Editor's Note: It's New Year's Day - the perfect day to look back at the previous year and look ahead to the coming year. With that in mind, we've asked the mayor and all eight city councillors a series of five questions about past accomplishments and future goals. We will publish their answers throughout the day. What follows are the responses from Ward 2 city councillors Ralph Cipolla and Rob Kloostra.
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Ward 2 Councillor Ralph Cipolla provided the following responses to our questions.
1. What do you think is the most significant accomplishment of this council from 2019?
It's very difficult to choose, but if I had to choose one I would go with the $150-million investment by Hydro One to build in Orillia. It will create high-paying jobs.
Replacing the street lights with new LED lights, equipped with GPS technology, is also a significant accomplishment along with making sure the recreation centre opens in late January.
2. What is your top priority for 2020?
My top priority is to ensure that we make Orillia affordable to live here! It's also a priority to ensure Orillia is a safe place where residents and visitors can grow, learn, live and work. I want to make sure that Orillia is buzzing with business opportunities and ensure that we have activities and opportunities for our children and grandchildren.
I would like to learn and work with other municipalities to support Orillia initiatives. Tackling the opioid crisis in our community and the root causes of poverty are also priorities.
3. What is the biggest challenge facing this council in 2020?
For me, it’s keeping the taxes in line with the cost of living to make Orillia a better place and affordable for all and to improve the quality of life for residents.
4. What is your New Year's Resolution as a City Councillor of Orillia?
As a city councillor, I will always be available to all residents of my ward and the city as a whole. I want to work to create JOBS and eliminate poverty and be a better councillor to serve the people.
5. What is your New Year's Resolution as a citizen?
Personally, for me, I want to live a healthy, active lifestyle while being the best father and grandfather to my family. Typically, each year I choose a word that signifies how I want to go into the year ahead. This year, I chose LOVE. I want to continue to show love and kindness to all around me. I want to continue loving the city I call home.
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Ward 2 Councillor Rob Kloosra provided the following responses to our questions.
1. What do you think is the most significant accomplishment of this council from 2019?
Our most significant accomplishment is completing the core services review to help organize the city and its services.
2. What is your top priority for 2020?
The top priority is roads and infrastructure and completing projects on time and on budget. The RFP for development of the waterfront lands is also a top priority.
3. What is the biggest challenge facing this council in 2020?
The biggest challenge we face is completing the creation of serviceable employment and development lands while not burdening the tax base. Orillia is still looking to grow.
4. What is your New Year's Resolution as a City Councillor of Orillia?
My resolution is to continue working as a team with my fellow councillors
5. What is your New Year's Resolution as a citizen?
My resolution as a citizen is to continue to be active in the community and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. I look forward to cutting the ribbon on the new recreation centre and running the track.
