Editor’s note: Mary Blank, candidate for Mayor in Madawaska Valley, has provided the following statement in response to The Current’s request:
It has been an honour and a privilege serving our community for the last four years as your elected Councillor in the Township of the Madawaska Valley.
My roots are firmly established here and my family and neighbours are all important to me. Being raised here, living here and working here within my community has given even more insight into the past, the present and most importantly our future. I have and will continue to advocate for us all. Yesterday is gone, Today is done, Tomorrow is here!
I am very proud of my contribution to the ongoing development of our cultural, historical and environmental assets while continuously researching additional ways to enhance our township.
During this past four year term, I was Chairperson of the Recreation, Culture and Economic Development Committee and all the committees and facilities it involves.
I also served as Council Representative on The Madawaska Valley Public Library Board and the Zurakowski Park Committee, as well as serving on all Township Standing Committees such as Finance and Operations.
These positions were assigned to me by Mayor Mark Wilmer at the beginning of this term. With his guidance, support and vision we as a council worked together on some very important initiatives and township upgrades.
Such things as a new Human Resource Program, updating our Organizational Chart, the upgrading of bylaws in a number of areas and the introduction of electronic voting options for an easier and more convenient way of voting for our taxpayers.
My role also included council working together and authorizing extremely important works.
- Crooked Slide Park enhancements.
- Combermere and Wilno Outdoor Rink Reconstruction for multi purpose use.
- Zurakowski Park Improvements and Future Plans.
- Our Heritage Wooden Water Tower Refurbishment.
- Accessibility ramps and continued maintenance and upgrades of our Library, Historic Train Station and the Paul J. Yakabuskie Community Center.
- Wilno Heritage Society Events.
- “One Golden Gala” – The Carley Fortune Event.
- The very First “Flannel Fest” Community Weekend.
- Our new “Harvest Community Garden.”
We also pursued significant provincial and federal grants and initiatives including infrastructure applications and more! The work never stops!
Our future depends not only on our individual and group work ethic but our active participation with the Renfrew County Council, the Provincial Government and the Federal Government to address such pressing issues as housing, local economic development including job creation, environmental issues and tourism.
It goes without saying that the next four years are going to be very significant, above and beyond the Council’s essential necessity of continuing our day to day operations. It must also deal with the ever changing and often chaotic world around us. It will take a council with Vision and Action!
I am committed to:
- Aggressively pursuing federal and provincial grant funding to renew our infrastructure.
- Working productively with the Renfrew County Council to address local Madawaska Valley issues.
- Reviewing and moderating township costs.
- Working effectively with By Law and Property Standards enforcement.
- Reviewing and developing Air B & B properties licensing initiatives.
- Pursuing options to increase our tax revenue while investigating tax exemption options.
- Continue lobbying for solutions to the Bottle Return System.
- Actively supporting the installation of an EV Station within the township.
- Investigating how to diversify recreational opportunities for all ages.
While addressing the above and many other issues I will remain very committed to fiscally responsible budgeting, growing the future with respect for the past and building good community relationships through respectful listening, team building, ongoing staff consultations and open discussion.
I am about “action not promises!” Leadership with Service!
I HAVE SEEN YOU! I HAVE HEARD YOU, I AM HERE FOR YOU!
Thank you for your support!