It was a packed house at the North Middlesex Community Centre Tuesday night for an all candidates meeting put on by the Parkhill Lion’s Club. There was only debate between 2 Wards, being Ward 1 Parkhill and Ward 2 Ailsa Craig, as all other Wards 3, 4 and 5 along with the seats of Mayor and Deputy Mayor have been acclaimed. Ward 1 candidates, Doreen McLinchey, Sara Nirta, Ann-Marie Stewart and Ward 2 candidates, Samantha Cornelissen, Bill Irwin and Joan Nichol were all present. All residents in attendance agreed that last night confirmed their vote.
We also asked those in attendance, what issues are at the forefront for them leading into October 24th.
Brian Ropp was acclaimed Mayor, Paul Hodgins acclaimed as Deputy Mayor, Charles Daigle was acclaimed Ward 3 councilor, John Keogh Ward 4 councilor and Adrian Cornelissen acclaimed as Ward 5 councilor.
Parkhill Lion’s member Wilson Brock was the emcee for the night. Candidates were first asked what their biggest challenge would be for the next 4 years if they are elected. They all agreed on infrastructure, affordability and growth.
They were also asked what they hope to do in the term if elected. They once again agreed simultaneously for more transparency, lowering taxes, bringing in younger families, fixing the infrastructure and more affordable housing.
Open floor started after the first two initial questions. Councilors of Ward 1 were asked what would it take for more economic growth? They answered that more community volunteers were needed to bring in more people to help grow. We need more families and businesses in the area.
Ward 2 councilors were asked by a local business owner how do we create and keep our sense of community if we need to grow. Councilors agreed that voluntarism is needed as well and that the community needs to continue building relationships with everyone; to get more people involved in the community.
Both wards were asked what can we do to better promote North Middlesex to people outside the community. Candidate Cornelissen brought up the idea of creating a map of all the local hot spots for visitors and promote tourism. She also mentioned using social media as a tool to draw younger people and families to the area. All candidates agreed. There was also a mention from candidate Stewart to create a committee.
Candidates were also asked about bylaws and red tape. It was mentioned that the bylaw officers don’t fully know the bylaws in the Municipality and that there needs to be more bylaw education; candidates agreed in union. As for Red Tape, candidate Irwin says that it is all higher government regulated, but he would really consider fighting to have it back to local regulations, despite some head shakes from acclaimed seats.
Arlene Morell, a candidate for the Thames Valley District School Board of Education was also present. She currently sits as the TVDSB Board member and was in a board meeting at the beginning of the evening, but did join candidates after it was finished. She was the only School Board member in attendance and is looking for another term. Her passion and determination for education in Middlesex was very apparent.
written by: K. Close