Candidates in three Alliston wards square off on Facebook

New Tecumseth Free Press Online  October 13, 2010
Five of the nine candidates running in Wards 1, 2 and 3 took part in Free Press Online’s second Facebook election campaign session last night.
Gary Dorland and Wayne Noye did not take part because of access to computer issues, while Ward 2 candidate Gord McInnes declined to take part. Ward 3s Jamie Bowman did not reply.
Below is an excerpt of the questions and answers provided edited only for spelling mistakes:
Why are you running for New Tecumseth council?
Bob Marrs – Ward 1: I believe that community involvement is a privilege as well as a duty. During my last Term on council I felt that I was helping this community become a better place to live and feel that there is much more that I can contribute. Also I have some unfinished projects I was working on such as the Hillcrest ditch problem during my last term.
Joyce Walker – Ward 1: I’m running because Im passionate about our community. So many times we vote people in and they have never showed any interest in the community. They have never volunteered. For the past 24 years I have been volunteering here and have a good understanding of what our community wants and needs. It’s time I step forward and become a voice for our community.
Jamie Smith – Ward 2: I have lived and worked in the Town for 35 years. The Town has supported me and I have always been active in community affairs and organizations in an attempt to give something back. It is important to restrain spending and borrowing and I have the experience to deal with that. I am the only Councillor running for re-election who voted against the 2010 budget and has a consistent record of spending restraint. I have needed skills which no one else running for Council has, so I have something to offer to the community. Over the time I have been on Council, I have been successful in advocating for openness on several issues which needed to see the light of day.
Corrine MacLeod Dol – Ward 3: Its been a long time dream of mine to run for elected office and represent a community that has given so much to me and my family. We have been blessed by all this town has had to offer and I want to continue to contribute as I have for years. My children are older now and the timing is right for me and my family.
J J Paul Whiteside – Ward 3: I believe, I have the knowledge, experience, integrity and time to provide strong fiscally responsible representation for the residents of Ward 3. Furthermore, I can bring a vast knowledge of financial expertise and common sense to Council and will ensure that the taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
What do you believe are the main issues in your respective wards, and if elected, how would go about making sure they get attention on a new 10 member council?
Joyce Walker – Ward 1: Over and over I hear the residents ask about the downtown core and how it needs help. I would as a council member want to be put on the business improvement committee. We has a township have to stream line the new business process. An example a store that opened in the summer had no idea when they put up a sign on their building it was going to cost them $250. Two months after the fact they got the bill. We have to make the down town a priority. We need to help our business and get new business. As of this week another store bit the dust. Speed on our roads is a huge issue. People must realize in our subdivisions there are small children. I would be speaking up at council about making these roads safer. Also road conditions some roads need are attention. I would ask that they be looked at right away. Then there are the ditches in the Hillcrest area of the ward. I would lobby council for closer on this 20 year fight.
Bob Marrs – Ward 1: In a few areas there are some road needs where extensive patching has been required on a yearly basis, in the old Hillcrest area the ditches are still a concern for many residents, up to 7 – 8 feet in places. some people voiced concern about the town debt but when I explained the back ground of the debt and the benefit to be derived over time they usually indicated that they understood and found it acceptable. I assure you I will get the councils attention on the issue on the Hillcrest ditches.
Jamie Smith – Ward 2: Ward 2 has a number of places where commercial or industrial zones abut residential areas. This is a source of problems. This is the main problem specific to Ward 2. The Town has to do two things: Firstly, it has to develop better noise abatement standards and secondly, it has to make sure that more timely and better notice of public meetings is given to people who are affected by developments like the expanded building on Gibsons site and the new plaza north of Henderson. Committee of the Whole Meetings are wide open to anyone to speak but not enough notice is given to those affected when issues like the above are discussed. A Councillor only has one vote therefore it is very important to maintain good relationships with all other members of Council even those with whom you generally disagree I have always done my best to do this and have been generally successful. This makes it much easier to get support when an issue important to your Ward is on the table. You can multiply your vote bby generating goodwill without compromising your own standards.
Corrine MacLeod Dol – Ward 3: The issues I have been hearing going door-to door, is property taxes, a fair roads policy, and economic development. People are afraid that after this year`s spending, the result will be higher taxes next year. We have to cut back on big projects for now until the market picks up, and wait until we can afford them. If there is any waste and overlapping of services, it will be corrected. A fair roads policy is needed and council removed from the process. When the roads needs study is done by professionals , we should stick to it. Economic Development: We need to sell our town better, and attract new homeowners, new businesses, and that doesn`t mean cutting services. I’m promoting balance, in order to develop a thriving local economy.
J J Paul Whiteside – Ward 3: The issues in Ward 3 are similar to those in Ward 1 and 2 (Alliston community). The main concerns I have heard from the residents of Ward 3 are taxes and the Town debt. As a councillor I would provide strong fiscally responsible representation for the residents of Ward 3 and suggest that the new Council do a full review of the Town’s current financial state, including the debt load. Council should also establish budget goals and be involved earlier and more often in the Town’s budget preparation process. Each member of Council only has one vote so consensus building is imperative to a councillor’s success and for their ideas to be heard and approved by Council. I am a good listener, a team player, a global thinker and a strong negotiator all of which are characteristics of a strong representative at the Council table.
What ideas or projects do you have in mind that you would like to bring to the council table if elected?
Bob Marrs – Ward 1: Low cost – maximum usage recreation facilities such as basketball courts for pick up games, one on one and casual team. BMX moguls, walking and bike trail expansion and other facilities that can be accomplished with volunteer/community/town cooperation. Fiscal responsibility while continuing needed programs to dove tail with economic development. Although I am aware that the economic environment is less that stable, I do not wish to regress to the “old” way and just shut the town down. As previously noted most of the big stuff has been addressed and a 25 or 30 year mortgage is a small price to pay for a better place that is more attractive to new employers that will be looking when the financial outlook improves.
Joyce Walker – Ward 1: Transportation is on the top of my list. Now that the East end has opened up. There is a huge problem for students and residents alike to get to either end of our town. With the new homes that will be coming in east of the Nottawasaga Inn, some sort of transportation is needed. There are many things for us to look at. Then roads conditions and safety are on the list.
Jamie Smith – Ward 2: Streamlining the bureaucracy more. We were one of the early adopters of Biz Pal but we shouldn’t stop there. Finding a way to build an indoor pool. Getting more citizen participation in community projects. (for example, fundraise for the pool or washrooms at the new sports fields). Getting some bike trails. Reviving downtown.
J J Paul Whiteside – Ward 3: The new Council, on which I hope to serve, must carefully assess the Town’s current financial position including its debt load and develop a sound financial plan to keep the Town fiscally viable and healthy. I would like the new Council to be involved earlier and more often in the preparation of the Town’s budget and the development of both the operating and capital budgets. With respect to new projects – in this financial environment only emergency and essential capital projects should be even considered by the new Council.
Corrine MacLeod Dol – Ward 3: If I were elected I would halt large capital projects until the market has returned, probably a year or two. Review spending and cut any waste that is found. But we also need to help people, they are suffering from the recession and can`t afford higher taxes, any don`t want a reduction in services, they need them now more than ever. Also, continue the physician recruitment program.
What’s your position as to the future of the Alliston Memorial Arena?
Bob Marrs – Ward 1: We need public input in a rather formal setting and a whole bunch of people to step up to the plate if we get the good ideas needed.
Joyce Walker – Ward 1: We need to keep this arena. There are so many things that we can use it for. We can make it work. At the moment the public is not aware that it can be rented. I believe with the correct planning we can make this work
Jamie Smith – Ward 2: I have asked for and there is supposed to be a public meeting about this seeking community input. At the present time this is the second most expensive sports facility in town. Unless it utilized better it can’t be kept. So I hope the public will help us to find ways to keep it open.
J J Paul Whiteside – Ward 3: A total review of the Alliston Memorial Arena must be undertaken by the new Council. This would include current utilization, current cost of operation and required repairs and improvements needed for the facility (it is an aging facility). The current facility cannot continue to operate in its current format. If the building is to remain, better utilization of it must be made and a sound business plan must be devised and adhered to. A portion of the land on which the building is located apparently will now be the location for the new legion cenotaph (I do not feel this is an appropriate location for the cenotaph, but I guess this is a decision already made by the current Council). Another option, would be the sale of the land for high density residential use, which would provide an increased market for the downtown core businesses. I am prepared to look at all options associated with the current structure and the land on which it is located.
Corrine MacLeod Dol – Ward 3: The Alliston Memorial Arena should be kept open. The site is well used, but of course anything can be made better. Dancing , ball hockey , youth dances are all taking place at the arena. Curling goes on right next door on the site and council just approved the site for a community cenotaph. The costs are significantly lower to operate now that the ice is decommissioned. Example of future use is the recent Rodeo held there last month, more great ideas for the site should be found.
The Downtown core of Alliston remains a growing concern for many merchants, though they have been very active the last few years. How will you support the downtown core?
Joyce Walker – Ward 1: I will support them in any way that I can. I believe that life needs to be brought back into downtown. Our merchants try so hard. We are losing another store as we speak. As how will I support them when elected, again any way I can.
Bob Marrs – Ward 1: Our downtown core has begun to show improvement but additional work is required. In the last year I have noted a higher volume of traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular, and in talking to some of the merchants business has picked up. Not all of the businesses are doing well and some that are short lived may have done better if they had taken advantage of the various small business assistance programs available prior to starting out.
Jamie Smith – Ward 2: Right now aging empty buildings seem to be the main problem downtown. I understand for example that Fields might have stayed had the old Moons building not been prohibitively expensive to repair. The town can’t repair buildings but it can make it easy to get permits etc. People seem to have trouble finding free parking so a little signage could go a long way. We should try to find a way to make Victoria St. more accessible from the parking lot by the river. We should continue the modest facade improvement grants we give now, and we should force the owners of a couple buildings to demolish them.
J J Paul Whiteside – Ward 3: I would help balance the preservation of the Alliston downtown core by providing strong support for the endeavors of the Alliston Business Improvement Area and the Alliston Chamber of Commerce. I would also support high density residential development in and adjacent to the Alliston downtown core. Such residential development would promote an increased market for the Alliston downtown core businesses.
Corrine MacLeod Dol – Ward 3: I think a transportation option business to business may need to be looked at for those that don’t drive, or can no longer drive. Seniors depend on favours from neighbours to get back and forth to get their groceries, but don`t want to further burden them with shopping trips to see all that the downtown core has to offer. Supporting the BIA and the Chamber will be a continuous effort.
As candidates for Alliston wards, you’ve no doubt heard continual complaints from Beeton and Tottenham residents who suggest “Alliston gets everything” can you provide us with your views of this so called “north south” divide?
Joyce Walker – Ward 1: This has been going on for 20 years. Even when I was vice president of the Alliston Chamber, it was hard to get Tottenham to go in on different events. Alliston is the bigger centre and seems to get more. I would always keep each area in mind when making plans and again there are 10 people on council
Bob Marrs – Ward 1: A realistic look at the division of services and infrastructure supplied through the town shows equal representation, and not just on a population equality basis. When private enterprise is taken into account then things change. Private enterprise, for the most part, is going to go where the majority of customers are to be found and that is just a fact we have to accept.
Jamie Smith – Ward 2: Most of us will remember the phrase “rep by pop” from our primary school history. More people live in Alliston so we should have more Councillors and services should tend to be centred here. Both Beeton and Tottenham have done well out the larger town and I agree with others who say Beeton might have gone bankrupt without amalgamation. Tottenham has a great fitness centre usable by everyone in town.
Corrine MacLeod Dol – Ward 3: I think it’s the perception that the north gets more. Maybe we need to start off from here on in constantly saying New Tecumseth over and over, and teach a new generation that we are one municipality.
J J Paul Whiteside – Ward 3: First of all, the “north” does not get everything. The bulk of the Town’s assessment and residential, commercial and industrial tax base is located in the north end (Alliston community). Furthermore, the bulk of the population is now and always will be located in the Alliston area. Although this is the case, all areas of the Town must be provided with an adequate level of servicing (both hard and soft services). As a global thinker, I will not only provide strong representation for my Ward and community, but will also give due consideration to the broader issues which impact all residents and all areas within in our Town.