Editor's note: OrilliaMatters has asked council candidates in neighbouring Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn townships to provide a synopsis of why they are running in the Oct. 24 municipal election. The following was submitted by Richard Black who is seeking election in Ward 4 in Ramara Township. For more election coverage — including candidate profiles and other election news — visit our 2022 municipal election page by clicking here.
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Hello, my name is Richard Black, I was born and raised on a farm in Brechin. I lived and worked here for 34 years in the agriculture and aggregate industries before I got married and moved to Belleville, Ontario.
During my time in Belleville, I was involved in all three levels of government, I ran for municipal council to get residents’ situations dealt with. I also got the council to work on getting problems fixed (eg. roads, and revamping their transit system). I met with MPs and MPPs to get more help for the city.
I have volunteered on committees/boards for many years: the Facade Improvement Program, Quinte Crime Stoppers Board, and the Belleville Heritage Committee.
As a result, Ramara residents asked me to move back to run for councillor in Ward 4 to bring forward their requests. Now that I have moved back I hope to get your vote so that I can bring your requests forward to council and get results.
I am running in the 2022 election in Ward 4 focused on working for what Ramara residents want - affordable housing, doctor recruitment program, infrastructure, roads, businesses and entrepreneurship.
Also, I want to work hard on bringing a financial institution back to Brechin. I would like to bring forward a plan to build a few retirement homes in Ramara Township (a lot of seniors have mentioned this to me).
I have heard from residents and people passing through that they would like a few more eateries, ideas have been a Dairy Queen or a three-star restaurant.
Now that you have read what my plan is I hope I can count on your vote for Ward 4 Councillor.
For more in-depth information, contact me on Facebook (@Black4Council), via email [email protected], or by text at 613-849-8796.
