Midland candidate profiles

Midland Free Press October 20 2010
Candidate for Mayor
Gordon A. McKay
I was born in Gander, Newfoundland, and have lived in many regions of Canada. My career started as an officer with the Department of National Defence, moved on to be a senior manager with Bank of Montreal and then president of a sports technology company. My wife Cathy and I have been married for 35 years and have two adult children. Since coming to Midland I have helped out in the community in many ways: Town councillor, co-ordinator, Out of the Cold, chair, Huronia Foundation for the Arts, chair, Zero Waste Simcoe, Chair, St. Margarets Cemetery Board, Founder, Economic Development Association of North Simcoe.
My first “project” will be to rebuild council. I want to establish an environment of openness and trust. Council’s attention must then turn to two major challenges -bringing jobs back to our town and managing the town to keep our tax rate growth to below that of inflation. In addition Council must revisit a number of problem by-laws including heavy waste pick-up and the recent taxi bylaw.
MIDLAND Candidate Counc. Ward 1
Jim Attwood
Louise, my wife, and I reside in Ward 1 with our youngest daughter Megan. I am a semiretired registered nurse employed part time with the Crisis Intervention Team at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. I am a 30-year member of the Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers and its former treasurer.
I had the pleasure of serving three terms as a member of Midland Council from 1994 to 2003. I have served as chair or vice chair on a number of committees.
Top Three Priorities:
1) To ensure od governance by being a team player while remaining an independent thinker.
2) Both as a community and at county council we need to begin putting more energy into planning in the area of demographics. We are already painfully aware of the shortages of physicians, nurses and other trained health care providers. We need to begin aggressive planning now to ensure adequate care will be available for everyone as we continue to age so gracefully.
3) Most of us wish to remain in our homes after retirement; council must be aware of this and plan accordingly.
MIDLAND Incumbant Mayor
Jim Downer
The Town of Midland has received over $12 million in grants from the Provincial and Federal Governments this term. Midland was one of only 1,030 Canadian communities selected as an Olympic Torch Relay Host. Midland was one of only 57 communities in Canada designated as a Safe Community. We have received two awards this term for our water system quality. We have expanded our transit service to Georgian College. Downtown improvements include nautical street lights, paving and bicycle stands. Our trail system has been expanded. Little Lake Park is undergoing improvements including restoration of the stone stair ways, new Skateboard Park, trail and other upgrades. A new soccer field complex is under construction. We implemented a recreation subsidy program for needy kids. Our Library addition is complete and the Town Office addition is underway. Many upgrades to our infrastructure have been completed. These are just a few of the positive projects and services which we have been able to achieve in this term.
MIDLAND Councillor Ward 1
Zena Pendlebury
Our family moved to Midland 17 years ago when my late husband, the Rev. Cliff Pendlebury was called to be the minister of St. Paul’s United Church.
I have worked for the Ontario Public Service since 1976 for the ministries of Revenue in Toronto, Municipal Affairs and Housing in Barrie, and currently, the Ontario Parole Board. I hold an honours B.A. degree from the University of Toronto in Sociology and French.
I have been a volunteer everywhere I have lived. Currently, I am a member of the Outreach committee of St. Paul’s church assisting with projects in the community, and around the world.
As a member of council since 2006 I have served in Administration, Community Services, Labour Relations, Committee of Adjustment, and the Trails Advisor y committee. I am a team player, an effective communicator and I always ensure that every decision I make is based on accurate information and meets the residents’ and the town’s needs.
Candidate Profiles for Midland
MIDLAND Incumbant Deputy Mayor
Ruth Hackney
I have been a Midland resident for the past 35 years, married to Ron for 40 years. We have two children and four grandchildren. I am currently serving my 10th consecutive year on town council, the past four years as Deputy-Mayor. I also hold 28 years of extensive experience in HR management, financial, accounting, purchasing, construction and contract negotiations.
Water quality and waste management are issues we continue to deal with. Maintaining our excellent water quality is essential, one that we have won awards for. Waste management remains an ongoing issue; this is our environment; we must preserve it for future generations.
Midland needs to be recognized as a growth node, without this designation we will struggle to continue to receive financial contributions from the two higher levels of government. We need to continue to find efficiencies within the town organization in all departments. This will save the tax base and still allow Midland to grow.
MIDLAND Candidate Counc. Ward 2
Ute Schmid
I grew up in Midland and left in the 80s to attend Ryerson where I earned my degree in broadcasting. Five years ago, I replanted my family in Midland. It has been wonderful to share the old Midland of my childhood and the new Midland of now with my two daughters. We`re heavily engaged in programming at the Midland YMCA where I am a fitness volunteer. My other interest and community activities include environmental groups like SHARE and anything arts related, like Quest, where I am a member and, occasionally, a volunteer.
I`m a fulltime single mom. I have a small home-based business that involves facilitating workshops focusing on self development using EFT, `the Work`and `A Course in Miracles with a little bit of art therapy thrown in.
I am passionate about the strength of inclusive community and respecting the environment, combined with simple and sustainable lifestyle choices. As a councillor, I will support these three foundations when I vote.
MIDLAND Candidate for Dep. Mayor
Stephan Kramp
My passion for public service was ignited when I was by my father’s side when he went door to door in his successful campaign for Councillor in the 1970’s. I attended Huron Park and Regent Public schools and graduated from Midland Secondary School. I received an Honours degree in Political Studies, Sociology and Economics from Queen’s University and completed my teaching degree at the University of Toronto. I returned to my hometown of Midland and married my wife Marie. I started teaching at Midland Secondary School and completed my Principals Qualifications and a Specialist in Special Education. I believe in developing a strong vibrant sustainable community by supporting the arts in Huronia as a director of the Huronia Foundation for the Arts and Art walk. I have served on the Midland Police Services Board, chaired the Planning Advisory Committee, the poverty Housing Subcommittee, and the Heritage Committee.
MIDLAND Councillor Ward 2
Bob Jeffery
The 2010 election will set the tone and ultimately the direction for the Town of Midland for the next four years. Bob brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and leadership to the position councillor. Bob, the champion of not just the Little Guy’, but of all ratepayers, has been the recipient of your trust and support for 27 years. Bob is very aware, that others in politics, make a host of promises most of which cannot be kept and if they can, require your money to implement! Bob’s promise has been and is about the ratepayer; Bob on your behalf tackles all issues and concerns with your interests at the core. Responsible management and use of proven progams, with as little risk to the ratepayers, has always been Bob’s pledge, so as to keep the town of Midland moving positively into the future. There is no room for personal agendas!
Bob, 61, has been married to Sherry-Jane (nee McIntaggart) for 33 years and they have four adult children and one grandchild.
MIDLAND Candidate Counc. Ward 1
Mike Hearn
Mike Hearn is 30 and an illustrator/ graphic artist.
I have been a resident of Midland for four years. I cannot imagine living anywhere else. My wife was born and raised here as now will be my daughter. As a new father, I want to personally ensure this town has the best of everything to offer her. In my time here I have been involved in the Japanese Student Hosting program and a small business networking group. Each has shown me insights into the business and personal faces of Midland . I wish to serve this community and unite it like never be for e by stepping into the world of municipal politics and, through modern social networking sites (and local printed media for those not com for table with the internet), opening the doors to make this world accessible, accountable and comprehensible.
My primary issues are increasing voter turnout and post election voter participation.
MIDLAND Candidate Counc. Ward 2
Glen Canning
Glen Canning, Ward 3, Midland
Glen Canning graduated in 1985 from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor of Commerce with areas of concentration in Labour Relations and Information Technology.
Not content to follow the traditional career path Glen choose the entrepreneurial route and has been “self employed” for most of his adult life.
He brings over twenty five years of progressive business experience to the table.
After spending several years as a consultant, developing strategic business plans for businesses throughout southern Ontario, he moved his family to Midland to pursue his own business goals.
He and his family opened The Elegant Gourmet 16 years ago. Three years later they moved to King Street and have never looked back. Glen is also the cur-re nt acting Chairmen of the B.I.A.
MIDLAND Councillor Ward 1
Pat File
Pat File is a current Ward 1 Councillor and family lawyer in Midland since 2006. She has over 25 years experience as a lawyer, researcher and public affairs consultant at municipal, provincial and federal levels of government. She and her family moved to Midland after operating an area farm for seven years.
“Having gained insights into municipal politics over the last four years, I want to help Midland strategically address critical issues such as an aging population, loss of manufacturing jobs, poverty and lack of affordable housing, growing health problems, increasing energy costs and climate change. Building on the cultural heritage, knowledge economy, vibrant downtown and natural beauty of Midland, we should be embracing the future with new ideas.
I have taken a principled stand on every vote for Midland to be an inclusive and caring community, to protect people’s rights and civil liberties, to work towards sustainable community development, and ensure transparency and accountability.”
MIDLAND Councillor Ward 3
Judy Contin
I moved to Midland 20 years ago with my husband, Jack, and daughter Caitlyn. I have worked for the Canada Employment Centre, the Georgian Bay Native Friendship and for the last 16 years, as executive director at Askennonia Senior Centre. These experiences have provided a sound knowledge of our community and its people.
At 54 years of age, I have served the residents of Midland as Councillor for 10 years. Experience does matter. My familiarity with this community and its people inspires me serve to ensure that the social, economic and environmental health of Midland is protected, preserved and nurtured. I’d like us to continue with new affordable recreation programs, special events programs, active transportation and walking trails. I think it would be beneficial if the local communities could come to an agreement on a per capital contr ibution for hospital capital requirements and if needed, physician recruitment.