TimminsToday asked all candidates questions ahead of the Oct. 24 municipal election. Below are the responses from Ward 4 (Porcupine/Connaught) candidate Tim Jamieson.
Timmins' population is declining, with another drop reported in the most recent census. What can be done within the municipality's scope to attract and retain new residents?
For our municipality to attract and retain new residents, it needs the basics — safe neighbourhoods, well-maintained roads/infrastructure, public transportation, excellent education, good jobs, cultural opportunities, libraries and leading sports/recreational centres and plenty of housing options. Timmins has a good foundation to build upon in these aspects but must do so strategically while being fiscally responsible.
Communication and transparency have been identified as a concern by the public and by The Chamber. What does municipal transparency mean to you?
Communication and transparency need to come in the form of a push of information from the city to the citizens and businesses. The city also needs to set up a single one-stop shop for citizens needing help and businesses attempting to deal with the city. Customer service delivery expectations need to be established so businesses can get their needs and requirements filled by the city in a fast-tracked manner to promote investments in our community.
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SEE: Advance voting opens Oct. 11
Everyone is feeling the financial impacts of inflation and the cost of living is rising faster than most residents' salary increases. How can the municipality help residents, especially those with a low income or seniors, through this period?
We need to assist people in our community in need and ensure no one loses their home due to rising city taxes and costs of services. Current prices for our city transportation, recreation facilities and other services need to be held and not increased during this period of rising interest.
What do you want voters to know about you?
Thank you for your consideration for Tim Jamieson in Ward 4. I am a strong believer that Timmins must do a better job managing its administration, budgeting and planning processes to give priority to the basic needs of our community, and to promote the social and economic development of the community. Now is the time for change to ensure Timmins remains a robust, thriving community for tomorrow and future generations.
Read Jamieson's candidate profile here.
The other Ward 4 candidates are John Curley and Ken Steinbrunner.
The municipal election is Oct. 24. Advance voting is being done online and runs Oct. 11-24. In-person polls are open on election day.
