MARTINTOWN, Ontario – The Martintown Goodtimers hosted the second of three South Glengarry Municipal Council Candidate Sessions on Friday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
The jam-packed Martintown Community Centre heard the platform of each trustee, council and deputy mayor candidatesbefore the floor was opened to audience questions.
Several candidates touched on the same, pressing issues faced within the municipality, primarily prioritizing the implementation of cellphone and internet service in the area, more affordable water and sewer rates, and the expansion of natural gas resources.
Almost every individual at the podium voiced their opinion over the poor cellphone and internet coverage in the area but only council candidate Sam McDonell detailed the ongoing process with the federal and provincial governments, stating he would add his voice to express the urgency of the improvement process.
Council candidate Joanne High stated that she believes the huge increase of water rates is a result of poor planning. It was reported in June that some residents saw their bills increase by 34 to 37 per cent. Coun. Trevor Bougie maintained that he was the only vote against this increase.
In July, council candidate Glenn Patton made a presentation to council calling for a temporary moratorium on raising the rate in specific areas of the municipality.
“I see this as a result of poor planning. Things will be done better next time,” said High.
Similar to the concern over cellphone coverage, natural gas expansion was mentioned by almost all candidates. Candidate Stephanie Jaworski emphasized that she would continue to lobby the government for infrastructure improvements, including this expansion.
The issue of insufficient forest cover was also raised by deputy mayor candidate Jacqueline Milner and council candidate Hanz Schulz. Milner raised concerns over how an Environmental Advisory Committee was never formed despite intentions in 2015.
Some audience questions became personal, involving particular salaries of individuals within the community. Others expressed outrage over permits to build in the community and a lack of support for local businesses.
After the brief debate, the public was encouraged to speak to candidates at their respective information tables.
On Oct. 22, South Glengarry can elect one deputy mayor, three councillors and one trustee.
The following is a list of candidates who attended the event:
Deputy Mayor candidates:
Ellery Lafave
Jacqueline Milner
Lyle Warden
Council candidates:
Hanz Schulz
Duncan Wightman
Stephanie Jaworski
Glenn Patton
Trevor Bougie
Jo-Ann Periard
Joanne High
David Small
Martin Lang
Sam McDonell
Trustee candidates:
Marshall Wilson
John Danaher
