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Questions and Answers to Andre
1. Why are you running for public office?
I ran in 2006 because of concerns on the environment. Site 41 is behind us now, but this Township needs a strong voice to help dealing with important issues to come. I am a team player, and enjoy my work on behalf of our residents.
2. What is the most important issue affecting your municipality?
The practice of spreading septage on our fields has to stop. At a time when we try to protect our source water, our Township has to find rapidly an appropriate solution to septic tank disposal.
3. If you were faced with the choice, would you vote to raise taxes or cut services?
First, I would look - through an organization review - for areas of waste and how to improve services efficiency. Then weighing cost versus need, and with residents input, I would cut ( or find new ways of funding ) low priority services before raising taxes beyond inflation level.
4. What attributes set you apart as a candidate?
Besides being bilingual, I worked and lived in foreign Countries and developed an acute sense of respect for other opinions. I am a good listener and team player, and make my own research on all issues that are presented to me before taking any decision.
5. What specific project or goal do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
As stated previously, the protection of our water resources is everybody's priority. Therefore I will pay a special attention to find a solution on handling our septage issue in order to stop the environmentally harmful field spreading practice.
6. Wow would you improve fiscal responsibility?
In virtually every municipality, ratepayers are increasingly concerned with spending and in response some candidates promise to cut taxes. One way to avoid the inevitable “tax creep” is to look into zero based budgeting. Three members of this Council have asked and obtained a pilot project on this effect for our Recreation department.
7. Can you explain your position on Accountability and Transparency: ( artcle 239 of the municipal act )
Meetings
Meetings open to public
239. (1) Except as provided in this section, all meetings shall be open to the public. 2001, c. 25, s. 239 (1).Exceptions
(2) A meeting or part of a meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered is,
(a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board;
(b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees;
(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board;
(d) labour relations or employee negotiations;
(e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board;
(f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose;
(g) a matter in respect of which a council, board, committee or other body may hold a closed meeting under another Act. 2001, c. 25, s. 239 (2).
Other criteria
(3) A meeting shall be closed to the public if the subject matter relates to the consideration of a request under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act if the council, board, commission or other body is the head of an institution for the purposes of that Act. 2001, c. 25, s. 239 (3).
Educational or training sessions
(3.1) A meeting of a council or local board or of a committee of either of them may be closed to the public if the following conditions are both satisfied:
1. The meeting is held for the purpose of educating or training the members.
2. At the meeting, no member discusses or otherwise deals with any matter in a way that materially advances the business or decision-making of the council, local board or committee. 2006, c. 32, Sched. A, s. 103 (1).
Resolution
(4) Before holding a meeting or part of a meeting that is to be closed to the public, a municipality or local board or committee of either of them shall state by resolution,
(a) the fact of the holding of the closed meeting and the general nature of the matter to be considered at the closed meeting; or
(b) in the case of a meeting under subsection (3.1), the fact of the holding of the closed meeting, the general nature of its subject-matter and that it is to be closed under that subsection. 2001, c. 25, s. 239 (4); 2006, c. 32, Sched. A, s. 103 (2).
The act is quite clea: we must keep in mind the main legislation purpose which is to protect the privacy rights of others.
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