Position for which you are running: Ward 5 Councillor
Do you reside in the ward in which you are running (council candidates): Yes (moved to Newmarket 8 years ago)
Outline your background/experience (100-word limit):
Started working at 15, from groundskeeper, metal recycling, airline cargo etc before focusing on print/graphic design - am design production manager of a manufacturing company for 19 years. Over time, like many people I know/speak with while campaigning ,I’ve learned to do more, with less. Cross-training, equipment upgrades, stream-lining processes, direct communication (actually go see the person(s) and elimination of off-loading work from other departments - everyone should own their work. And never stopping on providing all actual work, big or small, the same level of care and attention to detail - every project, every loonie counts. This drive to ...
What are the top four qualities required to be an effective municipal representative? (4-word limit):
- Accountable
- Honest
- Informed
- Approachable
I have NO affiliation with any groups, organizations etc - other than three local not for profits. The only people I’m accountable to is my family and, hopefully, the people of Ward 5. If there’s something you’d describe as “the establishment” I don’t know where that is - and I don’t care. My platform has ideas - not campaign promises that mean more taxes or worse, no new ideas at all. Ideas that can be applied moving forward, with common sense & an outside set of eyes for right now. Simplfy. Invest, expand what works already and review, consolidate & refine the rest.
What are the two most important issues for your ward/constituents? (200-word limit):
1. Higher taxes - it’s the thing that comes up in almost every conversation I have had in people’s driveways. Sadly I’m quick to agree yes, our taxes are high - but there’s not much I, with only one vote, can do about that. Hopefully the 2018-2022 council, with all the “new blood” it has, have heard the same and together we can hold suppliers accountable, make some hard decisions on costs and services, and actually try and hold the line on taxes.
But to do this council needs to be open and honest - we need to let the people have their say. Open houses, workshops and on-line polls need to be implemented to get feedback from everyone - we need to define a Need and a Wish list - and work from it.
2. With the new paperless voting/ 10 days to vote I hope more people do actually vote. Sadly many think council is insulated and dismissive of them. The malaise of same old same old, the “old boys club” - people want change. Not just change for the sake of change, but affording people the respect as tax payers they deserve.
What will you do to ensure you are accountable to your constituents? (50-word limit):
Host quarterly ward 5 meetings - in the ward. Keep my social media account open and active. Create a monthly “Where in Ward 5 is Ron” newsletter available as both pdf and printed/distributed at town ward 5 facilities and seniors facilties. Farmer’s Market will be my satellite office on Saturdays.
What is the most important issue for council/school board to address in the next term? (100-word limit):
Bullying in all its forms is not something that has gone away - each week it seems there is another tragic story. The conversation needs to continue to be open, clear, supportive and not dismissive. When I compare who and where I was back when I was in school to how fast kids grow up now it’s beyond shocking. Young people today are quick, capable and vocal - challenge and encourage them and respect them for their ideas and choices - the experiences and mistakes we made with the luxury of time is something they do not have.
Describe your dream project that would result in a better quality of life in Newmarket. (100-word limit):
With current council’s purchase of the Mulock estate, they have put, any major projects on hold for quite some time. My dream project? I would have much rather preferred to look at the town purchasing the main street Clock Tower and converting it into a “New” library and seniors centre. Then demolish the current library and use that space for a new much needed parking structure.
Another idea would be to look at using Fairy lake falls as a source of electricity with the installation of a micro hydro power station.
Answer Yes or No (1-word limit):
Should salaries be reduced for the mayor and councillors? Yes.
Are taxes too high for the services provided to residents? Yes.
Do you support tax increases to pay for the purchase of properties, such as Mulock Estates? No.
Should opening a second branch of Newmarket Public Library be a top priority for the next term? No.
Should the town continue to give incentives and loans to Main Street businesses as part of its revitalization strategy? Yes.
Should the town provide additional incentives to developers to encourage more affordable rental units? YES.
Should councillors be required to provide more fully itemized and detailed expense reports, accessible online at no cost to the public? YES.
Should the mayor and councillors block followers on their town social media accounts? NO.
Should there be fixed terms for councillors? No
