The Ontario Parenting Connection hosted an all-candidates meeting. The event was held at North Grenville District High School last night. All 12 candidates for North Grenville attended the meeting.
Audience member Stephen Hammond asked the candidates why they didn’t attend budget meetings and how they feel about rural issues.
“If you’re going to be serious about doing any of these great things you’re talking about, you’ve got to first look at the money,” says Hammond. “And if you’re not even concerned enough to go to budget meetings, I’m a little suspicious.”
Each candidates was given one minute to respond to the question.
Mayoral candidate David Gordon says he listened when rural residents said they want basic services like roads, policing and fire, but not development.
Councillor candidate John Barclay says the essential problem is a feeling of apathy caused by the way the general public is handled and that people need to be empowered.
Mayoral candidate Elwood Armour says rural businesses need support and that the majority of funds is being funnelled into the urban area.
Councillor candidate Frank Onasanya says as a member of council, he always does his best to represent everyone in the community.
Councillor candidate Deron Johnston says council needs to do more strategic investments in rural areas and roll out a rural community improvement plan next term.
Councillor candidate Kristin Strackerjan says council can do a better job engaging the community and that meetings should be held in rural community halls regularly.
Councillor candidates Barb Tobin says one option would be expanding the Community Improvement Program to rural areas so it can benefit businesses on main streets in smaller communities.
Councillor candidate Craig McCormick says communication needs to be improved and there should be an open dialogues between rural and urban residents.
Councillor candidate Doreen O’Sullivan says she has spoken to a number of rural residents about their concerns and would like to hear from more people.
Mayoral candidate Jim Bertram brought up the North Grenville Rural Summit and his role in making it happen.
Mayoral candidate Nancy Peckford says she will take community engagement very seriously if elected.
Councillor candidate Jim McManaman says members of council should be engaging with residents in less formal settings every month.
The full all-candidates meeting was taped and will be posted on the Ontario Parenting Connection Facebook page soon.