Commentary
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Commentary ... |
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My only “agenda” is to provide honest, energetic and communicative representation to the residents of Parry Sound - Muskoka. All I can promise is to give 100% effort in trying to accomplish what YOU want.
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I want to re-vitalize municipal councils ...
Since change is inevitable, visionary leadership goes beyond simply trying to reactively manage change to actually influencing change toward a defined desired positive result.
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If we really want more effective government, we need to change the players. “The world hates change, but change is the only thing that has brought progress” – Charles Kettering
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In our evaluation of political candidates, skills, energy, and experience are all important. But so is deciding who is actually interested in hearing and helping people rather than just trying to get, or keep, a job.
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When you hear a lot of 'excuses' and 'can'ts' from government, you know that they have run out of ideas and it is time for change.
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Poor decisions will be made when people fail to put in the energy and effort to fully research and evaluate all aspects pertaining to an issue. People who do not have the ability to cope with issue complexity are more likely to ‘cut corners’.
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When politicians are more focused on protecting their own interests they don't have the time to protect yours.
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To get votes, some politicians initially place being liked over being honest. Then, by making promises that they can never keep, they end up being disliked.
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I'm not interested in joining an 'old boys' club, since it implies the use of self-serving "deals" rather than visionary policy development that is best for the electorate.
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I want to ensure that the quality of our natural environment is maintained ...
We all want to maintain the quality of our environment amidst potential change. This begins with telling government what environment we want, rather than letting government define the environment we will get.
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Does Muskoka need a recreational carrying capacity policy for its lakes? I fully support policies that would limit lakefront development based on lake surface area.
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I want to create stronger relationships with other government levels ...
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We need to be aware of relevant Provincial issues, to build relationships with appropriate politicians and ministry personnel, and to proactively avoid any potential cuts that may result from the change in government at Queen’s Park.
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My recent involvement with provincial politics has helped me to better understand upper tier provincial issues, the players involved, and specifically many of the motivations that will drive the policies of the Provincial Conservative government.
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I want to help enhance municipal government performance ...
We need to develop a growth mindset culture within Municipal Government.
Doing so will enable openness to positive change, transparency, process improvement, and greater collaboration with residents. |
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The most successful organizations adopt a continuous improvement culture. EVERYONE can improve their performance. People who do not see the need to improve never will.
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While appreciating deserved positive comments, top performers thrive on honest and constructive feedback which enables them to further develop their abilities. Since nobody is perfect, nothing will be gained if people are told that they are.
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I support the protection of 'harmless' individual property rights ...
In the absence of a citizen-based Committee of Adjustment, the Archipelago needs to elect Councillors who will respect individual property rights.
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When municipal government shifts away from a “them vrs us” attitude toward a supportive advisory role, residents are more likely to seek staff assistance rather than avoid contact (permitting / variance approval) for fear of request denial, “red tape” and / or higher costs.
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I want to improve two-way communication ...
The most effective communicators adapt to how people want to receive and process information. The largest, most receptive audiences are reached by using the multiple channels that come with advances in technology.
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Why do people delegating at city hall feel they have to thank council members for listening to them?
A Burlington based article applicable to most municipal governments |
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It is unfortunate that too often politicians seem to be most 'active', 'informative' and visible during their election campaigns rather than within their entire term in office.
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Most Public Consultation
is Worthless This is changing in Ontario |
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I want to increase access to quality internet services ...
While it is can be nice to disconnect, we do need increased access to quality internet services
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I want to ensure government fiscal responsibility and accountability ...
Government more often has a spending problem rather than a revenue problem.
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Not an anti-politician |
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It is unrealistic to give shallow promises of lower taxes while expecting to maintain service quality. Any required tax increases should, at most, be in line with inflation, and only be allowed when government has exhausted all attempts to reduce costs.
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Why Ontario municipalities are
struggling to make ends meet While cities are expected to cover a wide range of services, they don’t get much help from other levels of government |
You need to participate ...
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Come back to see additional comments!
Here are a few videos ... |
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Since Municipal Councillors often
sit on the Committee of Adjustment, we need to elect Councillors who support our property rights |
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The benefit of having consecutive term limits in Government:
Increased energy Greater accountability Enhanced Performance |
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My Priorities for Parry Sound - Muskoka
With input from many of our residents (In no particular order ...) 
Please continue to tell me what is important to you ...
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Of Interest ...
