NORTH GLENGARRY, Ontario – Jamie MacDonald has decided to run for Mayor of North Glengarry after serving as the Deputy Mayor for the last six years. Prior to his current role, he acted as the Alexandria Ward representative for six years.
“I think I have lots to offer as Mayor,” said MacDonald. “I think I have great leadership qualities and there are still a lot of things that I want to accomplish on council.”
MacDonald is excited to continue the Maxville Water Project, which he thinks is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in North Glengarry’s history. Similarly, he is looking forward to upgrading the lagoon in Alexandria. He says that the project is moving swiftly and successfully thus fair, and it is staying on budget.
MacDonald acknowledges that North Glengarry’s population has been dropping over the past few years, according to Census surveys.
“We’re hoping to turn that around with new growth,” said MacDonald. “We feel that once Maxville has got water, we will be in prime for growth along that corridor.”
MacDonald is also hopeful to continue with the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) if he were to be elected as Mayor.
“We have a whole bunch of projects being applied for in the hamlet of Glen Robertson, and we have some in the other small hamlets that have come forward for information,” said MacDonald. “I think it’s great. There’s a lot of history in some of these buildings and we are revitalizing our downtown. I think it’s one of our biggest successes of the last term.”
Growing the municipality’s tax base is important to MacDonald, as is maintaining roads and infrastructure. MacDonald is hoping for more support from the federal and provincial government to be able to continue with these upgrading projects. Working closely and openly with the public and council members is also a priority.
“I just hope to lead a transparent council,” said MacDonald. “We will never always agree on everything, but (I hope for) a council that will work together to bring any project to fruition, ie that community plan. Council was on board with it, we invested some big dollars into it and it’s worked for us. But you can’t do that if you’re not willing to work together.”
