TimminsToday asked all candidates questions ahead of the Oct. 24 municipal election. Below is the responses from Ward 4 (Porcupine/Connaught) candidate Ken Steinbrunner.
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?
Population within our city is dependent on many things. Employment comes to mind first and foremost.
In my opinion, the best thing for workers is good-paying jobs. With job security. This would provide long-term confidence for people to move here and stay here.
Also, amenities. Things to do. Parks and recreation, our wonderful outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling etc.
These things make our city attractive to people looking for work and for play.
With more solid employment opportunities and the expansion of recreational opportunities, our city is an excellent place to work and play.
Communication and transparency have been identified as a concern by the public and by The Chamber. What does municipal transparency mean to you?
Municipal transparency means that whatever the city is doing and whatever taxpayers dollars are used for should be under the governance of council and reportable to the public in general.
There are always some exceptions for in-camera discussions but those must limited and scrutinized to make sure only those matters that meet proper criteria are dealt with out of public view. The city would fall under either the provincial Ombudsman or a contracted Ombudsman to ensure of the integrity of this process.
RELATED: 'We’re already in a crisis': Doc shortage top priority for group
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 inflation that we are seeing was not on anyone's radar. The province predicted a nominal rate of 1.7-2.0. Which has been consistent for many years. It was over 7 per cent.
The province reported a surplus of over $2 billion this year due to less spending and much higher revenue. More than $30 billion more in revenue.
I think lobbying for the release of this money to help lower-income individuals would be of benefit as we all struggle with higher costs of living.
I also believe the city should lobby the federal government to look into price gouging by the three big food chains and big oil as their profits are unprecedented.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I would like voters to know that the council chambers will see a change this year.
I’d like to be part of that. I’m a long-time public servant, proud of the work we all do and I’m asking for the privilege of sitting on our city council to make sure the city serves its residents. To make sure that transparency is delivered and our city thrives.
I care about this city and I want to help.
Read Steinbrunner's candidate profile here.
The other Ward 4 candidates are John Curley and Tim Jamieson.
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.
