TimminsToday asked all candidates questions ahead of the Oct. 24 municipal election. Below are the responses from mayoral candidate Joe Campbell.
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?
There are many factors that affect whether an individual, or business, decides to make Timmins their home. In the case of a business, they have identified Timmins as a viable market and in the case of individuals, good-paying jobs probably lead the list.
Since the business, or individual may have other locations to consider, there are many factors that will play in the decision to come to Timmins. Affordable housing, educational opportunities, health care, recreation facilities, entertainment, an environment where they will be comfortable raising a family and the crime rate will all play a role. Job flexibility and a feeling where all are welcomed to the community are also big factors.
Since housing will be the biggest initial expense in choosing a municipality for relocation, it’s imperative that affordable single-family homes or rental accommodations be available. Working with developers to ensure the availability of this type of housing is essential. Some municipalities are offering to waive the development fee for a period of time and offering service lots at a premium to build a wide range of housing.
Crime is another important factor that will play in the decision of individuals, and businesses, to choose Timmins. While all communities have a criminal element, newcomers want to be reasonably comfortable that they can go about their lives without fear of being a victim of crime.
Communication and transparency have been identified as a concern by the public and by The Chamber. What does municipal transparency mean to you?
A very basic requirement of a democracy is transparency and communication. The ideal democracy allows for objective public debate based on facts and not misinformation. If subjective views are allowed to dominate the political process, you do not have transparency. Transparency requires the city communicate all its activities, in its entirety, as there are very few occasions that would require going in-camera for discussions. You cannot be selective with what you communicate.
One of the most important processes that should be 100 per cent transparent is the budget. The city’s annual budget is in the range of $150 million. Right now, council only approves a net tax levy budget publicly of $43 million. No matter the source of the revenue, whether it be the tax levy, fees, provincial or federal grants or other sources, it is all taxpayer money. There is only one taxpayer.
The only way to ensure transparency is to have all departments and associations, boards and committees, present at public meetings. Our residents have a right to be informed enough to be engaged as to how the city spends their money. This in no means questions anyone’s ability to prepare a budget but it does hold those accountable.
On two occasions, I submitted eight recommendations to improve the budget process and unfortunately did not receive a seconder to send it to objective debate. Most of these recommendations came from a review of what other municipalities were doing to engage their residents. The city treasurer has indicated that we will be looking at an improved, more transparent, budget process. This is a must.
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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?
The Governor of the Bank of Canada Thursday warned that additional interest rates will be necessary to bring the inflation rate down to the target of 2 per cent. Right now, inflation has hit all Timmins residents, some more than others. Those particularly hit hard are in low-paying jobs, and seniors, but they are not alone. If you are carrying a $400,000 mortgage that is not locked in, every rate increase, is hitting hard.
During COVID 19, many businesses, and individuals, were hit with job losses and closures. Fortunately, the other levels of government stepped up to the plate with programs to soften the blow. The city did increase subsidies to seniors to offset some of the hardships and waived some rental payments in city-owned buildings, but this case is different. COVID 19 didn’t affect everyone but inflation does.
With budget time approaching for the new council, I would recommend that a freeze be implemented on any tax levy increase, water/wastewater fee increase and other fees. In addition, review ways we can additionally assist those at the lower end of the economic scale.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I ran for council eight years ago, because as a resident, I didn’t feel that we were being heard at city hall. From day one, I did not have any personal agenda other than to represent all taxpayers equally and fairly. I am comfortable that I did not compromise that position.
Out on the campaign trail, I have heard many complaints that residents are still not being heard and their concerns are not being addressed. As Mayor, I would ask administration for detailed information about resident complaints, or requests, and the time frame for the response and the actual solution. With that info, we can look at how we can improve the process.
I did not open a campaign office because our plan was to reach out to the residents and go to them with information. We wanted to run a grassroots organization. If anyone wishes a lawn sign, they can call 705-262-8349 or 705-267-3194 and leave a message if necessary. We will deliver one to your location. Or if you wish to talk to me personally, on city matters, use those same numbers.
My entire platform is on Facebook at Joe Campbell
Read Campbell's candidate profile here.
The other mayoral candidates are Michelle Boileau, Joe Campbell and Richard Lafleur.
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.
