The following are the survey questions presented to all the Township of Scugog municipal election candidates by Brandon Clark of The Standard newspaper, and my answers to same.
1. Port Perry Fairgrounds - what should happen to the property?
I believe the Fairgrounds should remain a community asset while finding ways for it to serve residents year-round. I don’t think we need to choose between preserving its role as a fairground and creating additional recreation and community opportunities.
I support the visioning work because I think it’s important to consider the future of the property, but a vision isn’t a commitment to spend money. Before moving forward, I want to know what residents want, what the options will cost, how they would be funded, and what the ongoing costs are.
We have a valuable 23-acre property. Let’s make sure we get it right.
2. Taxes and affordability - where would you draw the line?
I don’t think it’s responsible to promise that taxes will never increase. We have infrastructure and services that need to be maintained, and those things cost money.
Where I draw the line is asking residents to pay more without first making sure we’re spending what we already have responsibly.
I would prioritize essential services, look for efficiencies in discretionary spending, and make sure capital projects are being prioritized based on need and long-term value.
Residents deserve to know where their tax dollars are going and why we’re spending them.
3. Growth, development and infrastructure - how much is enough?
I’m not opposed to growth. I want smart growth.
Development should not outpace our ability to provide roads, water, wastewater, parks, recreation, and other services.
I would want infrastructure capacity considered alongside the timing and scale of development, rather than treating them as separate issues. There are provincial and Regional policies that limit what the Township can control, but Council still has a responsibility to advocate for Scugog.
Growth can be positive. Growth without a plan is where I have concerns.
4. Rural Scugog - how will you balance the needs of the entire township?
Scugog is much more than Port Perry, and rural residents deserve a strong voice.
Roads, bridges, drainage, infrastructure, emergency services, and community facilities are important priorities for our rural communities and hamlets. Decisions should be based on need, condition, safety and risk - not simply population.
I would also like to see better communication about rural projects and priorities.
Fairness doesn’t mean every community gets exactly the same investment. It means every community gets the attention it deserves.
5. Your first-year priorities - what will voters actually see?
My three priorities would be communication and transparency, responsible spending, and smart growth.
For communication, I would push for clearer information about municipal decisions, projects, and spending. For responsible spending, I would look for efficiencies in discretionary spending and review capital priorities. For smart growth, I would push for development and infrastructure planning to be considered together.
These priorities wouldn’t require creating new programs or adding unnecessary spending. I would address them through the Township’s existing Council, budget, and planning processes, and look for efficiencies where possible.
After one year, residents should be able to see what was promised, what was accomplished, and what still needs to be done.