A great turnout for the Meet-the-Candidates forum at the Centre in Dryden Thursday night.
One question presented to those running for Municipal politics was whether or not they would hold a referendum on a possible switch in policing.
Everyone on the panel were nothing but appreciative of the work done by the Dryden Police Service, applauding them for what they do on the front-lines but also behind the scenes.
However, a majority said they couldn’t commit to anything until they see the OPP costing study on November 28th.
Michelle Williams, Jason Owen, Dave McKay, Martin MacKinnon, Shawn Lappage, Catherine Kiewning and John Carlucci all immediately voiced support for a referendum.
Bill Latham and Richard Jonasson were open to a public vote, but stressed they want to maintain the status quo.
Shayne MacKinnon is also on board with a referendum, throwing his full support behind the local force, adding the City should bring in other municipal leaders, past and present, to hear their OPP stories.
It’s also a reality for every single municipality and that’s marijuana will become legal next Wednesday.
The question was posed last night, should the City grant business licence’s to local shops to sell cannabis.
A majority on the panel said they would support a retail store, noting it would provide extra tax revenue for the City, adding if they don’t take advantage, people will just go elsewhere to capitalize on the new rules.
Everyone stated the transition would have to include police, health care and social agencies to ensure the proper services are available.
John Carlucci was in support of a retail store, stressing all rules would have to be strictly followed, while Roger Valley agreed as long as extra provincial funding was provided for police.
Greg Wilson and Michelle Williams weren’t as quick to jump on board, stressing a lot more research is needed on the issue.
Catherine Kiewning took a different approach, noting with a January 22nd deadline to make a decision lifted, the City should wait and learn from the mistakes and success of other communities before making a decision.
Norm Bush said he would like to see a referendum on the issue.
And those running for Council in Dryden have been asked if they plan to re-open the controversial issue of fire services in the community.
The issue was the most contentious one in the final year of this Council and although Roger Valley voted against the remodel, he says it’s time to move on and don’t look back.
Norm Bush and John Carlucci agree, while Michelle Williams believes they owe it to current firefighters to let them do their work for a year and then see where they stand.
Shawn Lappage is a volunteer firefighter and he’s thankful for those who have come forward to protect the community.
However, he says the City should look at bringing back veteran firefighters to help mentor the newcomers.
Corrie Trist is calling for a full review, noting Dryden “is sitting on a bomb”, and “adequate” fire coverage isn’t good enough.
Greg Wilson and Dave McKay are pleased with the current system, while Michelle Williams has suggested forming a Fire Services Board to make decisions, similar to the Dryden Police Board.
Martin MacKinnon agrees a Committee could help provide some clarity, while Bill Latham says the mess could have had a much better outcome if handled differently.
Latham says there should have been a third party to look at both sides and come to an agreement.
