Seeking a Mayor with Gusto and Smarts

While we are still waiting to learn about the number of councillors that will run in the 2016 election, it's now official that Kings County residents will elect a Mayor. This will end a 137-years history of Wardens having leadership responsibility for our rural municipality. 

Residents in large numbers recognized that the election of a Mayor held the promise of greatly improved governance and increased opportunities when hundreds were polled on the topic last fall. 

I think we are all very aware that those things that place all of our futures at some risk must be addressed sooner rather than later. Top of my hit list is our ageing population and a sluggish economy. These two problems are inter-related. 

I hope prospective Mayors for the county will bring strong platforms forward (and also insist that the required “bling” will be modest and locally produced).

Residents are now set to mark two ballots, and I fully support that.

But should we be marking two ballots?

1. A vote for a district councillor
2. A vote for a Mayor.

Or should we be marking three ballots? I would like to add a plebiscite question and seek a yes or no answer. Something like: 

3. Do you support conducting a study to determine if a regional government would serve residents more effectively and efficiently than four sets of governments?

The county currently has three town councils, and a county council. The goal is cooperation on development and other initiatives. But that isn't always the result as each government vies to increase development and tax revenues.

Ivany says: “It's now or never” and that municipal government must be streamlined. Let's get out there and get ourselves a Mayor with the gusto and smarts to help us find solutions together.

Please do not hesitate to be in touch if you have questions or concerns. 902.670.2949.