Terry Tinkess/Krystine Soule
Record Staff/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

NORTH STORMONT – Municipal elections are more important than many people think. Of all the level of government we deal with, the municipal level is the one in which we can have the most direct impact and interaction.

With that in mind, The Record, to introduce the certified candidates to their constituents as clearly and as equitably as possible chose to send each candidate, regardless of whether they were running for Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or Councillor a list of three questions. Each candidate was allowed a total of 200 words to answer each question, and their answers would be published as received, with the only editing being for spelling and grammar, and length, should they exceed 200 words (word 201onward would not be published.)

Candidates were advised that they were under no obligation to respond and that we would make no comment if they did, or they did not do so. A strong belief in Journalism is that it is not a journalist’s job to tell the public what to think, but what to think about. We each make our own, hopefully informed, decisions.

Here are the three questions, followed by the responses we received from each candidate. In weeks past we have looked at North Dundas, South Dundas and Russell. This week, we will feature North Stormont.

Candidate Questions:

  1. What do you believe should be the top priorities for the municipality over the next four years, and what would you like to see council accomplish during your term in office?
  2. Municipalities face increasing pressure to provide services and maintain infrastructure while keeping taxes and other costs affordable for residents. How would you approach balancing these competing demands, and what factors would guide your decisions?
  3. What do you believe are the two most important issues or opportunities facing our community that deserve greater attention from municipal council, and what would you propose doing about them?

David MacDonald, Candidate for Councillor

Question 1: The economic factors facing businesses, farmers and residents in general with the price of fuel, groceries and unstable trade and tariff issues means council must focus on reducing the impact of taxes, permit fees, and operational costs levied at the municipal level. No increase in municipal taxes would be a huge accomplishment over the next 4 years.

Council will need to have continued pressure on our Provincial and Federal ministries to ensure upgrades to Hwy 138 are achieved as well as address the speeding concerns on our County roads that go through our villages.

Council will need to focus on ensuring Municipal opposition to the Alto High Speed rail project is continuously stated to ensure Alto Project does not go through our Municipality with no impact on our farming comunity and residents. Action will need to be taken to identify the Township as an “unwilling host” and continue that existing status for wind and solar farms.

Council must make recreational fees more affordable for families to encourage children participation. Keep recreational fees stable

The municipality needs to increase focus on property standard issues throughout the township to upgrade unsightly properties.

Question 2: The major factor impacting budget decisions is safety for our residents, for example bridge and culvert replacement that are unavoidable, Fire Department requirements for the safety of our volunteer firefighters and infrastructure security for the municipality. Next is the condition of our paved and gravel roads where we need to look at saving the existing road structure and the nice to have but can be planed into future budgets. There is also road maintenance, gravel addition and ditching to support tile drainage issues.

Council needs to promote input into the budget process by our Township staff and residents and work with the various department heads and committee chairmen to priortize their needs to keep expenses down and look at cost saving iniitiatives.

With the tough economic conditions currently it is important to stay within our yearly budget and establish a budget that builds on reserves to ensure the Township is prepared for difficult economic times in future years.

Question 3: The increase in residential housing within the township is a boost to our tax revenue and water and sewer tax revenue, but also puts pressure on the existing infrastructure. Over the course of the next 4 years this issue will be front and centre especially if the housing starts continue, Council will need to focus on obtaining infrastructure funding from Provincial and Federal programs that support affordable housing and the infrastructure to support it.

We need to attract large and small business to the municipality to support the growing population. Establish commercial zoned properties and possibly a business park with municipal incentives to attract business to our municipality.

Adrian Bugelli, Candidate for Councillor

Question 1: My top priority over the next four years will be responsible growth. North Stormont is growing, and we need to make sure our infrastructure keeps pace with that growth without losing the rural character and quality of life that make our communities such great places to live.

I want to see continued investment in our critical infrastructure, particularly roads, water and wastewater systems, municipal facilities and recreational assets. We have already taken important steps, including completing a Water and Sewer Master Service Plan to prepare for population and residential growth.

At the same time, I believe we must remain disciplined with taxpayers’ money. During the last term, Council approved a 10-year financial plan and secured more than $7 million in grants, along with $1.26 million in GFL contributions, helping us deliver major projects while reducing the burden on local ratepayers.

Over the next term, I want to build on that record: grow wisely, invest strategically and keep taxes and the cost of living as affordable as possible for North Stormont families.

Question 2: Balancing investment with affordability starts with recognizing that every tax dollar matters. As councillors, we have a responsibility to provide the services residents expect while making sure we are getting the best possible value for their money.

My approach is to prioritize projects based on need, long-term benefit and affordability. Critical infrastructure must come first, particularly infrastructure that supports growth and protects the services residents rely on. We also need to plan ahead rather than continually reacting to problems as they arise.

Just as importantly, I believe we need to aggressively pursue provincial and federal funding opportunities. During this term, North Stormont secured more than $7 million in grants, while GFL contributions brought the total outside funding identified in the Council overview to more than $8.4 million.

I will continue looking for efficiencies, partnerships and funding opportunities before asking taxpayers to carry additional costs. Responsible government means investing where we need to, planning for future generations, and keeping taxes and the overall cost of living low wherever possible.

Question 3: I believe the two biggest opportunities for North Stormont are managing our growth responsibly and investing in the infrastructure needed to support it.

We are experiencing significant residential and commercial development. That growth can bring new families, businesses, jobs and investment to our communities, but it must be managed carefully. We need to ensure development is supported by adequate water, wastewater, roads and other municipal infrastructure. The completion of the Water and Sewer Master Service Plan is an important foundation for that work.

The second opportunity is to continue strengthening the community infrastructure that makes North Stormont an attractive place to live. We have made major investments in recreation, fire services, parks and municipal facilities, including the Moose Creek Recreation Hall, Crysler Fire Hall, Finch Park expansion and Finch Arena upgrades.

Going forward, I want Council to plan for tomorrow while protecting affordability today. That means responsible growth, long-term infrastructure planning, aggressive pursuit of outside funding and careful financial management so we can build a stronger North Stormont without placing unnecessary pressure on local taxpayers.