A Blueprint for the future:Our People:
We must remember that the people of our community are our strongest asset, and without them, we have nothing. We must ensure that decisions to bring business here, are thought through properly and that all aspects are taken into account. We must try and make sure, that everyone benefits, that everyone will want to live their lives here and that our children will have a place in this community, where they can work safely and raise a family of their own, with financial security. To this end, we are assisting and negotiating with, Georgian College and OPG/Bruce Power, the establishment of apprenticeship programs and community college programs to train and allow our young people the opportunity to stay here. So keep the kids doing their homework!
It has been really encouraging to feel the support my friends and neighbours have given me during my stint in council. Many people have asked that I run for the position of Ward 3 Councillor. Taking on this task, I promise, I will continue to earn the trust, you and they have placed in me.
Our Village:
Due to the recent tragedy that our neighbours in Walkerton had to contend with, water has taken on its rightfully important role. We are committed to ensuring the continued safe operation and supply of this, our most basic of needs. In the same vein, the addition to the Arena, will allow us to provide refuge, should we suffer a major conventional emergency, like the ice storm in Quebec. It will also attract more people and business to our small community with tournaments and other spin offs. As the Municipal spokesperson for the Emergency Preparedness section, I believe we must plan for the worst and hope for the best. We are now looking into acquiring the land surrounding the Sports centre, so that we can develop our soccer fields to there full potential. Acquiring this land will also allow us, I hope, to go into partnership with The Tiverton & District Lions Club, to produce a memorial grove in front of the Fire Hall.
Our Farming Community:
The role of the surrounding farmers assists us in defining who we are. We must take into consideration our rural neighbours, allowing them to continue their livelihood. New methods and good farming practices will help us all, mediated, by the need to keep our lands and water supply safe for many years to come. It will be difficult, in this time of change, to achieve the right balance between rural and urban neighbours. I feel that with having owned a farm and now living in an urban area, I can provide a balanced view to these issues. I look forward to assisting the farming community in the next few years as it moves forward into the new millennium.
Our Arts & Culture:
This topic has been one of much discussion of late and rightly so. It is important to support our arts community within the municipality, at the same time we have to do so in a financially responsible fashion. I do support the need for a theatre, how large it will be, is a matter of economics, not feelings. If the economic viability of the theatre is downtown, then that is where it should be. Victoria Park should be left alone, as much as possible. We may also want to consider looking at the Kincardine Beach Pavilion.
