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When asked to write about the most important issue for me in this election, I found this to be a difficult task. I realized, I couldn\u2019t respond with just one issue as I believe there are several, and I consider all to be very important. The mayor has to be working on all fronts at the same time. For example, unless we begin to adapt to the impact of climate change, the costs associated with addressing it will significantly impact municipal budgets. The more we spend on rebuilding municipal infrastructure, the less we’ll have for other critical priorities, such as providing incentives for more attainable housing and much-needed services to our seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I consider all sectors that make up the fabric of a community a priority. Every issue matters to someone and for that reason I can\u2019t pick just one. The mayor must keep moving all of these priorities forward in a coordinated way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the next four years, council will need to be vigilant in keeping our hospital on track for redevelopment, championing new approaches for the creation of attainable housing and making a difference in responding to our local climate change challenges. In addition, crucial new infrastructure projects, such as the implementation of the waterfront strategy are important to ensure Huntsville\u2019s place in a growing and dynamic region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If there is one over-arching issue, it must be council\u2019s ability to prioritize all of these matters, and knowing how best to proceed with finding solutions. The mayor\u2019s role is to provide engaged leadership to help guide this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Together with council and staff, and in collaboration with citizens and stakeholders, we will map out a vision for the future of Huntsville. This vision is only as good as the process we use to bring it together. For that reason, I am committed to reaching out, understanding and utilizing the expertise of a broad range of community members to build it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Communication is key, and this includes listening, conveying my ideas clearly, concisely, and with integrity. Providing leadership is knowing how to proceed, identifying possibilities and making decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, the ability to adapt and change where needed is not only critical but vital for creating a resilient environment for all of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As mayor, I will be totally engaged with the future of Huntsville and the well-being of its residents if I have the privilege of serving in this next term of council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steve Hernen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n My peers may argue that the single biggest issue facing our community is the Hospital. However, I believe with Premier Doug Ford\u2019s $14 million commitment to get to the next stage of planning the redevelopment of both the Huntsville and Bracebridge hospital sites, that fight is over, for now. The community now needs to shift its focus to developing a plan to fund its portion of the capital costs. I have a plan that will see us amass the necessary funding by working with neighboring municipalities and using existing resources. My plan will not affect the tax rate in Huntsville.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on what I am hearing from people the single most important issue is figuring out how to make this town a place in which it is affordable to live and work<\/strong>. Working families cannot find affordable housing. Employers cannot find employees willing to relocate due to the housing issue. Seniors are afraid that they will outlive their saving or find themselves choosing between housing and basic supplies to meet their needs. Developers\/builders are concerned about the increasing cost of land and fees, which makes them leery to start much needed new developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Housing, while critical, is only one factor in affordable living. Building a stronger, more accessible community also means access to affordable transportation, municipal services, and programs to enrich the lives of all residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If elected Mayor, I plan to <\/p>\n\n\n\n Develop affordable housing by –<\/p>\n\n\n\n o Supporting not-for-profit organizations and developers in land planning<\/p>\n\n\n\n o Providing sensible zoning support ie. higher density, reduced parking and reduced setbacks<\/p>\n\n\n\n o Ensuring any savings obtain by developers and builders are passed on to the end-user <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Creating a workforce in our community with more disposable income<\/p>\n\n\n\n o Increasing rental stock and lower-cost housing options to increase the workforce<\/p>\n\n\n\n Improve transit to meet the needs of both citizens and businesses by –<\/p>\n\n\n\n o Expanding routes and service hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n o Implementing technological systems that will make using the transit system easier and user friendly <\/p>\n\n\n\n Increase access to programs and services for all by –<\/p>\n\n\n\n o Promoting youth programs and services<\/p>\n\n\n\n o Providing more affordable access to public facilities<\/p>\n\n\n\n o Promoting socialization for seniors<\/p>\n\n\n\n o Offering career development<\/p>\n\n\n\n o Supporting wellness and non-profit groups that offer services to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reuben Pyette-Bouillon <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n In my opinion talking to my customers, I believe our biggest issue in Huntsville is affordable living. While some candidates go on about this issue, the reality is, none of these people have done anything about it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An average individual working a minimum wage job should not pay more than $960.00 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, inclusive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seniors, on a fixed income should be capped at 25% of income or $450.00 monthly inclusive. This is affordable and reasonable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How when the province grants 70k per unit to build affordable housing does affordable equate to 1350.00 a month. This is unacceptable; the grants must ensure a sliding scale for rents for tenants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Province grants 1.3 million to Muskoka for the use of the District to tackle homelessness in the district. This money can be allocated into building affordable housing for those in need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rotarians the Lions the district the town should be able to pool together to find a way to tackle the homelessness in our areas. We should not have our citizens living rough in tents and squatting in abandoned buildings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These are our issues to tackle together. Cutting through the red tape and doing what is necessary to deal with the issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of a town concerned about an individual’s right to free speech, maybe they can look at putting people to work for the day. Maybe they could be more proactive than reactive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a lot of reasons why people behave the way they do. A Town and counsel should be understanding and accommodating, not challenging and confrontational. Counsel should pass bylaws that work not bylaws that intimidate and beguile the citizens of its town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I think we need a reciprocity bylaw. You want something from me I get something from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We have the ability without outside influences to tackle the affordability issues of life in Muskoka. There are no grand designs for this. Just do it. Get off your chairs out in the streets and make it happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A connected leader doesn’t walk around with there heads in the sand. A leader leads. None of which has transpired or inspired anyone to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As your Mayor I will plan a direction and allow those affected to take that plan to fruition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We Can do this together<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reuben Pyette-Bouillon <\/p>\n\n\n\n For Mayor<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tim Withey<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n 1. The most pressing issue for the future of Huntsville and what I am most hearing about when I knock on doors is the need for more affordable and attainable housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. There are many good ideas to address this, namely, streamlining the process for building permits to allow for developers to increase supply of targeted builds to bring more supply to market. Relaxing rules to allow for existing homes to add rental units to their residences. Working with all levels of government to increase funding to encourage developers to increase the supply of attainable housing. Encourage the building of more affordable apartment developments in our downtown core. This, of course, must all be instituted in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. In a related matter I want to increase funding for our transit system to allow for more mobility of our workforce. Extending transit to areas such as Port Sydney will assist in helping people to get to and from workplaces in an economical manner. I\u2019m hearing that many people are having trouble with the cost of getting to and from work and often have to choose not to work at all. The cost of cab fare is a barrier for many people to have access to an attainable job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Related stories:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meet your Huntsville Town and District candidates<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meet your Huntsville Ward candidates running for Huntsville council in the October 24, 2022 municipal election<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meet your Chaffey Ward candidates running for Huntsville council<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Who is running for Mayor of Huntsville?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So far, two candidates vying for mayoral seat in Huntsville<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hernen to run for mayor of Huntsville<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nancy Alcock files nomination papers for Mayor of Huntsville<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media-doppleronline-ca.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com\/2022\/09\/Steve-Hernen.jpg\")
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