At Tuesday evening’s Meet & Greet at the Opeongo Seniors Centre in Barry’s Bay, nine councillor candidates were present to meet voters (Joseph Olsheski was absent) and both mayoral candidates were in attendance. Opeongo Seniors President Leah Kinghorn was pleased with the turnout, saying that some residents were so keen to discuss their issues with the candidates that they waited outside half an hour before the doors opened. Above: Opeongo Seniors provided an informal chance to meet MV candidates. All photos: Gil Glofcheskie.
This reporter did not attempt to interview any of the incumbent candidates out of concern that such interviews might have become confrontational given their notorious hostility against The Current, and thus we focused instead on those trying to unseat them. We did not get the opportunity to speak with Helen Benn or Andrey Kaminski. The Current had already corresponded with former Councillor and candidate Shelley Maika regarding her comments about “honesty” at the most recent All Candidates meeting but she had refused to discuss them saying in an email that she “would much prefer to take a red hot poker and repeatedly stab myself in the eye with it than debate with you.”
During our discussions with the candidates, the topic of affordable housing was raised repeatedly. Balmoral Hotel owner Liz Woosey said she would tackle the housing shortage by investigating ideas such as multiple unit residences funded through Habitat for Humanity (H4H) and reviewing by-laws and zoning requirements for secondary dwellings or tiny homes. She pointed out that having seen a successful H4H condominium project in Peterborough, she has already reached out to the relevant H4H branch for this region. As a hotelier, Woosey talked about creative ideas to bring more tourism income to the area. She stressed her collaborative approach and said she would rely on her 30 years’ business experience to increase economic development in the Township.
Mary Blank said she was humbled by the positive response she is receiving as she canvasses door to door. She talked about her previous service on Council and as a volunteer, saying this is typical behaviour for someone who grew up in such a giving community. Blank said she is repeatedly told about the need for housing for both seniors on limited incomes and for young families, and pointed out that her long career at Valley Manor has made her sensitive to the changing requirements for seniors’ housing.
Hanna Domagala said she may be new to the municipality but her career demonstrates commitment, creativity and energy. Her qualifications and experience in architecture and planning, she said, are critical to help solve the dilemma posed by lack of affordable housing. She said councillors must use creativity and intelligence to consider the needs of residents. Domagala said she will not over-promise and because it is impossible to please everyone, her personal aim is always to achieve a balance. She talked about the importance of community hubs for culture and recreation – such as the Madawaska Valley Public Library – and how they are key in bringing economic development and community growth. She said activities targeted at people aged 25 to 35 years, whether public or private initiatives, would not only benefit residents but would bring more year-round tourism into the community.
This writer recalled how the Barry’s Bay Railway Station was successfully operated as a culture and tourism centre up until 2017, and how most members of the present council had campaigned for election on promises of restoring it to that role.
Mayoral candidate Roger Prince grew up here in the Valley and views his candidacy as an opportunity to serve the community — just as previous generations in his family have done. Prince said residents asked him how his leadership skills would benefit MV Township, and cited various provincial programs he had introduced that were still in operation today. He related what he had witnessed elsewhere where there was planned growth and development that was good for the community. He talked about better housing options for both elderly and young residents, and the need to look further afield for new ways to meet the need. Prince said the retired population in the Township could be better engaged to use their skills and experience for the benefit of the community. He also said the local arts and culture community needed to be revived and celebrated to a greater extent.
Be strategic — make your vote count
By election day in 2018 there were only five candidates for the four MV Councillor positions, but with a much greater choice in this year’s field, it is possible for MV residents to vote in a completely new slate of elected officials. However, it is important that residents cast their votes for the candidates they truly feel are the best – you do not have to select candidates for all five positions on your ballot. This is called “Strategic Voting.” It means that, for example, if you feel there are only two worthy candidates, you cast your vote for those two alone and leave the remaining candidates unchecked.
If everyone did this, the candidates voted in would be the ones most voters think are the best qualified to represent them. In that way you can be sure your true preferences are reflected in the outcome.
