Tim Traut – Meaford Council Candidate
First of all, tell us a little about your background and overall platform in 100 words or less.
I’m a reformed separatist who doesn’t see de-amalgamation viable any more. We need to unify and strengthen our municipality.
I have in a professional capacity sold and serviced medical equipment, supplies and travelled most of the province of Ontario for over 30 years. I have extensive business knowledge and experience in marketing. I pride myself on my ability to communicate. I know how to make decisions and work with different types of people to accomplish goals.
Our local government needs to put an immediate freeze on taxation and hiring. I will lobby to see that money is spent responsibly.
Our local government needs to put an immediate freeze on taxation and hiring.What do you see as the major issue(s) facing business-owners in Grey-Bruce?
I see this has a difficult time for business owners because of the general rising costs for example hydro, gasoline and taxes.
Revenues are down and costs are up. One business owner indicated to me that his business taxes had increased approximately 65% over the last 5 years.
What strategies do you have in mind to stimulate economic growth in the region?
Council needs to encourage all types of business large or small in any way or means they can within a responsible and sustainable budget.
The think-outside-the-box attitude, along with a strong commitment on everyone’s part to be cooperative in all the regions of The Municipality of Meaford.
Not just to throw money at everything but to look every aspect of free social media advertising to outreach outside of the Town of Meaford.
Utilizing more volunteerism in and around the Municipality of Meaford would stimulate a greater feeling of community and create a better atmosphere to start and grow a new business.
I pride myself on my ability to communicate. I know how to make decisions and work with different types of people to accomplish goals.Do you feel economic growth should focus on:
A) Bringing in new business developments, or
B) Encouraging small businesses presently in operations?
Obviously we should focus on both, but like I said before within a responsible and sustainable budget.
Economic growth can only occur in an environment where it can thrive and grow its business without the constraint of local government constantly holding it back.
Do you think local business taxes should be:
A) Increased
B) Decreased
C) Maintained at current levels
As my platform indicates we need to immediately freeze our Municipality of Meaford taxes.
We should open the books and take a look at all aspects of spending with the possibility of reducing our expenses therefore reducing Municipal taxes.
Should there be any changes in the services offered to local businesses?
The Municipality of Meaford government could take a really good look at self-promotion and working with local business to promote the area and businesses within their own Municipality of Meaford.
They could send a positive message by lowering taxes while maintaining current services moving forward.
