| Why are you running in the election? |
No one knows what issues will dominate the attention of the new Council. What we do know is that experience in governing may prove to be very important. I am seeking a second term because I believe that both the technical and procedural knowledge I gained in my first term will enable me to be a more effective Councillor in a second term if I am elected. |
| How have you been involved in the community over the years? |
I have been an active volunteer all my life, and I brought that same ethic with me when I moved to Goderich in 2003. Over the past 23 years, I have been an active volunteer, and played a variety of roles, in the following organizations: Alexandra and Marine General Hospital Foundation, Celtic Festival Site Setup Crew, Goderich Little Theatre, Lake Huron Coastal Centre, Maitland Trail Association, and the Maitland Conservation Foundation. I was also a regular blood donor since high school, and over the years I made 123 donations. |
| Why should constituents vote for you? |
I don't think anybody should vote for me. However, I do encourage anyone who wants to see Goderich Town Council continue to work as it has done over the past four years (that is, seriously, collaboratively, respectively, and courageously) to consider voting for me. |
| What sets you apart from the other candidates? |
I expect my wide range of interests and work experiences set me apart from others in the field. Because of this, I find myself interested in just about everything the Town does for its residents, and in the systems it employs to deliver those services. |
| What are the three highest priority local issues you would like to focus on if you were elected? ? |
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| How would you attempt to remedy these issues? |
If Goderich elects a Mayor who is willing to use Strong Mayor powers to override the majority will of Council, I would resist these moves strongly and I will do my best to alert residents to this attack on our 150-year-old tradition of majority-rule government in Goderich. On the financial issue, I will continue to speak up for the interests of the next generation who deserve to be handed town reserves that have been well funded by the people enjoying the benefits of the Town's infrastructure now. Finally, I will continue to promote the idea of improving the Town's website to make it more user-friendly. I will also continue to question the wisdom of using American-owned social media platforms as the primary means of communicating with residents.
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| If elected, is there anything in particular you'd like to accomplish over the next four years? |
If I am re-elected, my primary goal will be to do what I can to maintain the spirit of respect, collaboration, and hard work that the current Council has displayed over the past four years. In these uncertain times, no one really knows what difficult issues will arise and require some difficult decision-making by the new Council. These are things we can't control. What we can control is our willingness to work together with respect.
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| If elected, what would you put on the agenda first? |
I believe the massive deficit in the Town's asset and infrastructure repair and replacement reserves is the most serious issue facing the Town today.
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| Tell us a bit about yourself and your background (education, career, family life) |
I met my wife Beth Ross in 2002, and moved to Goderich in 2003. We married in 2007. For most of my working life,
I worked as a researcher and reporter in a variety of settings, most recently
as a rural economic development researcher here in Huron County.
In addition to my work on Town Council, I also work as an Employment
Coach and Counsellor. My formal education includes degrees in Economics(1972),
Environmental Studies (1992), and Education (1998). As a young man, I also earned certificates
of competence in Bicycle Mechanics and General Carpentry. |
| What previous political experience do you have (if applicable)? |
My most significant political experience is obviously as a Councillor on Goderich Town Council. This was my first serious involvement with municipal politics. Over the past forty years, I have worked a volunteer in many provincial and federal elections, and at one time or another I have been a member of all three mainstream political parties (Liberal, Progressive Conservative, and NDP). |
| What are your values, and values/priorities within this community? |
What I most value about Goderich as a place to live and flourish are the opportunities it provides residents old and new to get involved with its many volunteer-led organizations, and through that involvement to make a meaningful contribution to the well-being of the Town and its residents. This spirit of openness and acceptance of difference makes Goderich a very attractive place to live. As a Councillor, I seek to embody that same spirit of openness, acceptance, and willingness to serve my community.
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| What are some of the best places/spots in town that you like to spend your time? |
I’m a homebody so naturally I like to spend my time at home reading, making meals, talking to friends, and walking our dog. But it’s also great to get outside, hiking the Maitland Trail and doing my duty as a Trail Ranger. We like to support the arts, so you’ll often see us at the Goderich Little Theatre, helping with Box Office or seeing a show. Every August, you’ll find me at Harbour Park helping the Celtic Festival Setup Crew transform the park into a small village for a few days. Most Saturday mornings in the summer, I’ll be up at the Farmer’s Market. Finally, you’ll often find me going into or coming out of the Goderich Public Library.
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| How can I reach you if I have more questions? |
Call me: 519 524-8144 Send me an email: johnt@hurontel.on.ca |
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