HAVELOCK BELMONT METHUEN MAYORAL CANDIDATES DISCUSS ISSUES

VOTERS WILL GO TO THE POLLS OCT. 24 TO SELECT NEW LEADERSHIP FOR TOWNSHIP COUNCIL

We asked Rolf Joss and Jim Martin, both running for the position of mayor in Havelock Belmont Methuen Township, where they stand on key issues for the township. Here's what they had to say:

Q: WORK-FROM-HOME AND BIG CITY AFFORDABILITY IS PUSHING MORE PEOPLE TO CONSIDER RURAL LIVING. WHAT IS NEEDED IN YOUR TOWNSHIP TO ACCOMMODATE THIS?

ROLF JOSS: Our community needs to help facilitate internet availability to allow those able to work from home to do so.

JIM MARTIN: A big factor that people should consider regarding rural living and working from home is we have a lot of areas where we either have no internet or not enough to work from home. This problem has been highlighted during the pandemic and is being addressed in Eastern Ontario with huge investments from all levels of government to improve connectivity.

Q: 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?

ROLF JOSS: Unfortunately, inflation is a fact of life we all must do what we can to ensure our tax dollars are being spent in the most efficient manner, while still providing the necessary services to our residents.

JIM MARTIN: Rising costs are affecting all municipalities and the effects of inflation in both capital and operating expenditures will no doubt be a big part of future budget discussions. New equipment has seen substantial increases to purchases as well as many supply chain shortages. Operating expenses have affected municipalities on everything from fuel to office supplies and equipment which will affect the budgets.

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

ROLF JOSS: A number of issues have been brought to my attention these must be evaluated to determine what is the best issues to move forward with while remaining within our budgetary guidelines.

JIM MARTIN: Havelock Belmont Methuen has been working with Peterborough County to reconstruct George Street. The first phase is scheduled to start in the spring; however, the next council will need to plan for phase 2&3 in the near future. We will need to work with the provincial government to finally tender out the Long

Term Care Home build in Havelock Belmont Methuen. We also have major upgrades and additions coming to our Community Centre as well as upgrades to our sewage treatment plant to support future growth.

Q: WHAT OTHER ISSUE OR ISSUES FACING YOUR TOWNSHIP DO YOU WANT TO ADDRESS AS MAYOR?

ROLF JOSS: Many issues have been brought to my attention by concerned residents. Road maintenance waterways and transfer sites have been a hot topic of discussion, as well as more transparency and information about issues in our community. I would like to have an open forum where people can present their ideas. Each

of these ideas would then be prioritized and addressed publicly as to as to the feasibility and implementation.

JIM MARTIN: Transportation is a large problem for rural areas. We need to work with the Provincial Government to re-establish busing along the Highway 7 corridor between Peterborough and Havelock. We will also need to revisit communications with VIA rail and the federal government to get the rail line between Ottawa and Toronto moving. Affordable housing is also something that needs to be addressed in the next term of council and it will take all levels of government working together to find a solution.