Tillsonburg Debate

Friday, 17 October 2014 15:28

All Candidate debate Thursday night

TILLSONBURG - The issue for a master transportation plan was a highlight during last nights all candidates debate held in Tillsonburg.

272 people were in attendance with a number of key issues discussed among the candidates for Council, Deputy Mayor and Mayor.

Other focus items with questions from those in attendance were, Affordable Housing and Tillsonburg Hydro.

The need for improvements in the transportation plan was acknowledged by all Mayoral candidates.

Stephen Molnar commented on his strategy

"Well we are working on a master transportation plan we really have to get moving on a transit system. Right now I am involved with a number of social agencies private sectors contributors on an initiative that we can get off the ground very soon. "

All Mayoral candidates recognized the need for improvements. Mark Renaud commented "A glaring gap in our service that we need to fix"

and Marty Klein agreeing with the need and asking " How can we fund it and implement and expand outside of town.

The next item discussed affordable and available housing for a changing demographic. The aging population require affordable housing.

Mark Renaud talked to a number of people that waited much too long to acquire a residence.

"There is a very lengthy waiting list I have talked to a number of people on the campaign trail that have waited more than a year for affordable housing or longer.

I think council has a responsibility to work the other two levels of the government and with the county to try and find more suitable property that's at a threshold that can be made affordable ."

There was concern from all Mayoral candidates Stephen Molnar stating the older demographic needs social and health services along with living

accomodations and access to all housing including non profit and affordable. Marty Klein commenting this is a big issue with a long waiting

list that needs to be improved.

A discussion on Tillsonburg Hydro also took place regarding how the services can be updated and the costs contained.

All mayoral candidates felt there was a need for improvement and a reduction in cost, they recognize the value of Tillsonburg Hydro to the community.

Marty Klein commented the issues are with reporting necessary records for compliance to the Ontario energy board.

"Tillsonburg Hydro needs to reworked, particularly in the back office side. The people that do the work on the bucket trucks and alignments on the polls they are doing an

excellent job and where we are having issues with is with reporting necessary records for our compliance with the Ontario Energy Board I don't think the cost will be overly expensive to fix it."

Mayoral Candidate Stephen Molnar states "lets give credit to Tillsonburg Hydro for providing value and economic benefit to the city."

Mark Renaud, who was chair of the board of hydro, feels the problems in the electricity sector have started in the province and the way it is regulating.

All candidates focused on the need to have everyone make the effort to get out and vote on all these important issues.