5 QUESTIONS FOR MAYORAL CANDIDATE PAT DUNN

CURRENT WARD 5 COUNCILLOR PAT DUNN IS RUNNING FOR THE POSITION OF MAYOR IN THE UPCOMING 2022 CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES MUNICIPAL ELECTION

WORK-FROM-HOME AND BIG CITY AFFORDABILITY IS PUSHING MORE PEOPLE TO CONSIDER RURAL LIVING. WHAT IS NEEDED IN KAWARTHA LAKES TO ACCOMMODATE THIS?

The biggest issue will be access to high speed internet. The City can help with speedy approval of tower applications but the provision of service is still a private industry decision.

RISING COSTS (INFLATION/ PANDEMIC FALLOUT) BROUGHT NEW PRESSURES TO MUNICIPALITIES,

BUT ALSO TO TAXPAYERS. HOW DO YOU SEE THAT AFFECTING MUNICIPAL TAX LEVIES IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS?

This is a bellwether election. Citizens can elect a government that is looking for cost savings and pulling back on some large infrastructure programs until projected growth kicks in and helps share the costs. The recommended 4.5% per annum tax increase for the next 5 years and increasing the debt limit is totally unacceptable.

ARE THERE ANY CONSIDERABLE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE COUNCIL TACKLE IN THE COMING TERM?

I would like to see Council finally resolve the second crossing in the Fenelon Falls area. While I am reluctant to call a crossing north of Rosedale a Fenelon Falls crossing, we need to put the issue to bed. The Coboconk Area has done a tremendous job of raising money locally for a Medical Centre. (1 million dollars plus to date). I'd like to see it built.

HOW CAN COUNCIL BETTER WORK TO ADDRESS A LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS IN KAWARTHA LAKES?

Just for clarification, I define affordable housing as housing that generally has some form of government assistance attached. Without massive senior government assistance Kawartha Lakes will struggle to meet their affordable housing goals. Attainable housing is housing that people can afford to buy. Our new developers are helping by agreeing to

build some smaller homes for people trying to enter the market.

WHAT OTHER ISSUE OR ISSUES FACING KAWARTHA LAKES DO YOU WANT TO ADDRESS AS

MAYOR?

Manage growth so those that are already here don't feel like they are being pushed out by those coming to our wonderful City. Better communication between City staff and citizens. So many of the calls I receive start with, "I called the City and no one got back to me." Manage our finances so that our taxes and debt are at a reasonable level.

To find out more about what Pat Dunn stands on issues that matter to you, contact him directly at 705341-4876 or patdunnformayor@gmail.com.

Pat Dunn is running for the position of mayor in the upcoming 2022 City of Kawartha Lakes municipal election alongside Kathleen Seymour-fagan, Doug Elmslie, William Denby, Faye Mcgee and Jim Riches.