Why I am running for re-election to Pelham Town Council
I have a deep and long established commitment to Pelham. My connection to the town goes back over 55 years, when I moved to Fenwick with my family, which was still in the process of immigrating from their war-affected country, when my father took an engineering job at Atlas Steels.
I was educated locally, and after a 30 year career in industry which started in the area and continued elsewhere in Canada and abroad, I chose to return here, to purchase our family home from my parents, and to make a living in semi-retirement from the investment that I made here.
So my first and most powerful motivation for running for council in the Ward 11 by-election in 2011 was to make a contribution, to make a difference, to give back to my home. I felt that I had the time, energy, interest and some personal resources to contribute to the town, and a personal belief that public service was a privilege and a duty. I believed that in a democracy, those who can contribute to public service should. This was my time to do what I can in terms of civic duty.
I continue to have these motivations and views. If anything, the reality of actually representing Ward 1 on a Council of hard working, intelligent, selfless, fearless individuals committed to the common goal of the common good has been a pleasure and an honour. This is good work to do, important to do right, often demanding and challenging, but with the satisfaction of accomplishment of making progress. One term has taught me a lot and I know that I can be even more effective in a second term if I am again entrusted with the votes of Ward 1 residents in October of 2014.
I have an interest in seeing Pelham develop economically to position itself going forward. Pelham is a marvellous place in which to live, and, with our climate, location, temperament, will continue to be. I want to see a Pelham in which we can do more than just live here. I want to see a town in which we can work, socialize, play, learn, shop, have more access to the elements of a full life without having to overcome the impediments of cost and distance.
Many of these goals will be progressed in the development of the commercial aspects of East Fonthill, with its emphasis on seniors accommodation, support, and services.
I want to see the positive elements of the residential design of East Fonthill brought to the East Fenwick secondary plan, which will be an important work element of the coming term. I want to preserve our essentially rural, quiet, village character that we appreciate so much, and I believe that "downtown" Fenwick can be a great source of amenities and support for the residents that will be attracted by the new development of the years to come.
I want to continue my work as Pelham's representative on the Niagara Central Airport Commission. This airport is in many ways our best kept secret. In the last term, I was instrumental in the effort to change the airport's governance model and to open it up for business. The airport, home of flight enthusiasts, pilot training, and an Air Cadet Wing, has become an important skydiving center in the region, has increased the number of aircraft calling it home, new hangars have been constructed, and new industry will be operating there within the next year. A recent study predicts substantial economic impact on the town and the region in the decade to come. This means jobs, and more jobs in Pelham and immediate area means more reasons for people of all ages and backgrounds to make their homes here.
Apart from economic development, I am concerned about the increase in flood events and water flow issues in the rural parts or our town, most of which are located in Ward 1. Increased development has increased the amount of water reaching our storm sewers and ditches, and reduced farming by landowners has had an impact on the maintenance of water courses. This added to the apparent increases in spring snow melt and rain during shorter, more violent storms has all contributed to the flooding that we have seen over the past year and more. I want to help the town develop an effective strategy to avoid flooding into the future.
I am running for re-election to Pelham Town Council because I love my town: it's a great town with values to protect and preserve, but with potential for a long and successful future. I believe I can help get us there without losing what we cherish so much. I hope I can have your vote on October 27.
