Editor's Note: We asked Tay Township council members for their take on the first two years of their mandate as well as how they see the future unfolding. A few didn't respond, but we're delighted to offer you some insight from those who did. Today, we hear from Ward 1 councillor Paul Raymond.
Question 1. What are you most proud of, personally as a councillor, that you/council have been able to accomplish in the first half of your mandate?
I am most proud of and impressed with our discussions, debates and decisions, on items that come before us. Our Council members come from many backgrounds. Those backgrounds, and resulting opinions, help form policy that directs the township.
Everyone on Council has the ability to voice their position on topics and be heard. I think that is the reason we were able to easily accelerate our roads program and change the township management structure (that will result in better services to residents); two prime examples. Council is also listening to residents and getting better in the area of communication.
While we do not always get it right, I really feel we are trying. I am proud of this as well.
Question 2. What is your biggest disappointment as it relates to a council decision/direction or issue?
Personally, I do not dwell on any decisions that Council has made that were opposite to my point of view. I am one of seven votes on any decisions and respect the decisions of Council as a whole.
I am more disappointed with decisions made by other parties that have had an impact on our community, specifically Port McNicoll. Simcoe County's Linx Transit excluding Port McNicoll in their planned transit route 6 and the LCBO closing the local retail store in Port McNicoll are two recent events that impacted our community.
Council had no say, nor input, on either decision and only found out about these decisions after the fact.
Question 3. Nobody saw the pandemic coming. Specifically, as a councillor, what is the biggest challenge the pandemic has created and how have you tried to tackle that challenge?
Tay Township is a service provider and our residents are the customers.
The pandemic short-circuited the services that the township was able to provide in many areas. Our immediate concern was how to provide services to residents, while navigating the required protocols mandated by the various regulatory bodies, at the same time trying to keep our staff safe.
We were fortunate to have dual operation centres that offered continuity in township services and administration should COVID-19 infiltrate the ranks (it did not). This added an additional layer of safety for our staff and allowed continued access to most services. I believe Tay Township was the only municipal administration in North Simcoe that had this advantage.
Question 4. Access to Georgian Bay remains a concern for many. Do you feel council needs to address this issue? If so, how?
Access to Georgian Bay can mean different things to different people.
If you are asking about pedestrian access to the water, Tay provides many points of access through our parkland that borders Georgian Bay in each of Port McNicoll, Victoria Harbour and Waubaushene.
In fact, staff have worked diligently within the last year to increase water access at Patterson Park in Port McNicoll. Staff have also been working on increased access at MacKenzie Park in Victoria Harbour of late. While some of these changes (MacKenzie Park) were the result of Council direction, it was through discussions with Council that allowed staff to anticipate and execute the changes for the benefit of our residents.
However, if you are talking about boating access, we have a public launch in Victoria Harbour that Council is always trying to improve public access to, with Tay residents being a priority. Let's call this a work in progress.
Question 5. Are you doing enough as a council to be transparent, to encourage public input and to listen? How so? How could that be improved during the second half of your mandate?
I am a staunch advocate of public input on decisions that Council make, and have gone on record to push for residential input on those issues that have a critical impact on residents.
I do not buy into the position that Council are elected to exercise all decisions for residents on all matters. Some decisions require resident input, not assumptions of support. We asked for resident input to help craft our strategic plan. Two recent surveys we reached out to residents on had to do with short-term rental (STR) regulations and Council makeup and ward boundaries.
Question 6. What is the biggest challenge council faces in the second half of its mandate (ie. Staff retirements, promised tax freeze, capacity) and what are your top priorities?
I feel Council's biggest challenge will be to get past the pandemic, and try to restore some sense of normalcy in township operations. Recreational activities, community events and related township services should be our priorities. Speed in reopening and providing access will be key.
Question 7: Lastly, do you intend to seek re-election? Why or why not?
In 2018, I ran on a platform to represent residents the best that I could, and provide some ideas for change. Residents felt that their opinions were not being heard, and therefore did not matter. I have tried, and continue to bring their voices into council.
When the time comes to make this decision, if I feel that I was able to make a difference in the township, then I may consider running again. If I do not feel that I was able to accomplish anything, then I definitely won't run again.
