Into the Home Stretch

Hoping Ward 1 and all Ajax residents enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving long weekend.

It was interesting speaking with electors during the last several days, discussing issues and promoting my candidacy. I like canvassing. And in particular, enjoy those discussions leading ultimately, to a decision to support of my candidacy.

With just under two weeks left until polling day, my aim, clearly, is to offer up a choice to voters by making a convincing case based on:

• Real experience in the working world that includes the financial management of public funds; project management and due diligence; costing out and contracting based upon those principles of value for taxpayers’ money and accountability.

• Communicating complex proposals and projects to simple terms.

• Finding, or creating solutions through consensus and negotiation.

• An understanding of municipal tax structures and public spending, and ultimately, the financial and social costs to families living in Ajax today.

I understand that some of my opponents take issue with my position to target a zero % tax increase. But I also understand the changing face of Ajax where more and more taxpayers are required to stretch their family budgets even further to meet their financial requirements.

Aiming for a zero percent tax increase doesn’t mean taxes will vanish. It means buying some time to take a long, hard look at the Town’s spending; holding the line on incurring more debt until we can find new sources of business tax revenue.

That said, small and medium-sized business are struggling too under the weight of local taxes, rising administrative costs, regulatory obligations and insurance costs.

It will be interesting this year to see the composition of the next Town Council.