My priorities for the new Council

I wanted to take a moment to touch base - and to say thank you to all the people who were kind enough to have a conversation on our visits. It is always an education - and a reminder that being a councillor is a service to the community and that you can't do that effectively if you don't listen.

There are a lot of things to do in the next term, but the ones I'm keen to move on:

1. A budget process that prioritizes a proper maintaining of our infrastructure - roads and waste sites. Getting the basics right allows you to go beyond. People move to and invest in communities where these things are done well.

2. Using technology more effectively. This could involve using CRM services so staff can track requests and collaborate in real time - especially if an answer you need from the Township is time-sensitive & delays cost you money. Neither staff nor the public should have to go on an Easter Egg hunt to find information or get answers.

3. An end to what I call "double taxation." If you have to pay someone for a service that you are already paying taxes for, you're being 'double taxed.' If you have to pay someone to get your garbage when you already pay taxes for waste sites, or pay a planner thousands of dollars to deal with red tape when you've already paid for permits, you're being double taxed. We need to do better.

4. We need to replicate the work done for Sharbot Lake Economic Revitalization in every village. I know the work - I chaired the effort - and while not every part of that plan applies to other parts of the Township, a lot of it does. The economic engine of Central Frontenac has 4 cylinders - we go nowhere if only one is firing. I tabled a plan to the Economic Development Committee 4 years ago. I will fight to implement it.

5. I support reopening the Wilkinson waste site as a transfer station. It is a question of fairness to an often neglected part of our Township.

6. The Friends of Parham Anglican Church - and the entire village - need closure after the tragic loss of that institution to an act of reckless violence. We need to help resolve the red tape and hurdles that have prevented the building of a fitting memorial. That delay has meant no closure for many.

7. I understand the convenience of having Council meetings in the municipal office, but democracy is not about convenience - it's about being able to have a voice. Having a chamber where there's only seating for a half-dozen members of the public sends the wrong message. And even if many meetings are sparcely attended, some are not. Forcing people to stand outside, sit in their car or stay home when they want to come and express their support - or opposition - runs counter to democracy. We need to move these meetings back to Soldiers Memorial Hall.

What does all this mean?

Respect for our people and our past.

Committing to doing our best with what we have.

Getting the basics right.

I hope you'll grant me the privilege to get to work on it.