Owen Sound Election 2014 Voters Guide - Owen Sound Hub

Owen Sound Election 2014
Voters Guide to Candidates
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Owen Sound Election 2014 Voters Guide to Candidates
Owen Sound Hub asked the 24
municipal election candidates to answer
a series of questions for this guide to
the Owen Sound Election.
All candidate information in this guide
was supplied by the candidates and/or
their campaign representatives.
owensoundhub.org

Meet Your Mayoral Candidates
Ian Boddy Mike Zimon
owensoundhub.org
Deb Haswell Ruth Lovell
Stanners

owensoundhub.org
Deb Haswell
• 10 years on City
Council
• 3 years as
City/County
Councillor
• 1 term as Mayor
Ruth Lovell Stanners
• Mayor 2003-2010
• Founding chair of
Residential
Hospice, past chair
Police Board,
GRACE
• 25 years in real
estate
Mike Zimon
• Started 2 Owen
Sound businesses
• Varied industrial
experience locally
• Programmer/
Analyst & 4-time
Dean’s Honour List
Graduate
Ian Boddy
• 22 years operating
a small business
• 4 years on city
council
• Chair and member
of a number of city
committees

Mayoral Candidates were asked to
describe their platform in just 3 words:
Whole
New
Plan
owensoundhub.org
Integrity
Leadership
Vision
Vision
Opportunity
Collaboration
Change
Understanding
Persistence

Meet Your Candidates for Deputy Mayor
David Adair Arlene Wright
owensoundhub.org

Arlene Wright
owensoundhub.org
David Adair
• 11 years on City Council; 8 of these on
County Council
• Warden of Grey County 2010 and 2011
• Owen Sound resident for over 40 years
• 5 terms on council
• Chair By-Law, Vice-Chair Library, Rec
& Parks, Culture and Finance
• Downtown merchant for over 10 years

Deputy Mayor Candidates were asked to
describe their platform in just 3 words:
Experience
Integrity
Record
owensoundhub.org
Independent
Vision
Leadership

owensoundhub.org
Meet Your
City Council Candidates

owensoundhub.org
John Christie Francesca Dobbyn
• Single parent, activist,
feminist, artist
• 10 yrs not-for-profit
experience, 5 yrs tourism,
various business ventures
• Municipal staff, committee
member and co-chair,
community activist
Travis Dodd
• Raised in Owen Sound &
returned after university
graduation
• Active in community;
currently on Economic
Development Committee
• Youngest candidate,
intent on diversifying
council
Jan Chamberlain
• 4 years experience on
council
• Served on by-law,
library, DIA,
conservation authority
• Operated a private
vocational school for
12 years.
• Accessibility Advisory,
Environmental Waste
Management, Library
Board, Operations,
Planning, Cultural.
• Broadcaster, Professional
Driver, Lay Minister, Writer,
Small Business Operator.

Scott Greig Marion Koepke Peter Lemon
• Experience on city
council and as a reporter
• Owen Sound Municipal
Non Profit Housing,
Black History Cairn
Committee, Community
Waterfront Heritage
Centre Committee,
Harrison Park100th
Anniversary Committee
owensoundhub.org
Bryan Gibbons
• Opened Runner’s Den in
2006, receiving the
Chamber of Commerce
New Business of the
Year award
• Relocated business in
2013 to expand size of
business by 100%
• On Parks & Recreation
Committee
• Long history of
community involvement
on various community
boards
• Professional Assessor
for 34 years- Real Estate
Broker for 10 yrs
• 26 yrs as municipal
employee, 19 years as
Deputy Clerk & 3 as Clerk
• On Owen Sound Police
Services Board
• Past President of North
Grey Women’s Institute, VP
of Grey County Women’s
Institute, Owen Sound &
Area Senior Centre

Rob Leonard Jim McManaman Colleen Purdon
owensoundhub.org
• Ran for council in 1997
• Served as a member of the
Business Bylaw Regulatory
Committee
• 17 years of community
volunteering. 15 years with
Owen Sound soccer
community.
• 11 years experience on City
Council
• Chair of the Regional
Recreation Centre steering
committee
• Owen Sound Minor Soccer-
Past President & Executive
Board member since 1987
• 4 years experience on council
• Council committees: 4 yrs as
Council rep. on the DIA; 3 yrs
on Bylaw Committee; Chair of
Harrison Park 100th Anniversary
Celebration; Coordinator of the
Owen Sound - Orillia First
Impressions project; experience on
8 other committees.

owensoundhub.org
Richard Thomas Bill Twaddle
• 17 yrs experience on council
• Chair Operations, Planning
and Heritage and Waste
Water Treatment Plant ad
hoc committee
• Former journalist, former
weekly newspaper owner,
now fundraiser for Alzheimer
Society of Grey-Bruce
• 11 years on Library Board, 7
as Chair
• President of the Community
Waterfront Heritage Centre
which saved the Marine and
Rail Museum
• Member of the Owen Sound
Hospital Board and longtime
hospital volunteer
We did not receive
responses from:
• Bobby Gillespie,
• Steve Hencze,
• Michael Helm,
• Brian O’Leary,
• or Robin Paul.

City Council Candidates were asked to describe
their platform in just 3 words:
owensoundhub.org
Positive
Friendly
Hard Worker
Integrity
Transparency
Trust
Authentic
Grounded
Compassionate
Proactive
Energetic
Dedicated
Integrity
Decisive
Committed
Commitment
Energetic
Integrity
Hardworking
Sincere
Dedicated

City Council Candidates were asked to describe
their platform in just 3 words:
owensoundhub.org
Honesty
Commitment
Team Player
Listens
Creative
Integrity
Experience
Dedication
Leadership
Energy
Experience
Expertise
Creative
Collaborative
Innovative
Listens
Creative
Integrity
(We did not receive responses
from Bobby Gillespie, Steve
Hencze, Michael Helm, Brian
O’Leary or Robin Paul.)

Candidates were asked to
choose their top 5 priorities
from the list provided.
owensoundhub.org

Top Priorities
This issue… Is one of top 5 priorities for these candidates:
owensoundhub.org
Harbour development
Minor sports & activities for youth
Youth employment
Employment in general
Availability of public transit

Top Priorities
This issue… Is one of top 5 priorities for these candidates:
owensoundhub.org
Building our reputation in tourism
Reducing city expenditures
Lobbying the province for funding
Working with neighbouring
municipalities to regionalize services
Promoting Owen Sound to retirees

Top Priorities
Issue One of top 5 priorities for these candidates:
owensoundhub.org
Reducing red tape & challenges for
new & existing businesses
Reducing emergency services costs
Attracting developers to the city
Low cost, high speed internet for all
residents and businesses

Candidates were asked to answer
five Yes or No questions.
Each was allowed a short explanation if they did not
feel either Yes or No was an appropriate response.
Where a candidate explained without also clearly indicating Yes or
No, their photo is under Unsure/Did Not Answer Yes or No and their
explanations follow each chart. Yes/No answers may also have an explanation.
owensoundhub.org
Where no response was received,
the candidate does not appear in the chart.

Do you support, in theory, the idea of Owen Sound transitioning
from a full-time to a composite fire service, if possible?
YES NO Unsure/It Depends
(see next section)
owensoundhub.org

owensoundhub.org
On transitioning to a composite fire service…
“The city is currently scheduled to appear before the arbitration
board in February. I support looking into any and all possible
opportunity to reduce fire services costs.” ~ Deb Haswell
“Need to think much more regionally than that. A County wide fire
service like Chatham-Kent, reduce everyone’s fire costs and
increasing safety.”
~ David Adair
“I do not support a Composite Fire Model, unless it is prompted by
an expansion of response area for City Fire. Taxpayer savings
would be offset by higher insurance premiums.” ~ John Christie

owensoundhub.org
“Yes, in theory, I would rather see an agreement with neighboring
municipalities to help reduce the financial stress for all parties.”
~ Travis Dodd
“In principle, maybe, but not without more investigation. My research
indicates little savings and higher insurance costs. Other councils have
not been convinced and problem is not new. Red flag?” ~ Bryan Gibbons
“I support the theory of O.S. transitioning from a full time to composite fire
service. Current costs are not sustainable for taxpayers with the province
partly to blame.” ~ Scott Greig

owensoundhub.org
“I would only be willing to do this if the potential effects this would
have on the residents is determined and we would not jeopardize the
safety of our community.” ~ Marion Koepke
“Yes provided the new system will provide good fire protection to
City residents and consideration be given to grandfathering
existing positions.” ~ Peter Lemon
“Yes with a regional approach.” ~ Colleen Purdon
“A composite fire service, combining with the Inter Township
Department or even more regionally across the entire County is worth
exploring. Any model that ensures public safety and is cost effective
has my support.” ~ Jim McManaman

Do you believe Owen Sound’s harbour should be
owensoundhub.org
divested to a third party owner?
(see next section)

On the harbour being divested from the federal government to
a third-party owner rather than the city of Owen Sound…
“Yes, provided, public access is always maintained.” ~ Deb Haswell
“The city should pursue ownership if cost and operations are feasible.”
~ Ruth Lovell Stanners
“The harbour is owned by the Federal government. The City has a
stake in the harbour but would not want to stand in the way of private
development.” ~ David Adair
“I want to see harbour dredging and divestiture DONE, whichever
way it happens. City ownership is likely best.” ~ John Christie
owensoundhub.org

“There are too many variables for this to be a yes-no answer, the
harbour is extremely important and all parties need to be at the table:
city, federal government, private interests.” ~ Francesca Dobbyn
“The City isn’t in a position to take on the financial implications of a
harbour, nor do we have the expertise to manage an active harbor.”
~ Travis Dodd
“No, just too expensive to maintain. Federal Responsibility,
navigable water way. It is our life blood and Ottawa says no way.
Maybe need to rethink support ?” ~ Bryan Gibbons
“I believe in mixed usage for our harbour. Owen Sound does not
have the resources or expertise for management of the harbour.”
~ Scott Greig
owensoundhub.org

“If we could divest only portions of the harbour to make it a viable
venture for our economy I would be in favour.” ~ Marion Koepke
“I believe it can be done with the City having partners with the skills
we lack.” ~ Peter Lemon
“I believe that Owen Sound’s Harbour should continue to be owned
and operated by the Federal government. If that isn’t possible,
divesture should only occur with the key principles the City has
outlined to the Federal government.” ~ Jim McManaman
owensoundhub.org

“Yes, if the third party is not for profit organization. The harbour and
harbour lands should remain publicly owned. I would like to see a
harbour authority run the harbour.” ~ Colleen Purdon
“If the City is unable to do so, yes.”
~ Richard Thomas
“Preferably no, I believe it should remain federal. Unfortunately the
long-term liability for the city to take ownership (multi-millions of
dollars) is not something our taxpayers can afford.” ~ Bill Twaddle
owensoundhub.org

Do you support the maintenance or expansion
owensoundhub.org
of our current transit system?
(see next section)

On maintenance or expansion of our transit service…
“I support the maintenance of our current transit system.” ~ Ian Boddy
“I support the expansion of our transit system.” ~ Ruth Lovell Stanners
“I have always supported good and better transit for the city and now
the region, and my record shows it.” ~ John Christie
“I believe in the maintenance of our current transit system, the
system is essential for individuals from all generations within the
community.” ~ Travis Dodd
owensoundhub.org

“I believe that increasing usage of the transit system is vital. Small
changes such as going to the Grey County Mall meet customer’s
expectations and requests.” ~ Scott Greig
“We need to have in place an economical business plan for transit
service so it is a viable service and not let it become a burden on the
taxpayers.” ~ Marion Koepke
“Yes and grow the system going to the Sunset Strip” ~ Peter Lemon
owensoundhub.org

“Yes, and we need regional transit, and better transit links to urban
communities to the south as well.” ~ Colleen Purdon
“The transit system is essential to many and must be maintained.
But I also firmly believe cost saving measures can make the service
more financially viable for the City taxpayer.” ~ Jim McManaman
owensoundhub.org

Do you believe the City of Owen Sound is a friendly
environment for new and existing business?
(see next section)
owensoundhub.org

owensoundhub.org
On Owen Sound’s business-friendliness…
“We can always do more to streamline approvals process.”
~ Deb Haswell
“Yes but can always be improved.” ~ David Adair
“No, Owen Sound has not been as open to, and for business as it
needs to be. We have a shoddy reputation, and we need to fix it.”
~ John Christie
“There seems to be distrust amongst the business community and
the City. The City has a bad rapport with some of the large
development companies from past projects.” ~ Travis Dodd

owensoundhub.org
“Some improvement needed but that works two ways. No regulation creates
chaos. Too much stagnates growth. The middle ground needs to be found.
Remember, respect is an earned commodity.” ~ Bryan Gibbons
“The current state of Owen Sound is not as customer friendly as it
needs to be. There is a lack of comprehension how efficient and more
streamlined that city hall must become to receive new investment.”
~ Scott Greig
“Owen Sound needs to look at the type of business it wants to attract
to be sustainable and focus on more remote technically based
businesses, small manufacturing and small business.”
~ Marion Koepke
“We must become a say yes community” ~ Peter Lemon

owensoundhub.org
“City Hall must always strive to improve its development process to be
encourage more investment. I believe Council’s role is to create a climate
which allows business to grow and prosper. We must grow the tax base.”
~ Jim McManaman
“We need to do more outreach and attract newcomers, new
Canadians, young entrepreneurs, and be a more dynamic,
supportive and welcoming city.”
~ Colleen Purdon
“YES but there is always room for improvement.”
~ Bill Twaddle

Do you support the Tom Thomson Art Gallery’s plan to
incorporate as a not-for-profit entity separate from the city?
(see next section)
owensoundhub.org

On supporting the Tom Thomson’s plan to separate from the
city to become a not-for-profit corporation…
“I support all our institutions achieving maximum potential as long as
all conditions can be met.” ~ Ian Boddy
“This will allow the gallery more funding opportunities and reduce
the financial support needed from the city.” ~ Deb Haswell
“This is quite possibly a good idea, but I would want clarity around
ownership of paintings and city’s expected contribution, as well as a
business plan and legal advice.” ~ Ruth Lovell Stanners
“I support all departments of the City exploring new and innovative ways
of doing business. I support the Gallery investigating this.” ~ David Adair
owensoundhub.org

“I believe it is a good idea but I need more and better information.”
~ Arlene Wright
“I cannot answer to the Art Gallery issue until more is known. In
principle, it sounds good, but it is early.” ~ John Christie
“While I believe the intention has merit, the process and the outstanding
questions of ownership, consultation with the Gallery membership as
well as future plans have not been clear, more information and
consultation with the community is needed.”
~ Francesca Dobbyn
owensoundhub.org

“There are clarification issues that need to be resolved regarding
ownership and the amount of funding from the City, but I do support
the notion to expand the gallery.” ~ Travis Dodd
“Further information relating to finance and the collection is needed.
Membership wants control but continued support. How does that
work? Sounds like a good idea but is it sustainable?”
~ Bryan Gibbons
“I believe that the plan for incorporation has involved smart and
educated contributors who have provided valuable research for
consideration. Utilizing that I support the direction provided.”
~ Scott Greig
owensoundhub.org

“I will need more information on this matter and would only be in
favour if this move will benefit the gallery and Owen Sound will not be
losing one of its assets.” ~ Marion Koepke
“Council approved ‘in principle’ the gallery board investigating
further the idea, based on several core principles. It could become
much more successful, so I am in favour of investigation and
consultation with public.” ~ Jim McManaman
“Yes as long as there is a strong partnership agreement with the City.”
~ Colleen Purdon
owensoundhub.org

“Possibly. It may be the best idea moving forward, but the Gallery has
been unable to communicate effectively to garner the kind of public
support it will require to proceed.” ~ Richard Thomas
“YES, providing the principles established by council can all be met.”
~ Bill Twaddle
owensoundhub.org

owensoundhub.org
Information for Voters
You can vote in the City of Owen Sound municipal election if you are:
• a Canadian citizen, and
• at least 18 years old, and
• a resident of the City of Owen Sound, or
• a non-resident owner or tenant of land in the City of Owen Sound, or their
spouse, and
• not prohibited from voting under any law.
Are you on the Voter’s List? Check online at the City of Owen Sound website.
See all Acceptable Documents for Voter Identification here.

owensoundhub.org
Where to Vote
For the 2014 municipal election the City of Owen Sound will have 5 full day Voting Locations
in addition to specialty polls, which will be set up at retirement homes and long-term care
facilities in the city.
The five voting locations for Voting Day are:
• Royal Canadian Legion, 1450 2nd Avenue West
• Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, 1900 3rd Avenue East
• First Christian Reformed Church, 201 4th Avenue West
• Alliance Church, 440 7th Avenue East
• Owen Sound & North Grey Union Library, 824 1st Ave West
The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre will have additional technology features
which will allow persons with disabilities to vote independently.
(from the City of Owen Sound website)

owensoundhub.org
The Fluoride Plebiscite
This year, voters in the City of Owen Sound will be asked to vote on whether the city
should discontinue the practice of adding fluoride to the public water supply.
There has been confusion over the way the question is phrased on the ballot, which is:
“Are you in favour of the discontinuation of fluoride
in the municipal drinking water?”
If you vote ‘Yes,’ you are telling the city to stop fluoridating the water.
If you vote ‘No,’ you are telling the city to continue fluoridating the water.
At least 50% of voters must answer the question for the vote to be binding. Answering the
fluoride question is not mandatory.

Visit Owen Sound Hub for community news,
commentary, and multimedia reporting on the
issues that matter to Owen Sound residents.
Or, join us around the web:
owensoundhub.org

owensoundhub.org
Designed and compiled by
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Owen Sound Election 2014 Voters Guide - Owen Sound Hub

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