ELECTIONS 2010: Councillor candidates voice their views on municipal issues

With a wide slate of candidates, the issues and priorities seem as diverse as the Minto council candidates themselves.

Taxation

“Because of my investment in the community, I’d like a say in where and when my tax dollars are spent, said Glenn Bell. “I’ve set out on a mission to change the way are tax dollars are used.”

He wants to see accountability for all spending and a reduction to Minto’s debt load.

Incumbent councillor Wayne Martin agreed Minto will be facing some very difficult budgets in the next term.

He said the town sits with $5.3-million in reserves, and external debt of $8.7-million.

Mary-Lou Colwell said, “As a taxpayer and a concerned citizen, I think the financial stability of our town is of utmost importance.”

A large part of that is understanding the financial statements, and that, she said is her background and experience.

“Hopefully I will be able to ask the right questions to assist in the decision making.”

Incumbent councillor Dave Turton sees partnerships be–tween Minto and upper government levels allowing the municipality to complete a number of important capital projects.

“Paying down this debt will be one of the challenges facing the new council in Minto.”

These projects came at a cost to the taxpayers, Turton said, “But some of our crumbling infrastructure had to be rebuilt.”

Turton said for every tax dollar taken in by the town, 16% goes to education, 47% goes to the county, leaving 37% left in Minto. Out of what remains in Minto, he said, 77% is spent in three main areas: roads and drainage, fire protection, and parks and recreation.

It leaves 23% for administration, support, cemeteries, economic development, building and zoning, and councillor expenses.

He added council expense represents only 2% of the above 23%.

Incumbent councillor Rick Hembly believes the infrastructure in Minto is now in great shape and that will give the new council a chance to hold the line on taxes and user fees.

Candidate Ron Elliott said council has a fiscal responsibility to ensure every tax dollar is spent wisely and that every taxpayer is informed of the allocations.

Economic development

Bell believes the municipality should encourage investment in Minto.

“We have to stop discouraging growth by adjusting development fees.”

“Encouraging growth will bring more tax dollars which can be used to offset the development costs,” Bell said.

Martin added “We need to control our spending, measure the return on our investments, and assist our businesses in moving forward in a more efficient and timely manner.”

Martin explained the revenue side for the municipality is largely the taxpayer. “The effort of economic development in Minto has been to bring new sources of revenue into town.”

Hembly wants to see an increased residential population in Minto to sustain new business and industry, as well as existing businesses and industry. He also wants to take another look at development charges and give investors a break, “So we can benefit down the road. I think if we can get things going today, we will benefit down the road.”

Elliott’s vision of Minto is one of growth and prosperity.

“We need to capitalize on all our small town strengths to draw new residents to our thriving community.”

He added the town’s economic development strategy should be focussed locally and provincially, that “We are open for business.”

Elliott said further commercial and industrial development will not only alleviate the tax burden, but create new job opportunities and stimulate housing development.

Candidate Ron Faulkner said, “I want to see Minto be the place of choice for people to live, and to be affordable for their children.”

He believed that to ensure sustainability, cottage industries and small businesses are key. He also believes in the need for a strategic plan to include short and long term goals for Minto’s future.

Candidate John Brown added it is not just about bringing dollars into town.

“We need to spend more of our hard-earned dollars on local businesses – or they will cease to exist.”

Parks and Recreation

Bell agreed that it takes a lot of money to operate community facilities.

However “I do not believe in putting the burden of paying for the arenas, ball diamonds, and community halls – [they] should solely be on the people who use them.”

He agreed users should pay a fee, but he sees user fees getting out the reach of organizations and families.

Hembly would like to see continued support of recreation facilities for young and old.

Faulkner, too, advocated providing opportunities for young people, while at the same time ensuring those opportunities are affordable.

Fresh voice

Dana Williams believes he can provide the voice of a younger generation facing the challenges of raising a young family.

Brown sees this as a great opportunity to serve his community and that this is the next logical step in fulfilling his civic responsibilities.

As a result of meeting local residents, he sees they have many questions and concerns.

Building bonds

Williams suggested holding major community events throughout the town will help build the bonds, foster growth, and attract tourist to Minto.

Faulkner, too, sees the need for the revitalization of community spirit.

Administration

Williams also wants to see municipal resources – human, capital, and financial – are allocated strategically.

He wants to see a stop to inappropriate spending.

Martin has high expectations with the reorganization of town administration and support services to provide a healthy workplace.

Turton added “We have a great staff working for Minto. They are extremely conscientious, hard working group.”

Elliott said, “We need to rely on the essential work of the town office staff, and we should be committed to attracting and retaining the very best employees to provide stability to the services and to our taxpayers,

Volunteer contingent

Martin said with his 10 years of municipal experience, he continues to enjoy working with Minto’s volunteers.

“Where would this town be without them.”

Leadership

Martin said “It is time for the Good Ship Minto to have a captain.”

“It is my hope that common sense will be the foundation of the new council’s decision making process.”

He said that during this term council worked to improve its main streets.

He used the example of the work on the Harriston cenotaph, which, in turn, honours veterans of the area.

Elliott stated his past experience in municipal government will be an asset and that “I can hit the ground running.”

Faulkner too agreed on the need for leadership.

“Without vision, our town of Minto will become a suitcase workforce, travelling elsewhere to work.”

 

 

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