Owen Sound Election 2014 Voters Guide - Owen Sound Hub

Owen Sound Election 2014 Voters Guide to Candidates

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Owen Sound Hub asked the 24 municipal election candidates to answer a series of questions for this guide to the Owen Sound Election.

All candidate information in this guide was supplied by the candidates and/or their campaign representatives.

http://owensoundhub.org/


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Meet Your Mayoral Candidates

Deb Haswell Ruth Lovell Stanners

Mike ZimonIan Boddy



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Deb Haswell

• 10 years on City

Council

• 3 years as

City/County

Councillor

• 1 term as Mayor

Ruth Lovell Stanners

• Mayor 2003-2010

• Founding chair of

Residential

Hospice, past chair

Police Board,

GRACE

• 25 years in real

estate

Mike Zimon

• Started 2 Owen

Sound businesses

• Varied industrial

experience locally

• Programmer/

Analyst & 4-time

Dean’s Honour List

Graduate

Ian Boddy

• 22 years operating

a small business

• 4 years on city

council

• Chair and member

of a number of city

committees



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Mayoral Candidates were asked to describe their platform in just 3 words:

WholeNew Plan

IntegrityLeadership

Vision

VisionOpportunity

Collaboration

ChangeUnderstanding

Persistence



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Meet Your Candidates for Deputy Mayor

Arlene WrightDavid Adair



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David Adair

• 11 years on City Council; 8 of these on

County Council

• Warden of Grey County 2010 and 2011

• Owen Sound resident for over 40 years

Arlene Wright

• 5 terms on council

• Chair By-Law, Vice-Chair Library, Rec

& Parks, Culture and Finance

• Downtown merchant for over 10 years



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Deputy Mayor Candidates were asked to describe their platform in just 3 words:

ExperienceIntegrityRecord

IndependentVision

Leadership



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Meet Your City Council Candidates



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John Christie Francesca Dobbyn

• Single parent, activist,

feminist, artist

• 10 yrs not-for-profit

experience, 5 yrs tourism,

various business ventures

• Municipal staff, committee

member and co-chair,

community activist

Travis Dodd

• Raised in Owen Sound &

returned after university

graduation

• Active in community;

currently on Economic

Development Committee

• Youngest candidate,

intent on diversifying

council

Jan Chamberlain

• 4 years experience on

council

• Served on by-law,

library, DIA,

conservation authority

• Operated a private

vocational school for

12 years.

• Accessibility Advisory,

Environmental Waste

Management, Library

Board, Operations,

Planning, Cultural.

• Broadcaster, Professional

Driver, Lay Minister, Writer,

Small Business Operator.



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Scott Greig Marion Koepke Peter Lemon

• Experience on city

council and as a reporter

• Owen Sound Municipal

Non Profit Housing,

Black History Cairn

Committee, Community

Waterfront Heritage

Centre Committee,

Harrison Park100th

Anniversary Committee

Bryan Gibbons

• Opened Runner’s Den in

2006, receiving the

Chamber of Commerce

New Business of the

Year award

• Relocated business in

2013 to expand size of

business by 100%

• On Parks & Recreation

Committee

• Long history of

community involvement

on various community

boards

• Professional Assessor

for 34 years- Real Estate

Broker for 10 yrs

• 26 yrs as municipal

employee, 19 years as

Deputy Clerk & 3 as Clerk

• On Owen Sound Police

Services Board

• Past President of North

Grey Women’s Institute, VP

of Grey County Women’s

Institute, Owen Sound &

Area Senior Centre



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Jim McManamanRob Leonard Colleen Purdon

• Ran for council in 1997

• Served as a member of the

Business Bylaw Regulatory

Committee

• 17 years of community

volunteering. 15 years with

Owen Sound soccer

community.

• 11 years experience on City

Council

• Chair of the Regional

Recreation Centre steering

committee

• Owen Sound Minor Soccer-

Past President & Executive

Board member since 1987

• 4 years experience on council

• Council committees: 4 yrs as

Council rep. on the DIA; 3 yrs

on Bylaw Committee; Chair of

Harrison Park 100th Anniversary

Celebration; Coordinator of the

Owen Sound - Orillia First

Impressions project; experience on

8 other committees.



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Bill TwaddleRichard Thomas

• 17 yrs experience on council

• Chair Operations, Planning

and Heritage and Waste

Water Treatment Plant ad

hoc committee

• Former journalist, former

weekly newspaper owner,

now fundraiser for Alzheimer

Society of Grey-Bruce

• 11 years on Library Board, 7

as Chair

• President of the Community

Waterfront Heritage Centre

which saved the Marine and

Rail Museum

• Member of the Owen Sound

Hospital Board and longtime

hospital volunteer

We did not receive responses from:

• Bobby Gillespie,• Steve Hencze,• Michael Helm,• Brian O’Leary,• or Robin Paul.



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City Council Candidates were asked to describe their platform in just 3 words:

PositiveFriendly

Hard Worker

IntegrityTransparency

Trust

AuthenticGrounded

Compassionate

ProactiveEnergeticDedicated

IntegrityDecisive

Committed

CommitmentEnergeticIntegrity

HardworkingSincere

Dedicated



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City Council Candidates were asked to describe their platform in just 3 words:

HonestyCommitmentTeam Player

ListensCreativeIntegrity

ExperienceDedicationLeadership

EnergyExperienceExpertise

CreativeCollaborative

Innovative

ListensCreativeIntegrity

(We did not receive responses from Bobby Gillespie, Steve Hencze, Michael Helm, Brian O’Leary or Robin Paul.)



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Candidates were asked to choose their top 5 priorities

from the list provided.



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This issue… Is one of top 5 priorities for these candidates:

Harbour development

Minor sports & activities for youth

Youth employment

Employment in general

Availability of public transit

Top Priorities



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This issue… Is one of top 5 priorities for these candidates:

Building our reputation in tourism

Reducing city expenditures

Lobbying the province for funding

Working with neighbouring

municipalities to regionalize services

Promoting Owen Sound to retirees

Top Priorities



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Issue One of top 5 priorities for these candidates:

Reducing red tape & challenges for

new & existing businesses

Reducing emergency services costs

Attracting developers to the city

Low cost, high speed internet for all

residents and businesses

Top Priorities



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Candidates were asked to answer five Yes or No questions.

Each was allowed a short explanation if they did not feel either Yes or No was an appropriate response.

Where a candidate explained without also clearly indicating Yes or No, their photo is under Unsure/Did Not Answer Yes or No and their

explanations follow each chart. Yes/No answers may also have an explanation.

Where no response was received, the candidate does not appear in the chart.



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Do you support, in theory, the idea of Owen Sound transitioning from a full-time to a composite fire service, if possible?

YES NOUnsure/It Depends

(see next section)



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On transitioning to a composite fire service…

“The city is currently scheduled to appear before the arbitration

board in February. I support looking into any and all possible

opportunity to reduce fire services costs.” ~ Deb Haswell

“Need to think much more regionally than that. A County wide fire

service like Chatham-Kent, reduce everyone’s fire costs and

increasing safety.”

~ David Adair

“I do not support a Composite Fire Model, unless it is prompted by

an expansion of response area for City Fire. Taxpayer savings

would be offset by higher insurance premiums.” ~ John Christie



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“Yes, in theory, I would rather see an agreement with neighboring

municipalities to help reduce the financial stress for all parties.”

~ Travis Dodd

“In principle, maybe, but not without more investigation. My research

indicates little savings and higher insurance costs. Other councils have

not been convinced and problem is not new. Red flag?” ~ Bryan Gibbons

“I support the theory of O.S. transitioning from a full time to composite fire

service. Current costs are not sustainable for taxpayers with the province

partly to blame.” ~ Scott Greig



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“I would only be willing to do this if the potential effects this would

have on the residents is determined and we would not jeopardize the

safety of our community.” ~ Marion Koepke

“Yes provided the new system will provide good fire protection to

City residents and consideration be given to grandfathering

existing positions.” ~ Peter Lemon

“A composite fire service, combining with the Inter Township

Department or even more regionally across the entire County is worth

exploring. Any model that ensures public safety and is cost effective

has my support.” ~ Jim McManaman

“Yes with a regional approach.” ~ Colleen Purdon



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Do you believe Owen Sound’s harbour should be divested to a third party owner?


(see next section)



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On the harbour being divested from the federal government to a third-party owner rather than the city of Owen Sound…

“Yes, provided, public access is always maintained.” ~ Deb Haswell

“The city should pursue ownership if cost and operations are feasible.”

~ Ruth Lovell Stanners

“The harbour is owned by the Federal government. The City has a

stake in the harbour but would not want to stand in the way of private

development.” ~ David Adair

“I want to see harbour dredging and divestiture DONE, whichever

way it happens. City ownership is likely best.” ~ John Christie



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“There are too many variables for this to be a yes-no answer, the

harbour is extremely important and all parties need to be at the table:

city, federal government, private interests.” ~ Francesca Dobbyn

“The City isn’t in a position to take on the financial implications of a

harbour, nor do we have the expertise to manage an active harbor.”

~ Travis Dodd

“No, just too expensive to maintain. Federal Responsibility,

navigable water way. It is our life blood and Ottawa says no way.

Maybe need to rethink support ?” ~ Bryan Gibbons

“I believe in mixed usage for our harbour. Owen Sound does not

have the resources or expertise for management of the harbour.”

~ Scott Greig



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“If we could divest only portions of the harbour to make it a viable

venture for our economy I would be in favour.” ~ Marion Koepke

“I believe it can be done with the City having partners with the skills

we lack.” ~ Peter Lemon

“I believe that Owen Sound’s Harbour should continue to be owned

and operated by the Federal government. If that isn’t possible,

divesture should only occur with the key principles the City has

outlined to the Federal government.” ~ Jim McManaman



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“Yes, if the third party is not for profit organization. The harbour and

harbour lands should remain publicly owned. I would like to see a

harbour authority run the harbour.” ~ Colleen Purdon

“If the City is unable to do so, yes.”

~ Richard Thomas

“Preferably no, I believe it should remain federal. Unfortunately the

long-term liability for the city to take ownership (multi-millions of

dollars) is not something our taxpayers can afford.” ~ Bill Twaddle



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Do you support the maintenance or expansion of our current transit system?


(see next section)



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On maintenance or expansion of our transit service…

“I support the maintenance of our current transit system.” ~ Ian Boddy

“I support the expansion of our transit system.” ~ Ruth Lovell Stanners

“I have always supported good and better transit for the city and now

the region, and my record shows it.” ~ John Christie

“I believe in the maintenance of our current transit system, the

system is essential for individuals from all generations within the

community.” ~ Travis Dodd



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“I believe that increasing usage of the transit system is vital. Small

changes such as going to the Grey County Mall meet customer’s

expectations and requests.” ~ Scott Greig

“We need to have in place an economical business plan for transit

service so it is a viable service and not let it become a burden on the

taxpayers.” ~ Marion Koepke

“Yes and grow the system going to the Sunset Strip” ~ Peter Lemon



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“Yes, and we need regional transit, and better transit links to urban

communities to the south as well.” ~ Colleen Purdon

“The transit system is essential to many and must be maintained.

But I also firmly believe cost saving measures can make the service

more financially viable for the City taxpayer.” ~ Jim McManaman



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Do you believe the City of Owen Sound is a friendly environment for new and existing business?


(see next section)



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On Owen Sound’s business-friendliness…

“We can always do more to streamline approvals process.”

~ Deb Haswell

“Yes but can always be improved.” ~ David Adair

“No, Owen Sound has not been as open to, and for business as it

needs to be. We have a shoddy reputation, and we need to fix it.”

~ John Christie

“There seems to be distrust amongst the business community and

the City. The City has a bad rapport with some of the large

development companies from past projects.” ~ Travis Dodd



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“Some improvement needed but that works two ways. No regulation creates

chaos. Too much stagnates growth. The middle ground needs to be found.

Remember, respect is an earned commodity.” ~ Bryan Gibbons

“The current state of Owen Sound is not as customer friendly as it

needs to be. There is a lack of comprehension how efficient and more

streamlined that city hall must become to receive new investment.”

~ Scott Greig

“Owen Sound needs to look at the type of business it wants to attract

to be sustainable and focus on more remote technically based

businesses, small manufacturing and small business.”

~ Marion Koepke

“We must become a say yes community” ~ Peter Lemon



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“City Hall must always strive to improve its development process to be

encourage more investment. I believe Council’s role is to create a climate

which allows business to grow and prosper. We must grow the tax base.”

~ Jim McManaman

“We need to do more outreach and attract newcomers, new

Canadians, young entrepreneurs, and be a more dynamic,

supportive and welcoming city.”

~ Colleen Purdon

“YES but there is always room for improvement.”

~ Bill Twaddle



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Do you support the Tom Thomson Art Gallery’s plan to incorporate as a not-for-profit entity separate from the city?


(see next section)



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On supporting the Tom Thomson’s plan to separate from the city to become a not-for-profit corporation…

“I support all our institutions achieving maximum potential as long as

all conditions can be met.” ~ Ian Boddy

“This will allow the gallery more funding opportunities and reduce

the financial support needed from the city.” ~ Deb Haswell

“This is quite possibly a good idea, but I would want clarity around

ownership of paintings and city’s expected contribution, as well as a

business plan and legal advice.” ~ Ruth Lovell Stanners

“I support all departments of the City exploring new and innovative ways

of doing business. I support the Gallery investigating this.” ~ David Adair



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“I believe it is a good idea but I need more and better information.”

~ Arlene Wright

“I cannot answer to the Art Gallery issue until more is known. In

principle, it sounds good, but it is early.” ~ John Christie

“While I believe the intention has merit, the process and the outstanding

questions of ownership, consultation with the Gallery membership as

well as future plans have not been clear, more information and

consultation with the community is needed.”

~ Francesca Dobbyn



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“There are clarification issues that need to be resolved regarding

ownership and the amount of funding from the City, but I do support

the notion to expand the gallery.” ~ Travis Dodd

“Further information relating to finance and the collection is needed.

Membership wants control but continued support. How does that

work? Sounds like a good idea but is it sustainable?”

~ Bryan Gibbons

“I believe that the plan for incorporation has involved smart and

educated contributors who have provided valuable research for

consideration. Utilizing that I support the direction provided.”

~ Scott Greig



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“I will need more information on this matter and would only be in

favour if this move will benefit the gallery and Owen Sound will not be

losing one of its assets.” ~ Marion Koepke

“Council approved ‘in principle’ the gallery board investigating

further the idea, based on several core principles. It could become

much more successful, so I am in favour of investigation and

consultation with public.” ~ Jim McManaman

“Yes as long as there is a strong partnership agreement with the City.”

~ Colleen Purdon



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“Possibly. It may be the best idea moving forward, but the Gallery has

been unable to communicate effectively to garner the kind of public

support it will require to proceed.” ~ Richard Thomas

“YES, providing the principles established by council can all be met.”

~ Bill Twaddle



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Information for Voters

You can vote in the City of Owen Sound municipal election if you are:

• a Canadian citizen, and

• at least 18 years old, and

• a resident of the City of Owen Sound, or

• a non-resident owner or tenant of land in the City of Owen Sound, or their

spouse, and

• not prohibited from voting under any law.

Are you on the Voter’s List? Check online at the City of Owen Sound website.

See all Acceptable Documents for Voter Identification here.


https://www.owensound.ca/owen-sound-election-2014-am-i-list

https://www.owensound.ca/sites/default/files/election/Identification - Acceptable Forms.pdf


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Where to Vote

For the 2014 municipal election the City of Owen Sound will have 5 full day Voting Locations

in addition to specialty polls, which will be set up at retirement homes and long-term care

facilities in the city.

The five voting locations for Voting Day are:

• Royal Canadian Legion, 1450 2nd Avenue West

• Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, 1900 3rd Avenue East

• First Christian Reformed Church, 201 4th Avenue West

• Alliance Church, 440 7th Avenue East

• Owen Sound & North Grey Union Library, 824 1st Ave West

The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre will have additional technology features

which will allow persons with disabilities to vote independently.

(from the City of Owen Sound website)



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The Fluoride Plebiscite

This year, voters in the City of Owen Sound will be asked to vote on whether the city

should discontinue the practice of adding fluoride to the public water supply.

There has been confusion over the way the question is phrased on the ballot, which is:

“Are you in favour of the discontinuation of fluoride

in the municipal drinking water?”

If you vote ‘Yes,’ you are telling the city to stop fluoridating the water.

If you vote ‘No,’ you are telling the city to continue fluoridating the water.

At least 50% of voters must answer the question for the vote to be binding. Answering the

fluoride question is not mandatory.



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