Jim Bertram is making a bid for mayor in North Grenville. Bertram was first elected as councillor in 2014.
He says his priority is bringing the current annual tax rate increase of 2 per cent down. Bertram plans to establish a Grow North Grenville Fund to cover the cost of community grants through donations rather than tax dollars. He says 40 cents of every dollars goes to provincial mandates. Bertram wants to reduce that, through a partnership with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, by putting public pressure on the province.
Bertram says organizing the mayor’s office is another priority. He wants to put together an extensive communications program that will involve publishing weekly articles about municipal issues. Bertram says the purpose is to promote openness and transparency.
Establishing a mayor’s committee, with rotating individuals, is something else Bertram would like to see done. He says input from community members is valuable. Â
He says growth in North Grenville needs to be sustainable and responsible. Bertram says the municipality needs to make sure existing businesses are taken care of before considering new development.
The My Kemptville Now newsroom is interviewing all councillor and mayoral candidates for North Grenville. All profiles will be posted online by tomorrow. The 2018 Municipal Election is set for October 22.