Candidates for Councillor (Penetanguishene, Ward 1)

Simcoe.com October 1 2010 PENETANGUISHENE – All of the municipal candidates were offered the same opportunity to provide a 150-word statement to The Mirror.
Gabe Brunelle – I am an experienced councillor and committee member dealing with all town affairs such as roads, water and sewers, health, education – such as saving our Penetang High School – waste management etc.
I was born and raised in this area and I love this town. It has a unique culture and heritage. I am bilingual.
I am involved in senior activities at many levels such as bocce, shuffleboard, bowling, parks and recreation.
Having been involved with councilling in one of the largest municipalities in the county of Simcoe made me aware that it is the voice of the people who decide the issue.
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Larry Cascagnette – I am a native of Penetanguishene and have lived here all my life. My wife and I raised two children and are grandparents, as well. We have been involved in many civic activities over the years.
In recent years, my career has been involved in the transportation industry, including trucking, warehousing and international logistics.
I also run a sales operation which includes promotional events for some very large international companies.
I think it is fair to say I have sufficient management, administrative and sales background to bring to the job.
My work allows me the time necessary to carry out the duties of a councillor, and I understand the job can be demanding and exacting.
I am known as an energetic and fair-minded individual. I am excited that the opportunity exists to participate in council’s activities for our town. I am confident I could play a real team role with our council.
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Erin Chapelle – In preparing for the election, I’ve examined my mission to ensure that I possess the qualities required to deliver a strong and honest campaign. In doing so, I realized my campaigning began long before filing for council; indeed, I work everyday towards my community, environmental and economic goals.
Taking interest in one’s town and its citizens is not an “if I get elected” task; we are always on duty. While it is easy to vote for creative slogans and eloquent canvassers, we must ensure that a candidate’s vision is built upon actual experience and community involvement.
Municipal elections allow citizens a rare chance to exercise their voices and opinions by choosing representatives that have proven to work daily at personal, social and municipal betterment.
I encourage voters to examine their candidates’ pre-election accomplishments and post-election commitments, and I look forward to watching our actions speak louder than our words.
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Dan LaRose – My name is Dan LaRose and I am running for the position of councillor in Ward 1. I am 50 years old, married, and have two sons. I have lived in this area for most of my life and work in the construction industry.
Over the past 16 years, I have served on numerous committees. Some of my goals are to:
•  maintain and enhance the town’s infrastructure and the facilities at our local parks;
•  work proactively to keep PSS open;
•  keep environmentally informed;
•  redevelop the Ojibway Landing site;
•  monitor the transfer of the harbour from the federal government and oversee the rebuilding of the T-dock;
•  meet the needs of our youths and seniors;
•  and maintain and improve our industrial and commercial bases.
These goals must be met with continued fiscal responsibility.
Thank you to Penetanguishene residents for your continued support.
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Debbie Levy – After a four-year break from council, I am asking for the privilege of representing you once again.
I have lived in Penetanguishene for 20 years. During that time, I worked as a journalist covering town council, school board and county issues.
As a volunteer, I have worked on special events, chaired the town’s Millennium project (the Kitchikewana statue), and was president of the Penetanguishene-Tiny Chamber of Commerce.
During six years on council, I chaired both the public works and planning sections. I was unwavering in my opposition to Site 41.
I am passionate about the history of Penetanguishene and its natural beauty, but we must work harder to improve the appearance of the downtown core.
I want to see more open communication between town hall and our residents, and increase citizen involvement.
For more information, please call me at 549-7033 or email rrbooks@thunderstar.net.
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Helen Luzius – I believe in land-use planning which balances, protects and enhances Penetanguishene’s natural environment, establishes public consultation at the front end of the process, promotes green energy, and is complementary to Simcoe County and Ontario growth plans.
I believe in a plan that brings in tourists so Penetanguishene becomes the destination point it should be.
I wish to ensure we are accessing provincial and federal dollars to jump start industry and commerce, which will help widen the tax base.
I believe in improving infrastructure, making Penetanguishene accessible for all, and an integrated plan for roads, sidewalks and walkways.  Let’s make this town not only safe, but also an enjoyable place to be for seniors and children alike.
We must implement initiatives to retain and recruit family doctors, along with much-needed medical facilities, such as a blood clinic.
We must develop capital strategies, including partnerships with private-sector organizations, to fund infrastructure requirements.