Why Vote for BRUCE WEBSTER? |
While campaigning in Rideau/Goulbourn I have listened to many voters who have expressed their dissatisfaction with municipal government. They want better. So do I!
Here is where I stand on several of the issues I have heard:
Governance – City Hall is far too complicated, unresponsive and detached from the general public. We need new ideas and a fresh approach. I am not a professional politician however I am the only new candidate with the experience of community service in this campaign.
Financial – I am a fiscal conservative who believes City services are over-priced. Our administrative costs have more than doubled in ten years crippling the ability to fund basic requirements such as road maintenance and recreational infrastructure. Property taxes have increased by 14% in three years but services to our community have not kept pace. 22% of every tax dollar has subsidized growth related infrastructure while basic city services have declined. I want the opportunity to bring our City spending back to affordable levels, with improved appropriation applied. I agree with the OTAG position of “No new money.”
Transit - I support an enhanced transit system however I am not convinced that bus service should become secondary to light rail. There is too little evidence to support investing billions of dollars in rail. My priority will be to direct our investment to improvement in transit accessibility, comfort, convenience and affordability while reducing environmental impact.
Farm Practices – City Hall creates too much red tape for farmers and rural landowners. I believe in service rather than regulation. We need to solve problems not cause them.
Waste To Energy – I oppose reliance on landfill sites, after having visited other cities where proven technology allows municipal waste to become a fuel source for energy production. Modern cities need to apply modern waste management thinking.
Communities – Our planning approach to growth in Villages fails to respect our sense of community. Needless and rapid expansion requiring more than a hundred million dollars in piped service, for example, is not my priority. I prefer to enhance village sustainability.
My Years of Experience will serve you well:
President – Rural Council of Ottawa-Carleton
2006 to 2010:
The Rural Council of Ottawa-Carleton is a coalition of rural citizens and organizations representing communities, property owners and small business, dedicated to the preservation and protection of rural rights, values, and freedom from unwarranted urban regulation, through education, advocacy and political leverage.
Member – Rural Issues Advisory Committee
2004 to 2010:
The Rural Issues Advisory Committee provides advice and recommendations to the Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee and City Council on issues affecting the rural and farming community of Ottawa. The Advisory Committee assists City Council in its efforts to protect and preserve the rural area; to promote healthy rural communities that contain living, working and recreational opportunities; and to respect the natural environment and resources of our rural areas.
President - Richmond Village Association
2003 to 2010:
The Richmond Village Association represents the interests of Richmond residents. It is proactive on issues concerning its residents, developing consensus and then presenting those viewpoints to the various levels of government.
On October 25th - VOTE for
Experience, Knowledge, Leadership and Rural Values.
Make YOUR vote count:
Vote for Bruce WEBSTER
A Change for the Best
Great platform. Exactly what I needed to hear.
ReplyDelete