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37 candidates seek positions on County council

Thirty-seven candidates have come forward to have their names stand for election to County council in October.

There are three candidates for mayor – following Paul Boyd’s decision to withdraw, and instead run to represent Ameliasburgh.

The cast shows one acclamation – Bill Roberts, for Sophiasburgh.

Mayor Robert Quaiff and councillors Lenny Epstein, Kevin Gale and Treat Hull are not seeking re-election.

From the official list posted July 30, candidates include:

Mayor:
– Steve Ferguson
– Dianne O’Brien
– Richard Whiten

Picton ward:
– Ray Hobson
– Phil St Jean
– Stephanie Bell
– Kate MacNaughton
– Barry Turpin
– Mark Rose

Bloomfield/Hallowell:
– Phil Prinzen
– Gil Leclerc
– Gord Fox
– Brad Nieman

Wellington:
– Jim Dunlop
– Mike Harper
– Brent Kleinsteuber

Ameliasburgh:
– Janice Maynard
– Tim Fellows
– Roy Pennell
– Bill McMahon
– Andreas Bolik
– Paul Boyd
– Michael McLeod
– Terry Shortt

Athol:
– Jamie Forrester
– Bob Rogers
– Nicola Chapman

Sophiasburgh:
– Bill Roberts

Hillier:
– Steve Graham
– Ernest Margetson
– Angie Baldwin

North Marysburgh:
– Stewart Scott Bailey
– David Harrison

South Marysburgh:
– John Hirsch
– Elis Ziegler
– Brian Sword
– Geoff Church

Alison Kelly and Matti Kopamees will challenge incumbent Dwayne Inch for the office of trustee Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board wards 1, 2, 5, 8 and 9.

Jennifer Cobb is unchallenged for representing wards 3, 4, 6 and 7.

Gregory Speagle is unchallenged as trustee for Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board.

Rachel Laforest is unchallenged for trustee, Frontenac, Hastings, Prince Edward and Lennox and Addington French Language Public District School Board.

Diane Burns and Michel Charron are running for the office of trustee, Frontenac, Hastings, Prince Edward and Lennox and Addington French Language Separate District School Board.

Election day is Monday, Oct. 22.

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  1. Chris Keen says:

    Gary, the article I cited mentions these costs, among others, “planning and zoning to police enforcement, and from the regulation of homegrown plants to how to properly compost residential and industrial marijuana plants.” The government has set aside $40 million to help municipalities pay for these and any other costs that might arise. It’s going to cost County taxpayers something, for sure. The article makes it pretty clear that every decision is going to have to be made quickly. When you’re in uncharted territory, a phrase I keep hearing over and over, that’s not a good thing.

  2. Paul Cole says:

    With many tax free dispensaries already established on the Tyendinaga Territory I can’t see shops doing well here.. By the way you can thank John A MacDonald for that (Indian Act)… 😉

  3. Gary Mooney says:

    Chris, how did you come up with a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars?

    People who want to purchase cannabis will want a nearby source — e.g. in Picton or Wellington. If there are no authorized stores, many will purchase from illegal sources rather than make the trip to Belleville or Trenton.

    It’s in the community’s interest to encourage people to purchase from an authorized, regulated source.

    In U.S. states that have previously legalized cannabis, alcohol use has declined significantly. I’ve seen numbers like 15% less. The result is a reduction in adverse effects of alcohol on health, and a reduction in drinking and driving.

  4. Chris Keen says:

    Emily/Mark – I could care less if someone chooses to smoke pot or not! However, the Ontario government is allowing municipalities the option to opt out of allowing cannabis shops. One reason might be the cost to the municipality. Read this and tell me this whole exercise isn’t going to end up costing the County hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s starting to smell like a badly thought out (if at all) fiasco!

    https://globalnews.ca/news/4401810/opting-out-legal-marijuana-cities/

  5. Dennis Fox says:

    Just a response to Chuck’s question… you asked a good question, but don’t forget one other mayoral candidate who has been advertising in three of our local papers since July – welcoming visitors and tourists to PEC. How much does that cost and what is his message to us locals?

    For me, I am far more interested in what these candidates stand for and what they plan to do about some of the real problems facing this community – the size of their signs is not an issue.

  6. Dennis Fox says:

    I don’t know what the regs. are about signs – but I do remember in the last election the very large signs that Treat Hull had – and the one in the vacant lot on Main St. where the church once stood – it was there for months. A far as how much they cost – for me it is not an issue, provided that the candidate stays within their spending limit. If you believe that any candidate is violating the rules, then contact Shire Hall – or even the candidate.

    As far as where the signs are placed – heck, why can the federal and provincial candidates clutter the landscape with thousands of signs, and municipal candidates must place them on private property? It ain’t gonna happen and who will enforce it?

  7. Chuck says:

    Can a certain Mayoral candidate get any larger signs along our roads. Who’s financing that?

  8. Mark says:

    Emily is correct. There are time frames for a referendum which has long past. Further it would be a ridiculous question as it assumes you can stop the public from legal sales. And the real laffer if you recall, where did that reduce Council size question get us. Lol.

  9. Emily says:

    It is way too late to have any referendum question, and why would we have a referendum on something legal that people want? Non starter!!

  10. ADJ says:

    Am I incorrect?
    Wasn’t Council approached already way back in the Spring about a legal grow-op factory operation trying to get established early in the game? Whatever became of that?
    Regarding a referendum: If the ballots are not printed yet,could this be added much like the choice for a smaller Council was?

  11. Emily says:

    It’s way, way too late to attempt to introduce a referendum question. And why would one feel they have the right to deny local access to a legal product?

  12. Chris Keen says:

    Here’s a question for countylive readers: Doug ford has said municipalities have the right to opt out of allowing cannabis sales in their jurisdictions. Should this not be a referendum question added to the forthcoming electoral ballot so that the electorate, and not just elected officials, decide? Seems to me that a vote on this proposal is an entirely appropriate use of a referendum.

  13. Susan says:

    There a lot of folks in discussions, particularly newly retired County folk who are giving thought to selling their homes at escalated values, ridding themselves of high taxes, crippling water costs and the game breaker,a place just way too packed with tourists making life unpleasant. It is totally understandable as who enjoys this circus.

  14. Gary says:

    A tourist tax won’t help with roads or the water/wastewater crisis. It can only be used to bring more people crowding into this town. Like we need or want more of this taking over our once peaceful space.

  15. Phil St-Jean says:

    Chuck
    I too noticed the huge signs.
    Double 4’x8’ at Massasauga Rd.
    All candidates received a reminder from the clerks office yesterday about the size and placement of election signs
    Maximum size is 4’ x 4’
    Signs are only allowed on private property

  16. Chris Keen says:

    Dennis: If you follow the link in my earlier comment you will find that Regulation #1 of the Transient Accommodation Tax (2017 version, by the way) which says:

    “destination marketing program” means a program under which one or more providers of transient accommodation in a municipality agree to pay a portion of their revenue to a non-profit entity (for which the providers of transient accommodation may or may not charge fees to purchasers of transient accommodation to recover that revenue) to be used by an ELIGIBLE TOURISM ENTITY IN PROMOTING TOURISM”

    (Sorry, my caps for emphasis)

    “eligible tourism entity” means a non-profit entity whose mandate includes the PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN ONTARIO or in A MUNICIPALITY;

    This could not be clearer. The tax can ONLY be spent on tourism marketing.

    Of course those providing accommodation hate charging the tax. Tourists don’t like paying it; transient accommodation providers don’t like like the hassle of dealing with it.

  17. Dennis Fox says:

    I believe that some are only considering a tourist tax to mean an accommodation tax. It could go beyond that – like a restaurant tax or general entertainment tax.

    BTW – I have tried “Googling” Ontario’s Tourist Tax Laws – while there are quite a few entries – most outlined the 2017 Provincial Budget changes allowing municipalities to tax hotels, etc.. nowhere does it state that tourist monies raised by municipalities is limited to promoting tourism. If this was in fact true, then it doesn’t make sense(as shown in a number of Google entries) why so many hotel and tourist based businesses are against such a tax. So until I see it in writing telling me otherwise, I will remain committed to taxing tourists to help with local costs – and continue to believe that those opposed to taxing tourists are local business people who financially benefit. (The Transient Accommodation Tax of 2001, mentioned previously by a writer has been updated as of 2017)

    Considering some of the earlier posts by some writers who expressed concerns about the need to raise property taxes every year by at least 2% (they say) – I would have thought they would be interested too in finding other sources of revenue, other than raising taxes.

    ALSO – have you read recently that the city of Amsterdam is now actively trying to discourage tourists from visiting. Last year they had 18 million visitors and the city is losing money because of them. Just food for thought.

  18. Chris Keen says:

    Gary you are correct. Dennis, the tourist tax can ONLY be used by an existing tourism marketing board to promote tourism to their community – print ads, TV commercials, signage etc. Monies collected CAN NOT be used for roads, sewers, or infrastructure of any kind.

  19. Emily says:

    Do you really want a tourist tax so that the funds can promote more tourism?

  20. Gary Mooney says:

    Chis, thanks for your post clarifying how municipalities can raise money. So, an accommodations tax can only be used to offset the costs of promoting tourism.

    Given that this tax is authorized by the province, it does seem highly unlikely that it would allow an additional tourist tax.

  21. Dennis Fox says:

    At he beginning of this summer, the City of Kingston raised their tourist/accommodation tax – meaning they have had it in place for years! Other tourist communities have also implements a tourist tax. So it is very possible for a municipality to raise money outside of raising property taxes. Let’s Do It!

  22. Chris Keen says:

    The Transient Accommodation Tax https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/170435 is “to be used by an eligible tourism entity in promoting tourism” (i.e. a tourism marketing board) and for NO other reason. Funds cannot be used for roads or water works etc… This tax has been collected in Niagara Falls for years; it was voluntarily at first and then mandatory. Toronto introduced its tax on April 1. It applies to all short term accommodation – hotel or otherwise.

    The only tax a municipality can levy is a property tax part of which is a municipal portion and part an education portion. A user fee can only be charged for a specific service offered to the individual paying the fee. A municipality is not allowed to charge more in a fee than it costs to provide the service. These fees typically cover use of recreational facilities and so on.

    These are the only ways municipalities in Ontario can raises funds. Will Ford allow the County to levy a “tourist tax” (what would that look like?) to pay for water, sewage and road repairs? Not a chance!!

  23. Dennis Fox says:

    Mike – you are absolutely right about a tourist tax – something that I have been hoping to see for some time. I think this would be a good campaign item for one of the mayoralty candidates. I would be very interested to see if any of them pick up on this idea. When I wrote about it, over this past year, at least twice in our press most on council opposed it.

  24. Chuck says:

    Wow! Who’s financing the O’Brien campaign? Monster signs all over the County. Never before seen anything quite like it.

  25. Mike Rodgers says:

    FYI
    I dug out a hotel bill from a stay in Toronto 2 months ago, 4% city tax, 13% HST. If Toronto can do it PEC can. All candidates need this thrown in their face made to promise to push this forward and ear marked for infrastructure only

  26. Fred says:

    The OMB was correct in the context of a municipal Council making changes to size. That does not apply to the Provincial Government which has authority to change municipal makeup as it determines is required. The government has the power to change the City of Toronto Act.

  27. Dennis Fox says:

    Since we are talking about the municipal election – I find it interesting to observe what is going on in Toronto at this time. As we know, Ford has proclaimed (from on high) the sudden restructuring of City Council – reducing the number from 44 down to 25 – and in time for this election. What I find curious is whenever PEC was dealing with the issue of downsizing, we were told by the Province (OMB) that the decision would have to be made a year or more in advance, giving time for the changes to be implemented. Obviously, either whatever is happening now is a farce or what we were lead to believe was wrong.

  28. Dennis Fox says:

    Chris – Not at all – read what I write. I want the electorate to make the decisions, I object to a newspaper trying to influence the outcome of an election by endorsing any candidates. If they aren’t trying to influence the vote, then why even bother with the endorsements? Considering their track record, I would have thought by mow they would know better. I too support any newspaper asking questions, then letting the public decide.

  29. Chris Keen says:

    Dennis, there is more to say. You’re assuming the electorate is unable to decide for themselves whether a newspaper’s endorsement is one they should follow or not. I think the electorate is smarter than that! Does it improve council? Who knows? We get the councillors we elect for whatever reason. The resulting council turns out to be good, bad or indifferent.

    The editor in question here has never claimed to be “all knowing”. He is simply expressing his opinion with which one can agree or not. The practice of editorial boards at major newspapers “endorsing” candidates has gone on since newspapers were first published.

  30. Dennis Fox says:

    I don’t believe anyone questioned where and how the survey was developed – only that it be used for keeping candidates accountable after they are elected. Here’s hoping that it happens this time!

    What is more frightening is the idea of one newspaper, with one editor deciding that they are all knowing and feels qualified to endorse candidates. I question the value of that practice for the community and if it helps improve our council? As is pointed out, this practice occurred in past elections – need I say more?

  31. Gary Mooney says:

    To set the record straight, the all-candidates survey was developed and conducted by me, with results published in the Times. I chose the issues referernced in the survey, after input from a variety of sources.

    In addition to publishing the results, the Times endorsed candidates, and I had no involvement in their choices.

    We have the same arrangement for this election, but I will be soliciting issues suggestions more widely.

  32. Dennis Fox says:

    I agree with everything you wrote – however, six months or two years later(or longer) the public do not have the results of the survey at hand or can recall who said what in the questionnaire. This is where it is important for the media to follow-up on their questionnaire and survey responses from the candidates. In the case of council size, it was the best part of two years before it made its way to the council floor for the vote and yet there was no report on who flipped flopped. That too is important info for the public to have. Now if you wanted to see a reaction – I took the newspaper campaign ads that candidates used in the last election to the council meeting and asked face to face, why some flipped flopped. I was ruled out of order and the councillors sat like lumps on a log and got away with misleading the public. No, at times the media has got to lead the way – after all it is their questionnaire and survey. By not following-up and holding candidates accountable, it could appear that the media is just trying to be the rainmaker during the election time.

  33. Mark says:

    It puts their positions to the electorate, that is the purpose. If they fail as you have so accurately pointed out, then the public have been well informed going in by the Times. It is a good service. Electorate make change not the press.

  34. Dennis Fox says:

    Chris – you have misunderstood my point. I’m not talking about editorial opinions that were expressed by The Times – many people including myself wrote opinions. I’m talking about following up on their questionnaires and survey responses and holding individuals accountable for what they told the public prior to getting elected. Sorry, but I really don’t believe The Times held any individual accountable for not following through with their campaign promises. Unless they are prepared to do that, it is a legit question to ask – what’s the point of doing it?

  35. Chris Keen says:

    Dennis: I think you’re being overly critical of “The Times”. Perhaps you don’t agree with their approach, but nobody hammered away harder at the size of Council, and other critical issues, than Rick Conroy.

  36. Dennis Fox says:

    I too read about “The Times” election coverage, and carrying out another candidates survey. Most of the time I would be very supportive of such an effort. However, if The Times are not going to follow-up on what the candidates do after they are elected, then what’s the point? For example – most of those elected in the last election supported a much smaller council, but when the time came for them to decide on the matter, many changed their minds. The Times didn’t use their survey results to challenge them or to expose those guilty of misleading the public. The newspaper’s election efforts became meaningless to both the candidates and to the public. Let’s hope that this time is different.

  37. Chuck says:

    Wellington Times will next week start a review of all Council candidates ward by ward. The first will be Ward 1 Picton.

  38. Chuck says:

    Are County staff providing some type of service at or around the Park? Two weekends now I have seen County trucks coming or going to that direction on East Lake road. Curious as to what we are paying staff on weekends out there for, if that is the case.

  39. Susan says:

    That’s pretty much prime beach time. It would be more acceptable if the County was receiving a more reasonable return of revenue from the Ministry.

  40. Gary Mooney says:

    We still have a beach, in fact more than one. If you’re referring to Sandbanks, parking reaches capacity mostly on weekends in July and August, and even then rarely before noon, opening again by 4 pm. This amounts to about 100 hours per year.

  41. Dennis Fox says:

    As some of you might recall, about a year ago I wrote a letter to the editors of our papers with the hope that it would create a community discussion on the idea of creating a “tourist tax” – and I wrote another similar letter this past spring.

    The reaction to both of these letters was mixed, but most who I talked with agreed – – -that we as a community DO NOT benefit from tourism and a tax was needed. Why should the local taxpayer have to pay for everything. This basic concept was too difficult for one newspaper editor, a columnist and a few politicians to understand my point – well in fact it wan’t really, they just didn’t want anything impacting on their own personal bottom line.

    I find it odd that the person defending the current tax increases and who claims that if you own a boat you should pay a user fee to use conservation docks, etc.. – well that same person doesn’t support my idea of a tourist tax. He obviously doesn’t understand the basic economics of charging the tourist a user fee too!

    Make this an election issue – attend the All Candidates meetings and start pushing for a better deal for local taxpayers.

  42. Fred says:

    If it was not for County hospitality allowing traffic left hand turns on Main street there would be nothing but gridlock.

  43. Chuck says:

    Well traffic flow and safety will be a Council priority. A crosswalk and lights to our Municipal Building at Main & Paul for certain. Traffic lights at No Frills and Canadian Tire are now necessary. You cannot ignore the fact that we are over populated and our infrastructure is not meeting needs.

  44. Susan says:

    Find a tourist tax that works. Because quite frankly, there are just way too many persons in our taxpaying living space. This is not all good for residents. We used to have a beach, but now not if you are not there by 10:00 a.m. you are f…d!

  45. Mark says:

    I agree. And not just a smaller Council as in 8 and a Mayor but with voter equity as well. I suspect when I ask the candidates the response will be that this has been put to bed!

  46. Dennis Fox says:

    Perhaps now is the time to re-introduce the issue of a smaller council? Since PEC voted heavily in favour of Doug Ford, perhaps our public will also support (again) having a much smaller council now.

    If it is believed that the City of Toronto can exist with 25 councillors to represent over 2 MILLION people, surely any argument for the County to have a government of 14 councillors to represent 24 thousand would be deemed to be just as ridiculous now as it was before.

    When the candidates come to your door, let them know that you want a smaller council and that you expect them to support one too.

  47. Gary says:

    Well Snowman, I only want 3 things;

    – reduce Council size to preferably 8 Councilors and a Mayor. County wide vote for voter equity.

    – do some real sustainability planning for water/wastewater as increasing rates 5% a year is not planning. Near if not highest rates in Canada. May require assistance from the general tax base as unpopular as rural would receive that. But you need a town and can’t make it totally unaffordable.

    – have the Police do some in town patrols and cut the ridiculous speeding in residential neighbourhoods.

  48. Dennis Fox says:

    The rate of taxation is an important stat. to follow – however, what this community is also facing is the reality of a “declining” population. Does Council truly keep in mind that there are only approximately 10,000 taxpayers whose dollars need to be protected and used wisely?

  49. Gary Mooney says:

    If taxes go up at 4% every year, taxes will double in 18 years. At this point, taxes will be 42% more than if they had increased at 2% every year, which is the increase that people depending on CPP and OAS should expect.

    However, given our problems with roads and other infrastructure, it’s difficult if not impossible to keep tax increase to 2% — the target rate of inflation.

    Also, keep in mind that municipal taxes include some costs that are not within the control of County government — e.g. OPP services. Also, total taxes include both municipal and education taxes.

  50. snowman says:

    History has shown that within the next 12-18 months all the people from the list above who are successful in October,will suddenly, become very dumb and refuse to listen to the electorate. hmmmmm….
    Having said that, thanks to every one who has decided to run in 2018.
    I live in Bloomfield/Hallowell. So,if you want my vote, I only want two things from you in the next 4 years:

    1. a smaller more efficient Council with an odd # of members
    ( no tie votes)

    2. keep taxes hikes at the rate of inflation- not DOUBLE the rate of inflation , like we’ve had for the last 15 years.
    Gary Mooney is a smart guy with #s. He can tell you how many years it takes to double your tax bill with 4%.
    increase every year
    And if you look closely, spending (the total budget) is
    increasing at 5-6 % every year. This is not sustainable.
    2 things. Thats it! Good luck to all candidates
    It’s why borrowing ( DEBT) is increasing every year.

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