Midland candidates respond to questionnaire

Simcoe.com October 6 2010
MIDLAND – The Mirror posed five questions to every candidate who submitted his or her name for the Oct. 25 municipal election.
1. Why are you running for public office?
2. What is the most important issue affecting your municipality?
3. If you were faced with the choice, would you vote to raise taxes or cut services?
4. What attributes set you apart as a candidate?
5. What specific project or goal do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
Answers appear below. We requested that the responses be limited to 50 words for each question.
Mayor
Gord McKay
1. Preserving the Midland we all love means facing a number of challenges – from high taxes to affordable housing to attracting new jobs. Midland needs a mayor who listens to the people, works with them to develop a shared vision, and then puts the plans and resources in place to get it done.
2. Midland needs to get its economy growing. We have been losing jobs and employers for over a decade. Those paycheques are needed to support our shopkeepers, our hospital and, yes, our taxes. Midland currently has no plan for our economic future. We need that plan and then action to provide good jobs.
3. I am committed to keeping our tax increases to no more than the rate of inflation, while maintaining our valued services. Sound financial management and getting our economy growing will allow us to avoid the unfortunate choice that you propose.
4. The attributes I live by are:
– Listening: I listen and respond to all citizens who call.
– Caring: Everyone’s input is important to building a better Midland
– Taking action: Once decided, I am passionate about making it happen.
5. My first “project” will be to rebuild council and establish an environment of openness and trust where all councillors can contribute to building a better Midland.  My second project is to work with citizens to decide our future direction, and then resolve our town’s challenges, including the economy, waste management and drug abuse.
Jim Downer
1. I want to continue to see Midland progress. I was born and raised in Midland, and I like seeing the town improve and being a part of that process. I enjoy the interaction with residents, volunteers, organizations and service clubs, but have learned so much from them.
2. Residents expect and deserve a certain level of service. However, we must be prepared to keep the status quo and let the assessment generated by new development help reduce our tax rate. We must not introduce unnecessary programs or expenditures, and must continue to monitor and implement efficiencies in all departments.
3. I am regularly in contact with residents to receive their input as to what services they want, and at what level. I then make my choice based on what I feel the majority of residents want. I certainly do not support services from which only a select few will benefit.
4. I was born and raised in Midland, and understand and appreciate the residents. I am approachable, have an open-door policy, and a down-to-earth, respectful and caring manner. I have excellent rapport with the provincial and federal levels of government, as well. I am not beholden to any individual or special-interest group.
5. I want to see the progress we have experienced continue in the years ahead. We need to make sure the level of service is the level of service our residents want and can afford. We need to continue to seek industrial and commercial acquisition, and continue to support established businesses and industries.
Deputy Mayor
Stephan Kramp
1. I have the experience and leadership skills required to move Midland into the future. The people want a voice that will speak for them. I have done so on the power-of-entry bylaw, heavy-garbage pickup, opposition to taxi metering, the leaking landfill site on Golf Link Road, and Site 41.
2. The loss of heavy-garbage pickup and the introduction of the voucher system. I will fight to reinstate this important municipal service, as I have received an overwhelming response from residents on this issue. The voucher system is a physical, financial and logistical burden for our residents.
3. Midland residents now pay the highest taxes per $100,000 of property assessment in Simcoe County, while facing the loss of a key public service such as heavy-garbage pickup.  Council needs to develop a strategic plan in order to establish our key priorities and then budget for those priorities.
4. I listen to the citizens of Midland and advocate for their concerns and interests. I am not afraid to ask tough questions at the council table. For four years, I have entered and exited council chambers from the public entrance of the municipal building to keep a focus on who I serve: the people of Midland.
5. My goal is to provide the leadership at the council table and at county council to ensure our residents receive open, accountable and effective municipal government. I will work together with the council team to engage our residents in a decision-making process that will produce sensible, reasonable and well-considered decisions.
Ruth Hackney
1. I enjoy politics, working with people, and contributing to the community in making good policy decisions.
2. The most important one at the moment is to ensure our municipality is recognized as a growth node. Without this designation, we will struggle to continue to receive financial contributions from the two higher levels of government.
3. It would have to be a combination. Midland is an urban municipality that provides a full range of services our residents depend on. With respect to taxes, we always look at areas that can be cut, or cut back, as we continue to look at each department to find efficiencies.
4. I believe experience sets me apart. I am currently serving my 10th consecutive year on town council.  Prior to that, I served on the Midland Public Utilities Board for 12 years. I also hold 28 years of experience in HR management, financial, accounting, purchasing, construction and contract negotiations.
5. The first goal is to see Midland recognized as a growth node in Simcoe County (to ensure growth pays for growth). The second goal is to continue to find efficiencies within the town organization in all departments. This will save the tax base and still allow Midland to grow.
Councillor (Ward 1)
Zena Pendlebury
1. I am a candidate for councillor because I can effectively communicate with residents and bring their voices and concerns to town council. Also, I believe I have the skill set and experience to help make Midland an even better place to call home.
2. Lack of a full range of affordable housing. Stable affordable housing is a basic right; as a council, we need to work with the upper levels of government to ensure we increase the supply for Midland so residents can live in the community rather than have to move away, especially our seniors.
3. I would explore every option possible in an effort to maintain services and keep tax increases in check. However, Midland residents have told us repeatedly they wish to receive a high level of services, and I would not hesitate to support an increase in taxes under these circumstances.
4. Everyone brings their own knowledge and special talents to the council table, and it is this mix that helps council work. I believe I am a team player and a team builder, and I make decisions only after extensive research and consultation with the appropriate sources.
5. In addition to working on affordable housing, the next council needs to develop a comprehensive economic development plan that will include a “Destination Midland” tourism component with specific targets that will showcase to the world Midland’s natural beauty, recreational facilities, and historical and cultural heritage.
George MacDonald
1. I have a keen interest in Midland and like to keep busy. I enjoy politics and have a positive outlook on Midland’s potential. I have developed a teamwork approach and proven such in my previous years as mayor and councillor for the Town of Midland.
2. Taxes must be kept to, or below, the inflation rate with minimal or no cuts to services. Review the five- and 10-year plan to determine savings and efficiencies. For instance, green-bin, yard waste pickup and heavy-garbage pickup programs could be monitored for effectiveness and satisfaction.
3. In order to make the correct choices, you have to study all the facts and determine what would cause the least burden to the taxpayers. You must accomplish goals without sacrificing necessities. It has to be a team effort.
4. My previous 18 years serving on Midland council, and my decision-making quality, proves that I am reliable, experienced and dedicated. Plus, the fact that I have chosen not to use lawn signs because they litter the town and are then thrown in the garbage sets me apart from most other candidates.
5. One goal would be to investigate the feasibility of dedicating road areas in Midland for bicycle and wheelchairs. It is great to have our wonderful trails, but many more would be encouraged to use them if they could travel to them safely. We need to “share the road” more.
Mike Hearn
1. I will show this community that the government works for them, not for their own agendas. When a local government passes a bill benefiting only a select group that nearly doubles taxi rates, because “everyone else has done it,” I will ensure the public is fully informed and actively involved.
2. Voter turnout in 2006 was 37.43 per cent, the best in a number of elections. Government cannot properly serve a community when it only represents one-third of voters. The community must be involved. I will light a fire under the people of Midland and show them they can make a difference.
3. This is a politically and emotionally charged question that, frankly, underestimates a voter’s intelligence. For me, the glass is not half empty or half full until I know how it started. I could never answer a question like this without knowing as many facts as possible.
4. My message and fresh perspective are my greatest assets. I have no personal history in this town to cloud my emotions. I have no professional connections in this town to fog my decisions. I will be working solely for the voters of Midland.
5. I want to see voter turnout increase dramatically. If voter turnout reaches at least 51 per cent in this election, I will have my head shaved or hair dyed a strange colour at a public event, donating all proceeds to a local charity chosen by online voting.
Pat File
1. I care about the future of Midland and opportunities for our children. I want to be part of a council that works co-operatively to ensure that we are an inclusive and caring community, as well as a leader in creating a sustainable, affordable and healthy quality of life.
2. We need to do things differently in light of dramatic changes that are here or coming soon: economic uncertainty and loss of manufacturing jobs; changing demographics due to an aging population; climate change; increasing energy costs; health problems due to inactivity; increased tax burden; and diminishing government infrastructure funding.
3. It depends. We should expect a small tax increase in every budget to ensure we pay our fair share for infrastructure needs and replacements. But we may not have to cut services if we can deliver them more cost effectively or differently, such as shared with neighbouring municipalities.
4. I ask the hard questions and stand up for people’s rights and civil liberties, especially those who are disadvantaged. I have over 25 years’ experience as a lawyer, researcher and public affairs consultant at all levels of government. I listen to people and I respect the public.
5. I want council to strategically plan for Midland’s future and make all decisions to advance environmental sustainability, affordable housing, poverty reduction, economic and cultural development; to make it so people can walk or safely bike to school or work; and for council to welcome ideas from stakeholders and people of Midland.
Jim Attwood
1. I have been serving the public in one form or another for almost 40 years. I am a semi-retired registered nurse; I have the time, the experience, the ethical standards and the desire to take on the role if the people should so choose.
2. In a word, “demographics.” Our population is aging. Baby boomers are becoming seniors. Their needs and required services are going to place a severe demand on all levels of government. Reduced income and potentially higher taxes are going to affect far too many seniors. We must prepare for this transition.
3. Council is responsible for policing, fire protection, roads, recreation, administration and many other concerns of the taxpayer, which lends to the setting of the tax rate. People expect these services, and it would be unethical of me to state I’d cut services. It would depend on the circumstances at the time.
4. My ethics and my desire to always make things better for people is an ongoing priority for me. I like going home at the end of the day feeling I have accomplished something. Council and nursing, through services to the public, allow me to have that feeling.
5. I have three goals: i) In my travels, I have seen marvellous children’s water parks and play areas. It would be nice to see something similar here. ii) Basic life support and defibrillator training for all town staff. iii) Take our beaches back from the geese.
Councillor (Ward 2)
Ute Schmid
1. Two reasons: a) I’m passionate about community, people and simple living; a unique voice that deserves to be represented on Midland council; b) I’m educated, engaged, qualified and an excellent communicator. This is the kind of work I would like to creatively sink my teeth into.
2. Unemployment. We have many wonderful citizens who have lost their jobs. They need to be sustained and supported. Solving this problem begins with Midland’s many dynamic organizations that could benefit from this transitioning community in the form of volunteerism that will help people rebuild their skills, self-esteem and resumés.
3. Both options are Band-Aids that will eventually cut off economic blood flow. In times of crisis, raising taxes will hurt already financially strained citizens, and cutting services creates more unemployment that will rapidly sabotage the tax base. Why not consider job-sharing options before dismantling essential services or permanent layoffs?
4. I’m a single mom on a fixed income; frugality is my best friend. Simple lifestyle choices help me live well, not extravagantly. I consider cost, environment and sustainability before making personal financial decisions. I know how to “pack a lunch,” and that’s how I’ll vote on council, too.
5. I’d like to make sure that Midland remains inclusive to all families, regardless of economic status. When we make decisions in the present, we must consider future generations. Health, environment and sustainability should always be top priorities.
Mike Ross
1. I would like to be actively involved in the progress of the Town of Midland.
2. Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! (Unemployment has affected many families in Midland, mine included.)
3. People are struggling with their current tax payments. We need to better prioritize our services to keep from raising taxes.
4. My positive and outgoing attitude allows me to be approachable to all those I will serve in the Midland community.
5. To contribute towards securing a prosperous future for my family, and yours, here in the beautiful town of Midland. And encourage more community involvement in the issues affecting Midland.
Bob Jeffery
1. After 27 years, it’s obvious that I run for office to do for my fellow ratepayers that which many do not wish to do, cannot afford to do and/or have no interest in doing. I strive to ensure tax dollars are utilized appropriately by getting the best value per dollar spent.
2. The most-voiced issue I hear is maintaining the essential services, as economically possible, which the ratepayers have demanded and expected historically, while effectively streamlining those other services that lend themselves to be so, while saving tax dollars where and when we can.
3. Responsible councils do not simply vote to raise taxes to put more money into the coffers, and conversely do not vote to simply cut services. There is a balancing act similar to a mathematical equation that must be adhered to. Each side must be carefully weighed so as to be equal to the other.
4. I am not sure they set me apart as a candidate, but I’ve always thought that elected officials should be honest, diligent, open to suggestions from those they represent (a good listener) and action oriented for the benefit of all.
5. My goal has and will always be to keep the good ship “Town of Midland” on her course, upright and steaming positively into the future. This is accomplished through a positive relationship between ratepayers and their council representative, who reacts to issues and incorporates input to mutually develop an ever-changing community of our choosing.
Dan Downey
1. I feel the Town of Midland is at a turning point where we need to set the path that will carry us into a positive future. I believe I have the background, experience, training and time to make a contribution to developing a vision for our town – and then carrying it out.
2. In Midland, I feel the No. 1 issue is the establishing of a strong base for future economic development. We need good-paying jobs that will spread prosperity amongst all of our citizens. These include the provision of quality services, cultural-recreational amenities, and fair property taxes.
3. To maintain our quality of life and make Midland an attractive town in which to invest, we must protect current service levels. We have tried zero per cent tax increases under previous administrations, and the results were very negative. Councils after them were forced to play catch-up, and tax increases took place anyway.
4. I have a broad range of experience with town committees, my academic training is in management, my volunteer experiences have shown a commitment to our community, and I have worked with citizens professionally and personally.  I have heard their needs and, I feel, I have the skills to help them meet them.
5. My major goal would be to see the Town of Midland create an economic development plan based on marketing our assets, such as affordable housing, a low crime rate, and recreational opportunities. This plan would attract green and high-tech industries, providing jobs that would raise the standard of living for all of us.
Malcolm Dilts
1. It has become quite evident that a major shift is needed in the town council. With years of experience and training to offer, I am ready to be part of a new and improved council. Midland’s residents deserve to be effectively represented.
2. The incumbent town council is not functioning effectively to meet the demands of the 21st century. Future prosperity demands new thinking and outlooks, along with improved communication between Midland residents and council.
3. Midland residents are already taxed to the breaking point. While neither option is a great solution, cutting services would be the lesser of the two evils.
4. Skilled in management, leadership and problem solving from experience and training in industry, commercial and community operations. A solid understanding of the challenges involved in ensuring a greener future, along with the willingness to see real progress in creating an environmentally friendly future.
5. Creating short- and long-range goals for Midland, along with a more open method of bylaw enactment. Establishing a bylaw approval process that would include having proposed bylaws vetted legally and published prior to being adopted by council. Ensuring bylaws are legal and reflect Midland’s vision of the future.
Curtis Desroches
1. I have a desire to serve the citizens of this community.
2. The economic downturn has affected all communities. Midland has not been excluded. Seeing Midland through these times, and beyond, is very important to me.
3. This is a no-win question. However, as a taxpayer, the value my family gets for its tax dollar is the measure of my satisfaction. The whole package, at a reasonable cost for families, is the goal. To simply choose to raise taxes or cut services without due consideration would be reckless.
4. I bring a new, energetic and family-focused perspective to this election.
5. My goal is to end the term in office knowing my contribution made Midland a better place, where perhaps my daughters will want to live and raise their families.
Jack Charlebois
1. After 38 years of policing in this community, and the last four years serving on council, I find it very satisfying helping Midland evolve for the future. I feel it is an honour to represent the citizens of Midland and be a strong voice advocating for their best interests.
2. Midland is plagued with many issues: economic development (attracting new industry and business); unemployment; affordable housing; maintaining the high level of essential services while keeping tax increases down; protecting our beautiful resources (ie. lakes and quality of water) and making sure future development takes into consideration conservation of our green areas.
3. I do not want to see taxes raised or services cut. The reality is that budgets are all about balance. My experience as a councillor has taught me there are a multitude of factors that need to be addressed on any budget issue. I don’t feel anyone can promise one or the other.
4. I bring experience and a track record of dedication. I have served as chair and vice-chair on seven committees, and have a proven commitment to being a team player. I believe in honesty and integrity, and am always available to hear people’s issues. Voting on issues, I base on facts and independent conscience.
5. I want to help create positive change and responsible development for Midland. I believe in the ongoing commitment to safety in our community, recruiting more physicians, and helping attract economic development. Foremost, my goal is to maintain the high level of services in Midland while still trying to lessen the impact to taxpayers.
Also running in Ward 2: Brenda Murray
Councillor (Ward 3)
Doug Ironside
1. I want to encourage arts, tourism and culture in Midland where it is warranted, and where it makes strong economic sense. I hope to learn about our financial concerns and municipal strengths, and help establish a budget that will distribute our tax dollars wisely. I think council can stimulate growth and jobs.
2. Money. A municipal budget that addresses the concerns of the people is the most important issue. An example is heavy-garbage pickup. The move to a voucher system simply had to have been an economic choice, even though people really wanted that service. I need to know why this happened, and hopefully bring this service back.
3. My answer is that I would make the right choice based on accurate information, expert advice, economic realities and the will of my constituents. I am not going to make a tough call without all the information, and I am not going to vote to undermine crucial services.
4. For one thing, I have lived in other communities and seen how they manage important municipal issues. Second, I have a youthful vigour that drives my creativity and imagination. I pride myself on my energy and enthusiasm, and I want to bring that fresh perspective to council.
5. The soon-to-be-built Midland cultural centre is crucial to the evolution and revitalization of the downtown. I want to ensure Midland does what it can to make sure the centre has the absolute best chance to succeed. If we can support it with parking legislation, zoning amendments or other actions, I think we must.
Judy Contin
1. I love Midland. My familiarity with this community and its people inspires me to ensure that the social, economic and environmental health of Midland is protected, preserved and nurtured. Council work is a priority, as reflected in my excellent attendance at council, board and committee meetings.
2. Councils have requested that the province designate Midland/Penetanguishene as a growth node for North Simcoe, which will focus provincial and federal investments, enhance economic development and create local synergies for services we provide and the infrastructure we need to maintain and construct.
3. That would depend how much the increase was going to be to continue to deliver the service. Some services are mandated and regulated: police, fire, safe water, insurance. Others are more flexible: transit, recreation, leaf vacuuming. The trick is to find efficiencies, study best practices and stay current to find all savings.
4. Experience matters when you take on an important, responsible job, especially when there’s not much training. My tenure on council is a definite asset. My management skills and experiences in professional life provide a good foundation for being a results-oriented team player. I am visible in the community, accessible and approachable.
5. I’d like us to continue with new affordable recreation programs, special events, active transportation and walking trails. I hope the province and county can come to an agreement on the county official plan so that we can carry on with the work that needs to be completed in planning.
Glen Canning
1. Town council has spent the last four years pointedly ignoring our economic needs in favour of lavishing growth and spending on town hall. That must change. I believe we must make our economy the No. 1 priority. We must create jobs and opportunities for the citizens of Midland.
2. The most important issue affecting our municipality is the economy. Midland’s development and growth has virtually stopped. We have not grown economically, nor in terms of population, since 1996. In the last four years, property taxes have soared by over 16 per cent, and the fees for permits and licences have skyrocketed.
3. The question implies a false choice. The abnormally high growth of town hall’s administrative costs over the last four years suggests there may be plenty of opportunities for savings without resorting to either tax hikes or service reductions.
4. I graduated in 1985 with a degree in commerce and have spent the last 25 years in business, mostly as a self-employed entrepreneur. I am the acting chairman of the BIA and am familiar with the concerns of the business community. Most of all, I am willing to put that knowledge to work.
5. I would restore the economic development officer’s position, and return emphasis to growing the town’s economy while restricting the growth of town hall. I would create an economic planning group to develop a strategic plan for attracting and retaining businesses and jobs. I would work to see the services cut to finance the new town hall are restored.