You're telling me!
I have met and talked with many hundreds of Wilmot residents in this election campaign. I've learned a lot about the issues and concerns that matter to you.
I have been encouraged to learn that some of the things that are most important to you are the very reasons I got into this race for mayor in the first place. For example, you have told me that:
- You love your home communities, and don't want to see them changed by a tidal wave of Region-approved development.
- You believe that Wilmot needs strong, effective leadership at the local and regional level.
- You want local leaders who will listen to you, and who will take your concerns seriously.
- You do not want more tax hikes.
I could not agree more. I am deeply concerned that the Regional Plan calls for 6,000 new residents in New Hamburg and Baden over the next fifteen years or so. This is something that has to be reassessed, in order to protect the healthy communities we now enjoy, and in some cases, to give us a chance to rebuild community social infrastructure to ensure that our towns and villages do not become merely bedroom communities, extensions of the big city. Growth is not always bad; but unbalanced growth can destroy communities.
I am also committed to listening, and to build communication right into our government system. When I am elected mayor, I will set up community advisory boards in each Wilmot community; groups that will meet with the mayor and councillors on a regular basis to share the concerns of your communities. Similar groups will also be established for heritage issues, minor sports and seniors' concerns.
I have also heard many other comments and concerns, as I have knocked on your doors, met you in your homes, and attended many events and meetings in all the communities of this township. You have told me that:
- You are concerned that government is not concerned enough about our farming community.
- You believe we need more effective recreational and sports programming in our sports facilities.
- You are deeply concerned about the quality of our water, the kind of chemicals added to our water supply, and the lowering of our water table through water-taking by the region.
- You want Wilmot to attract environmentally friendly industry.
- You are concerned about road safety in our communities.
- You want bike and walking paths; and near the Recreation Centre, you would like them to lead from New Hamburg to that facility.
I share your concerns, and will seek to find solutions to each of these problems and challenges.
There are issues specific to parts of our township that are of vital importance to the residents of that area. For example:
- In the condominium communities, there is concern that you are paying twice for some services. We need to find an equitable solution.
- In Baden, you need a meeting place for local youth groups. We need, first of all, some answers about Beck Hall.
- In New Dundee, you are concerned about the loss of fire hydrants.
- In New Hamburg, you want to see council explore solutions to Nith
River Flooding.
- In Mannheim, you need council to help protect against assimilation by Kitchener; and you long for a mayor and council who will listen to your concerns.
- In the west end of the township, you know council should stand stronger against the provincial plans to change Highway 7&8.
- Across the township, people concerned with heritage issues are calling for a recommitment to volunteer involvement.
- Across the township, there are concerns about bylaw enforcement.
Again, I agree that each and every one of these concerns is valid, and each demands our attention. There are many more, and I am sure I will hear more as I visit more and more homes, meetings and events.
If you have a concern, tell me, or email through this website. If you want these concerns to be taken seriously, please support my candidacy for mayor when you vote, October 25. |
