people elected in Owen Sound,
‘What issues do you think the council will be addressing before Spring, 2015?’
We are awaiting responses from Councillor Peter Lemon.
Mayor-elect Ian Boddy
- -Review strategic plan;
- -A core service analysis to review of costs and services;
- -Review committee structure;
- -Start long term financial plan to forcast for the next 5 and 10 years; and
- -Identify all major issues to be faced over the next four years.
- Mayor-elect Ian Boddy
Deputy Mayor Arlene Wright
‘The main issues I see is the budget. If we do not increase revenue, where do we cut services or do we just raise taxes. We have to think outside the box and be creative. We should be meeting with our neighbours to discuss joint services as all of us need to find ways to be sustainable. We need to put the necessary resources into economic development or join the County’s Economic Development Committee.’ Deputy Mayor Arlene Wright
Councillor-elect Travis Dodd
‘Over the next few months Council will be looking over the budget so that will be an intricate part to which issues will rise. I think snow removal is going to be an issue, especially considering the winter we had last year.’ Councillor-elect Travis Dodd
Councillor-elect Scott Greig
‘As a new council I believe that we will be reaching out immediately once again with the members of neighbouring municipalities. We can learn of their most pressing challenges, any opportunities existing between councils to share costs and how to develop that into future budgets. At this time I believe will also be the opportunity to create agreement regarding the current user fee structure.
The new council will be working on the new strategic plan early in 2015. Alongside this will come a renewed focus on the long term spending obligations currently for the city and a renewed focus on the current spending capabilities. Creating jobs, building our assessment and successfully growing our community, I am sure will always be front of mind as the new council works with the new mayor in 2015 and beyond.’ Councillor-elect Scott Greig
Councillor-elect Marion Koepke
‘The first thing Council will need to do is get the team together and set priorities. We have all heard the concerns of the citizens of Owen Sound during our campaign and it is important to set priorities as not all issues can be dealt with at one time. The most common themed issues will surface and, I would hope, those will be tackled in the beginning. One of the first orders of business will be setting a budget that will keep Owen Sound sustainable for the upcoming year as we work through the priorities that have been set. In my mind, building our economic base and talking with our neighbours would be a priority. Our neighbours come to Owen Sound to work, for services, and enjoy the culture and recreation we offer, and hopefully there are efficiencies that could be gained with the County and surrounding municipalities making each of us more fiscally responsible.’ Councillor-elect Marion Koepke
Councillor Jim McManaman
‘The major issues will be the new Council orientation, Strategic Planning and the 2015 budget. We also have a new Development Charges bylaw to pass and that will be an interesting discussion for the new Council. . ‘ Councillor Jim McManaman
Councillor-elect Brian O’Leary
‘At this point, I’m not certain on the issues that we will be facing. However, I do know that focusing on building a strong team is key in developing a good working relationship among the new council.’ Councillor-elect Brian O’Leary
Councillor-elect Richard Thomas
‘In the short term, community engagement and building better relationships with our neighbouring municipalities should be key areas of focus for the new council. In addition, I believe council should conduct a core services review, to be sure we are spending the taxpayers money on the right things. And of course the 2015 budget will be front and centre. I strongly believe the new council has to find creative ways to address economic issues in Owen Sound through the development of a strong strategic plan, which targets specific strengths in our community as areas for future development. The inner harbour, tourism, entrepreneurship and seniors services are examples of areas I believe we should focus our efforts to create new economic possibilities. In the long term, I’d like to see a return to long-term capital planning, so the City is not constantly reacting to issues; a capital plan helps to reduce financial surprises.’ Councillor-elect Richard Thomas
We also asked, ‘What do you see is the major difference between this new council and the last?’
