Candidates for Councillor (Midland, Ward 2)

Simcoe.com September 30 2010
MIDLAND – All of the municipal candidates were offered the same opportunity to provide a 150-word statement to The Mirror.
Jack Charlebois – My wife, Nancy, and I have resided in Ward 2 for 36 years. I have been involved in public service for over 42 years.
I served as a police officer with the Metropolitan Toronto Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police. I ended my career as a sergeant with the Midland Police Service after 30 years, and retired from policing almost five years ago.
For the past four years, I have had the honour of representing Midland as a member of council. In that time, I have served as chair or vice-chair of public works, community service, council rep. on the Simcoe County transportation Committee, Midland’s senior advisory, Askennonia board, Midland trails committee and the poverty council.
I would very much like the opportunity to continue advocating for the best interests of my fellow citizens of Midland.
——————————–
Curtis Desroches – My name is Curtis Desroches. I am a 42-year-old married father of two young girls. I was born and raised in Midland.
I attended Huron Park Public School, Midland Secondary School, and have a law enforcement diploma from Seneca College.
I worked for the Midland Police Service for eight years and, prior to that, for the Ontario Provincial Police. For the past nine years, I have been employed at the Central North Correctional Centre.
I am running for the position of Midland councillor, Ward 2. I have no hidden agenda or axe to grind.
My reason for running is simple. Midland has been a great place to grow up. I am proudly raising my daughters here. It is time for me to give back to the citizens of Midland.
Please vote for me, for honest representation, as councillor for Ward 2.
——————————–
Malcolm Dilts – The world is changing, and so must Midland if we are going to survive. The days are gone when we could count on heavy industry to provide jobs and boost the local economy. Midland can no longer afford to glide along, and must overcome the Fiefdom Syndrome.
Tomorrow’s Midland must have a plan of success. Now is the time to define how Midland will meet the demands of the future.
Recently, Midland seems to be working as a reactive town, addressing town concerns as they happen and making fixes as they go. To really succeed, Midland must increase its proactive nature and outlook.
Failing to plan is, in effect, planning to fail. Creating a plan for the future and ensuring all town activities reflect the plan is a great way to begin ensuring Midland’s prosperity.
——————————–
Dan Downey – I have lived in Midland for over 30 years. My wife, Norah, teaches at Huron Park Public School. My son Brian is taking courses in Hamilton.
After receiving a bachelor of social work and a masters in social work, I have been employed by a number of local agencies, primarily working with children. Currently, I am self-employed in a private social work practice.
I am running because I feel that I have the time and energy to take my numerous experiences on community and municipal boards to the next level.
Midland was hit hard by the recent recession, and we need an aggressive plan to attract new industry that includes improving the quality of life in our town and marketing our strengths.
This also means keeping taxes reasonable and the town’s operations efficient. As a town councillor, I will be supportive of any efforts to meet these needs.
Please go to my website at www.electdandowney.com.
——————————– 
Bob Jeffery – The 2010 election will set the tone and, ultimately, the direction for the good ship Town of Midland for the next four years.
During this period, it will be imperative to have onboard those “hands” that are dedicated to keeping her course true.
Responsible management and use of proven programs, with as little risk to the ratepayers as possible, will keep this good ship upright and steaming positively into the future. There is no room for personal agendas that will take her off course into uncharted waters.
Many feel they can predict the future by promising what they know to be impossible because of two very important facts: 1. Such speculation is inappropriate and silly for those who manage with expertise and knowledge how best to proceed when the seas of uncertainty swell; 2. No matter how much you believe in an issue, you must have the ratepayers with you, as well as four others on council.
——————————–
Mike Ross – Having been born at the old St. Andrews Hospital and raised on the corner of Seventh and Dominion, Midland is in my blood.
I grew up playing Midland Minor Baseball and hockey, participated in the 4th Midland Cub Scouts, and spent a large part of my youth at both the Mountainview Ski Hill and the Midland Golf and Country Club.
I now live on Manly Street with my wife and two young children.
Municipal politics has always been an interest of mine, and something I knew I wanted to be involved in. One of my many focuses is on ensuring our community continues to offer our children the necessary local activities and opportunities that they require.
As council member, I can commit to listening to what community members have to say, working hard to represent the people of Midland with honesty, and always having Midland’s best interest in mind.
——————————–
Ute Schmid – A municipal councillor represents the people who vote and the people who don’t.
Tragically, voter turnout has been declining. People seem disillusioned with politics. Both federal and provincial politicians are barricaded by bureaucracy. I believe that real change takes place at the municipal, grassroots level.
Our world, the economic climate, and environmental concerns are rapidly evolving. We need to vote for voices that are willing to challenge the innovators of economic growth with sustainable guidelines that will honour citizens inclusively and the environment compassionately.
Most of all, we need to vote. Change does not happen when we sit quietly, allowing the same people to make the same kinds of decisions for us.
Change happens when we make a stand for the issues that are most important to us. On Oct. 25, please vote and let your voice be heard.