PEC mayor candidates on the issues – videos
Administrator | Oct 17, 2014 | Comments 62
The three candidates for mayor of Prince Edward County joined Picton ward candidates at a standing room only meeting hosted by the Picton Business Improvement Association Thursday night. In the videos below, the mayor candidates give an opening statement, respond to two prepared questions from the BIA, questions from the audience.
Questions include:
What actions are you prepared to take toward ensuring the redevelopment of the harbour and its connectedness to downtown remain a priority project in the short term?
Would you support, or not support, a Picton by-pass ?
Where will the money come from to pay for harbour development and roads?
What are your plans to address affordable housing?
How do you see the recommendations of the Vital Signs report playing out?
How do you see balancing off the size of council and building a team when you are mayor?
How do you feel about council accessibility and how to include the public in council’s decision making process?
ADVANCE POLLS open Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 from noon to 6p.m., at:
Ameliasburgh Town Hall, 13 Coleman Street, Ameliasburgh
Prince Edward Community Centre, 375 Main Street, Picton
South Marysburgh Town Hall, 3076 County Road 10, Milford
Wellington and District Community Centre, 111 Belleville Street, Wellington
Internet voting: Electors must register at www.intvoting.com/PrinceEdwardCounty2014 between Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 and Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014 at midnight to receive a PIN number. Once they have received a PIN, they are able to cast their ballot online until October 27, 2014 at 8 p.m.
Filed Under: Local News
Marnie: “How do you define principles? If a candidate’s personal life reflects a certain lack of principle in matters of a private nature does this mean he or she cannot possibly be an effective and honest councillor? Where do you draw the line? Are you prepared to declare all of your principles to the candidates?”
Definition…I’ve given this before but here it is again. ‘Principles (or precepts) are what guide any organization throughout its life in all circumstances, irrespective of changes in its goals, strategies, type of work, or its leaders.’
It’s not about honesty. It is about effectiveness. Where you place your priorities impacts effectiveness and efficiency. If you don’t make tough decisions based on a set of principles you will be less efficient and effective. Guiding principles can serve as a source of strength for all that Shire Hall can and should do.
Yup, no problem sharing my principles. Did so last Wednesday with one of the Mayoral candidates. 🙂
Emily, how likely is it that 15 members of council are likely to converge on a single worksite at various times to ask questions? Why can’t you get your head around the fact that this is the county and we do not get our knickers in a knot over the occasional question? It’s hardly a threat to democracy or the forerunner of chaos. It is a lot more scary to think that councillors could be convinced to believe that they have no right to take a look at something first-hand or ask a question or two. If one were to follow your line of thought members of council would become figureheads doomed to believe whatever information was fed to them by management. Kudos to the ones who do not take everything at face value and believe in doing a little research of their own. No one ever suggested that councillors should invade worksites and grill county employees. I’m sure this was not Bailey’s intention when he referred to asking a question or two of a workman.
Wolfe, we all have past experience in a wide variety of fields but it does not mean that what we did 20 years ago is necessarily the best approach today or that it would be applicable in a much different framework. Principles are an admirable quality but remember that JFK and Bill Clinton both led a large country while involved in what were doubtfully “principled” activities. How do you define principles? If a candidate’s personal life reflects a certain lack of principle in matters of a private nature does this mean he or she cannot possibly be an effective and honest councillor? Where do you draw the line? Are you prepared to declare all of your principles to the candidates?
After reading some of these comments yesterday, I thought I would ask my father, who has been a County labourer for 20+ years, what his thoughts were on being approached by a Councilor. He said that County workers are instructed not to take direction from a Councilor, but there is nothing saying that they cannot speak to or have a conversation with a Councilor. He said he would have no problem speaking to a Councilor if approached.
Not sure if this information is useful to anyone, but I just thought I would put it out there 🙂
Marnie: “Wolfe, Emily, Susan – Why the compulsion to complicate simple matters such as a councillor’s right to stop at a job site to ask a single question that well may be simple in nature….. Who are you to demand that the candidates supply a list of their principles?”
On the one hand you believe it’s OK for a councilor to stop and ask questions YET you thinks it’s not OK for a voter to ask a candidate a question. If County residents come first, which I strongly believe they should then asking a potential Mayor about principles seems entirely appropriate.
Marnie: “It is foolish to assume that a slate of new councillors could make radical changes. Government dicatates to a large degree what can and cannot be done. The municipal politican can only do so much. It’s fine to wade bravely in waving a banner of change but maybe some of those old councillors did their best for us and could only achieve so much.”
I realize that change doesn’t happen quickly. The question is should we ask for a change to the way we do business at Shire Hall? Given that we now have a $46B debt, I think it’s absolutely necessary that we tackle big issues like debt. If so, that brings up the question, what principles will Council follow when tackling such tough questions.
Marnie: “Wolfe you fought for our hospital and must have learned in that skirmish that no matter what the people want government often tells the public just what it will have.”
P.O.O.C.H. did not and still does not have a plan. I quit because members of the team did not want to do the hard work of developing a plan. I wish them nothing but luck in getting back our hospital… or a hospital before we all leave this earth. Even the MOH asked for a plan. So where’s the plan?
Marnie: “Dayton has it right. Whatever you did in management does not really have much application here.”
That’s an opinion you both share. What facts can you provide to support your opinions?
It’s a slippery slope you suggest. If we had 15 councilors and a mayor stopping in unannounced at worksites to ask questions it would be utter chaos.You let one start and the whole crew will be at it. That’s why there is a distinct separation between the political governance and the management of operations. Clear lines of communication and reporting with no political interference at the frontline level. Why is that so difficult to get your head around?
Wolfe, Emily, Susan – Why the compulsion to complicate simple matters such as a councillor’s right to stop at a job site to ask a single question that well may be simple in nature. You all enjoy shooting mosquitoes with elephant guns. The sky will not fall if Bailey or anyone else asks a question. You fuss and fume over protocal and policy as if we lived in a major city. County people are not that uptight. And all that talk of principles is tiresome Wolfe. Let’s assume that all of our councillors have a few or otherwise they would not throw their hats in the ring to take all of this criticism. Who are you to demand that the candidates supply a list of their principles?
It is foolish to assume that a slate of new councillors could make radical changes. Government dicatates to a large degree what can and cannot be done. The municipal politican can only do so much. It’s fine to wade bravely in waving a banner of change but maybe some of those old councillors did their best for us and could only achieve so much. Wolfe you fought for our hospital and must have learned in that skirmish that no matter what the people want government often tells the public just what it will have. Dayton has it right. Whatever you did in management does not really have much application here.
Dayton Johnson: “Well Mr. Braun…where do I start? Your fav. word for the day is “Principles”. Well actually the last 8 weeks but whose counting.”
LOL, looks like you ‘are’ counting. 🙂 Why?
Dayton Johnson: “I know what I’d like my County council to say and do but I realize there are so many factors that they have no control over.”
So just what principles guide you personally that allows you to know just when and what you’d like your elected officials to say and do? I’ve asked you before but you’ve not given an answer. See my reply to Marnie about some principles that I’d like to see Council and Mayor follow.
Dayton Johnson: “I won’t hesitate to contact my ward rep. if I have an issue in my township or other townships. Sitting back in the weeds and whining about it on here does what? Speak up to the right people…you know who they are.”
I do that. I don’t hesitate to speak to the Mayor if I have concerns about the way Council is doing business at Shire Hall. Sometimes it even works.
Marnie: “I agree with much of what you say Wolfe but while it may be improper for a member of the public to question a county workman I believe a member of council has a perfect right to ask a simple question”
What gives a member of council a “higher right to ask” and not a member of the public? Who comes first? Residents of PEC or elected officials? I don’t give my permission to my elected official to micro-manage. I want my elected official to….
1. Their first priority is to residents first.
2. Everything that Council & Staff do must create value for all County residents.
3. Every decision made by Council and Staff must be made based on County residents’ needs.
4. Council & Staff must follow a process when making decisions on our behalf, a process with the least amount of waste and in the shortest possible time. That process must be evaluated (measured) on an ongoing basis and updated when needed.
Well Mr. Braun…where do I start? Your fav. word for the day is “Principles”. Well actually the last 8 weeks but whose counting.
I know what I’d like my County council to say and do but I realize there are so many factors that they have no control over.I won’t hesitate to contact my ward rep. if I have an issue in my township or other townships. Sitting back in the weeds and whining about it on here does what? Speak up to the right people…you know who they are.
And to Susan: You are reading way too much into this. Your latest opinion is all based on assumption so not really valid.you don’t know or do I what a councillor would be doing on a “job site” Could be representing a tax payer from that Ward who had a question for him to answer but forgive me I’m assuming!! Assumptions are what cause chaos, confusion and OMG the sky to fall!
If we allowed Councilors to choose to involve themselves directly into a County jobsite as one councilor has proposed it would be chaos ripe for confusion, interference and political favourtism.
Imagine a Picton councilor pulling up at Sandy Hook to some workers. What you doing? How come your doing this today? Who told you to do this? Don’t you know the potholes on Rogers St need repair (it needs a lot more than that!) etc. That’s why councilors deal with budget, policy and by-laws and don’t direct or compromise front line workers. They have full access to Dep’t heads if they have questions or concerns.
Looking forward to Wolf’s take. A Councilor does not have a perfect right to at will to arrive at a worksite and question County employees. They have no more right than the general public. They have no direct authority over workers. This is for good reason in order to separate political influence from the municipal employees. They have a supervisor or manager to report to, not Councilors. Inappropriate.
I agree with much of what you say Wolfe but while it may be improper for a member of the public to question a county workman I believe a member of council has a perfect right to ask a simple question. If the worker is reluctant to make a comment he or she can always suggest that the councillor speak with a supervisor.
A voice of content with the work at Shire Hall. Don’t anyone suggest change or proper protocols.
Well said, Dayton!!!
So what do you do if you do not want to vote for any of the candidates (mayor or councillor in your ward)?
Does “Spoiling your ballot” or “declining” really make a difference? If so how?
Voting for the lesser of two or more evils does not seem to cut it!
Dayton: “Tooting my horn?”
Tell me something Dayton…
Do you believe that our next Mayor and Council need to change they way we do business at Shire Hall?
If so, what are some basic principles that the Mayor, Councilors and Staff should follow when making tough decisions on our behalf?
Wolf
Dayton, I have no idea how you would have any idea how tight my derierre is? LOL.
Emily,, real name?? Quit being such a tight ass! These are County folks your trying to sway to your thinking. We talk to everybody regardless of the situation. And Wolf Braun…stop tootin your own horn! Who gives a crap what you did when you were in management! That boat has sailed right? I can’t believe the nit pickin you people call discussion. Oh it makes you feel good and super intelligent when you read it back to yourself doesn’t it?? but come on…anything better to do?
Anyhow the way I see it one of you should have stepped up and ran your name on the ballot. It was wide open to anyone as you have repeatedly found to gripe about.
Maybe try a bit of constructive critisism instead of slamming the people who choose to represent you.
That doesn’t accomplish anything. I choose to believe that our new councillors or old ones are not in that thankless job position for fame and fortune. Not gonna happen! They want to help and offer their own ideas but in reality their hands are tied so many ways.After a few years they get a bit robotic.
If a concillor chooses to talk with front line workers be it the County roads or the hospital staff what is the problem? He/she has a fresh opinion to bring to Council for further discussion when the situation arises. Try working WITH your councillors and all pull together in the same direction.
Your take is the correct one Wolf. Councilors should not be attending a worksite unannounced and asking questions of workers. It presents all sorts of issues. Workers aren’t always in a position to release information to the public in regards to what is taking place. Workers are not required to be aware if someone is a Councilor or a member of general public, media etc. Workers should not be placed in a compromising situation between the political oversight and their reporting Manager. The suggestion that this could or would take place is inappropriate and is not in following of accepted or best practices. Councilors should have their questions answered from Department heads or managers within the department as opposed to a unionized frontline worker. The exception would be if a site visit was requested and arranged by the Manager in charge. It is important to keep the reporting relationships of front line workers clearly defined.
I had an opportunity to speak with a couple roads department Fellows this spring as I was leaving my street they were filling potholes I stopped to thank them because my street was a mess. They engaged me in a 4 or 5 minute conversation a very interesting conversation.
Marnie: “That’s nit-picking Wolfe”
I’m fortunate in my work to travel around the County a lot.
Whenever I see a County crew working on a job there seem to be a lot of workers present. While I don’t know with certainty the role of each person on site, I’m always struck by the numbers. Let me give you an example.
The Municipality installed a new sign for the village of Wellington recently. On the first attempt, the new sign had a major spelling mistake. When the mistake was pointed to out to SH, a group came out that consisted of at least a dozen people. A new sign was installed by 2 people while the rest were onlookers. How many people does it take to install a sign? I don’t know. What I do know, is that in the private sector there might have been 3 people present.
In my opinion it would be totally improper to stop and ask County workers about their tasks. There’s a cost impact when we engage them in conversation. Having managed large groups of people it was my role as their manager to deal with questions from our customers. I never wanted to put my people in an awkward position whereby they might find themselves ‘trapped’ into giving out incorrect information or having their responses ‘twisted’ to suit the person doing the asking.
I don’t think I ever promoted a clean sweep but perhaps that has been read into it. Of course some experience is necessary. My only true wish is some progress in moving forward and not shutting the door on new ideas. Running a municipal government is much different now than 20 years ago. This is a large Corporation that unfortunately is struggling.
There is much to be said for balance and while I know you wanted a clean sweep Gary I believe it is important to keep one or two of the existing council members on board. If Barry Turpin was acclaimed it must be generally felt that he is doing a good job in representing his ward. Throwing out all of the present members of council would not be productive. There is much to be said for experience.
Marnie, there will be no clean sweep, nothing close to that. The clean sweep was out the window when little Bloomfield (yes it is a ward to itself) acclaimed the incumbent. You are correct however in the people will decide. Unfortunately we do not get to vote for many of those that make decisions affecting us.
And a small point, the CEO is the Mayor.
That’s nit-picking Wolfe but if you want to engage in such a tedious task I do not think it unreasonable to assume that Bailey knows some of those county workers by name. I know some of them by name, many of us who have lived here all our lives know one or two people who work for the county. It’s not that far-fetched. Even if this were not the case why on earth, as a councillor, would it be out of place for him to ask a simple question? Are they likely to be at a worksite on some top secret project that requires codes and passwords? Are they constructing an underground escape tunnel for the mayor and the CEO?
Gary – Talk is cheap. These fired-up newcomers and some are good candidates may have some of the answers but how can you know with such certainty that they are going to lead us into the land of milk and honey? They may be dedicated to making the effort but probably some members of the last council felt the same way. If you’re right and most county voters agree with you on election day we will see a clean sweep. If there are no sweeping changes you may have to admit that not everyone shares your views. Maybe they believe it’s better to go with the devil you know.
Marnie would have you believe that a lot of things here are running well so just go with the same old County flow and don’t entertain change most particularly if that was to be brought forward by a City person. Continuing to elect those that have put us in a forty million dollar deficit is the way.
Marnie: “Chances are Bailey knows all of those road workers by their first names. They would not find it odd if he or any other councillor stopped to ask a question.”
How is it that you seem to know just what a municipal worker might find odd or not? And do you know with absolute certainty that a councilor or candidate might by change know all of those road workers?
If he knows workers that well, it seems more polite to speak to them when they’re not on the company clock.
I do not believe that Emily is correct Susan. Bailey did not suggest that he was going to direct county workers or challenge authority. He was simply saying he might have a question or two. What is the problem with this? And as for laying off the new residents from Toronto I have no problem with them aside from the fact that some try to bring Toronto here with them making me wonder why they ever left in the first place. What works there does not always work here and those of us who have lived here for a lifetime may understand the county just a little better. Maybe we do not want to be reformed into a slick model of local government with professional councillors. It seems that Bailey is being dissed for being a down-home county kind of candidate – the sort who thinks a question here or there is perfectly acceptable. Far better Bailey that one of those sit on their hands professional politicians who would not dream of looking at a work site. They would rather read all about it in a report from management and accept whatever is fed to them. Management is running the show and it’s time council had greater input. We did not elect management.
After all we are still in a ward system like every other municipality in Canada and a Councilor representing a ward answers to those constituents in that ward correct Gary…
If Mr. Bailey is out there doing the leg work in his ward asking questions to answers to his constituents what’s wrong with that.. We don t know the details if Mr.Bailey was just asking questions or trying to direct workers. When did asking a question become a crime .
So you suggest it should be Bailey’s exclusive right but not the other 14? Come on Paul, you realize this is nonsense. He should be speaking about real issues like water costs, residential traffic speed, affordable housing, traffic gridlock, crosswalks to get to Shire Hall, east main road that is a disgrace, Rogers St road that is just not right. No, he wants to sell himself as controlling County workers. Out of touch or election pizazz?
As usual Gary blowing things out of proportion. Who said all 15 YOU
Let’s get 15 Councilors (yes 15) out at job sites asking questions. Let’s make sure every employee knows who the Councilors are and that they should be releasing information. It’s just a ridiculous scenario.
Seems to me Mr. Bailey getting out there on the front lines and asking workers questions may bode well for some voters. Imagine a Councilor willing to get out of the office and be hands on. I’m not sure if Emily is saying Mr. Bailey tried to interfere and direct Workers or if he just asked questions. Nothing wrong with asking questions maybe Emily could elaborate
Been reading this and chuckling. But Councilors have no direct authority over workers nor should they. Staff direct employees not Council. Council directs municipal bylaws through senior department heads. To go the route suggested by Bailey would be utter chaos.
Sorry Marnie, Emily is correct and that type of questioning or thinking you had authority to do so is most incorrect. And layoff newcomers from Toronto as they pay their taxes and are every much entitled as you to speak their opinion!
OMG Emily, you must have come here from Toronto. Chances are Bailey knows all of those road workers by their first names. They would not find it odd if he or any other councillor stopped to ask a question.
Oh I was present. Laverne you should know you have no right interfering in a County jobsite as a Councilor anymore than a citizen. Are you special, or believe you carry that kind of clout when you clearly do not. How would a worker be expected to know who you are? They do not report to you. If you do not understand that simple fact how are we to expect you can handle the challenges of a huge Corporation. And do not sluff off the dithering you and others did with the wastewater plant. It was a fiasco and Picton residents are paying the price for the indecision.
Emily you had the opportunity to meet me on Thursday but you were a no show, you are someone that shows no respect to anybody.
You don’t think councillors have the right to ask a labourer or Dept head about County business, than you must want puppets to put there hands up and just agree to what Dept. heads want! and have no idea what the real subject is!!!!!
Yes I was there for the 30 million dollar waste water plant, last plant was built in 1947 and lasted 60yrs. Maybe we should all rent toilets from Carr’s for $1200.00-$1500.00 per year, myself and other people do not want to go backwards.
Thanks Marnie for your support. Gary & Emily if you do not Bailey then don’t vote for me!!!
Marnie, if you need to even ask that question it speaks volumes. A Councilor does not control or have any oversight with County employees. The employees have no responsibility to answer Bailey’s questions nor should they. They wouldn’t have any reason to know who he even is. He is not their employer. I wouldn’t want them releasing information to him anymore than anyone else. That is an example of how out of touch he is with the position he is seeking. We aren’t talking about a N. Marysburgh road worker he questions 20 years ago! This is 2014 and he has no right asking County employees questions at a jobsite anymore than you, I or a monkey from China! His answers come at the horseshoe from Department heads! To interfere in a jobsite is unprofessional and unheard of. Thus the unpreparedness for the position. But you go for it. Look forward to your new complaints in 2015.
I will not vote for Bailey because he is “a nice guy”. The man has some common sense and a better understanding of a lot of county people in the lower income bracket than many of those polished candidates with all of the business savvy that you say we need.That’s why I am happy to give him a vote. Yes, we need well-informed councillors who can understand the issues of the day but we also need people like Bailey. Why on earth can’t he stop at a county worksite and ask a question? It’s the county not New York City.
Bailey was on the 2006 elected Council that dithered, delayed, lacked an understanding and stuck Picton with a $30,000,000 waste water plant that pumps s::t uphill. The residents are literally paying the consequences of such poor or lack of decision making. It is not surprising that there is a call for some new leadership and skill sets. And of course MacDonald was there as well, at least in body.
Marnie, I identified items in his platform that demonstrate he is out of touch and does not have an understanding of accepted practices. That is not an Axe to grind, it is facts. Imagine thinking he could stop at a County jobsite and question workers! How unacceptable is that? A candidate ready for the job in this day and age would know that is not appropriate. We have a big Corporation here to be managed by persons who are up to the task and understand municipal business. I know a lot of folks like you vote for the nice guy. Nice doesn’t cut it anymore. We are dealing with huge multi million dollar issues that require the right set of experience and knowledge base. So don’t criticize me for bringing forward legitimate facts.
What did Bailey ever do to you Emily? Your negativity towards him speaks of a personal axe to grind rather than an objective comment on a candidate’s capabilities. If he is as hopeless as you keep telling us he is I am sure his deficiencies will torpedo him at the polls.
I agree. We do not need the old wards. Every councilor elected and their decisions affect me directly. I would like to have the democratic right to vote for the entire slate. The wards will still be there, it’s not like they are going anywhere. It’s so simple to fix but the politicians have to make it complicated for perhaps self serving interests. Let all of the residents in Prince Edward decide who sits on “their” Council. Or is that too democratic?
I can’t imagine why we need to keep the ward system…if candidates can run in any ward they want, why can’t the voters vote for anyone they want regardless of where they live…I am sure that we all care about the really important heritage sites and we would fight to keep them regardless of which area they are in…the system that we have does not seem to be working, why not try something new….times are a changing and we need to keep up with it
Actually Pam, Mr.Quaiff’s delivery is pretty good and shows leadership. Just my take after listening. Found it interesting that Goddard doesn’t know where the money will come from but favours borrowing. Hmmmm!
If you think that is bad you should have heard Bailey! You know, the guy that thinks he can pull up to a job site and question workers! Lol
Pam; count the umhs from Goddard. He can’t speak anywhere’s effectively enough to lead a Corporation. Nice guy yes, mayor material no.
Thank you County Live for providing those of us who could not make it an informative summary of the evening. The only concern I have is listening to these candidates, and not one of them can speak a proper sentence without using the expression ‘um’, ‘ahh’ continually. Can we not have someone up for election that can speak a full sentence properly during an introduction speech?