Mike Schierz – Hanover Council Candidate
First of all, tell us a little about your background and overall platform in 100 words or less.
I work at Interforest in Durham and have been here the past 25 years. I have gained extensive experience working at this International company. We still have a small production and sales distribution at the plant with 35 employees.
I bring a private sector business prospective to council. I have had first-hand experience watching one of our area’s largest private employers go from 500 employees to 35, (company has 3,000 employees worldwide.)
Of course there was more than one reason for this happening, most out of our control, but we must find ways to entice good employers to Hanover. We must realize that for the most part, the days of large heavy industry jobs will become something from the past.
What do you see as the major issue(s) facing business-owners in Grey-Bruce?
Cost of government services. These costs based on capital, infrastructure and employee cost both now and legacy.
We still need high speed internet throughout the two counties so business can base themselves anywhere convenient to them.
I am a full proponent of less government and have firm believes that the less government regulations and red tape we can have for business while still insisting they are responsible members of our community the better. The more money business can make in our area, the more employees they will hire and capital they will spend for expansion.
We have seen what once was Canada’s furniture town, have only one furniture company left. What strategies do you have in mind to stimulate economic growth in the region?
The only way to stimulate growth is by leaving more money in business and consumer’s pockets. Local government must prepare the atmosphere for this to happen by providing good roads and other infrastructure. This does need tax revenue but no business will question local taxes if they see a well-run town with good roads, etc. so they can move their goods in an efficient manner.
Do you feel economic growth should focus on:
A) Bringing in new business developments, or
B) Encouraging small businesses presently in operations?
I don’t want to not take a stand one way or the other but you honestly need both. If there comes a point where Hanover will become land locked…which could be a possibility, then maintaining and supporting the business in town is a given, but we always must be looking out for new, modern business.
We have seen what once was Canada’s furniture town, have only one furniture company left. Innovation is the key to survival in business, and if the town residents such as myself want to keep their property taxes at least maintained then we need more people paying into the pot. New business is a double bonus since both they and their employees pay.
Do you think local business taxes should be:
A) Increased
B) Decreased
C) Maintained at current levels
Nobody needs an increase in any expenses. It is really economy of scale in the end, the more people we have paying taxes while keeping spending the same, means less taxes for everyone.
If we can get more new business into Hanover, while keeping spending stable…would mean more money in the town coffers and then the decision needs to be made, do we spend more on infrastructure and services or do we lower taxes…this is when the council you elect will make a difference, this is a decision they will make on your behalf…so be careful who you elect.
Should there be any changes in the services offered to local businesses?
There are business organizations in Hanover such as the Chamber of Commerce or the Saugeen Business Development Corp who I am sure regularly poll their members on their needs and wants. I am a pay-as-you-go kind of person. If more services are wanted or needed I am fine with all of that, as long as the means to pay are planned at the same time.
