• Protecting Water and Farmland in Simcoe County

Duckworth lays out road to mayor’s office

By
In Candidates / Election 2014
Jul 8th, 2014
0 Comments
1824 Views

New Tecumseth Free Press Online

Press Release – The Duckworth’s have been a proud part of the Angus community for over four generations. My grandfather was a trustee for the Village of Angus for many years, and my parents were well known for their strawberry farm which is now McGeorge’s subdivision on Centre Street.

After graduating from Central High School, I dedicated over three decades to a meaningful career in the private sector. My work took me across Canada and allowed me the privilege of working with governments at every level.

I retired and came home to Angus with the desire to become involved in municipal politics like my grandfather before me. I am married with three children and am keen to work with other parents on youth and community programs.

I have submitted my intent to run for Mayor of Essa and the following are some of the key issues that the residents of Essa have asked me to rectify, and I feel strongly and passionately about doing so.

Employment Must Be Brought Back To Essa
The loss of employment on the CFB Borden and lack of employment for the youth of Essa is a campaign priority. I propose, we create and bring back jobs to Essa.

Keep Our Towns As Towns Not Urban Sprawl
To maintain the small town way of life throughout Essa’s many communities, absolute and full disclosure will be sought regarding the Baxter Sanitary Sewer Line Expansion, and when the affected residents/property owners have had their say, then, and only then, as Mayor, would I support or discourage such a project. There will be no closed door meetings for such an important issue, or any other important issues.

Flood Study Needs To Be Reinstated
I will reinstate the Angus Flood Study approved in 2010 and then cancelled by the current council in 2011. This affects many land owners in a negative way. I will hold Town Hall Meetings to discuss and change the restrictions that are currently in place to enable businesses and developers to proceed without costly permitting/permits and needless studies, this will in turn limit the amount of permit costs to homeowners whom wish to upgrade their homes.

Control And Curb Unnecessary Spending
$3,769,695 or one third of the reserve attained over decades has been swallowed up by current council. This is not sustainable, if we continue on this path, based on growth and current ward boundaries, Essa Township will be bankrupt in eight years. I intend to get the unnecessary spending back under control.

Boundary Re-Assessment
Communities such as Ivy and Thornton have no representation east of the 6th Line, their Boundary requests, (two), have been denied by the current council, I intend to rectify this inequality.

Bring A Walk In clinic To Angus
I have a strong desire to create a Walk in Clinic in Angus, as well as a spot for a new Dr. to replace retired DrÕs. Currently we must go elsewhere for a Walk in clinic. I will promote and attract a clinic to the “old” Angus Library, so that the option to go to the closes Walk Clinic is not only Alliston or Barrie. Angus, should, and will be an option available to the population of Essa. I am committed to establishing a walk-in clinic.

I Request And Welcome Residents/Taxpayers Input
I look forward to hearing your concern and working with you to protect our way of life and provide opportunities and better services for all. It’s time for big ideas to move Essa forward. I’m committed to an all inclusive council and will ask for all agencies to participate. If elected I will immediately call on all parties to come together to design a new future plan for Essa. Together we will make Essa Township the place to live for us and the future generations.

Leave a Reply

Commenters must post under real names. AWARE Simcoe reserves the right to edit or not publish comments. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *