The two individuals running for Mayor in Dryden are concentrating on the Cities debt load and the need for badly needed upgrades in the community.
Roger Valley and Greg Wilson focused on those two issues Thursday night at a Meet-the-Candidates Forum at the Centre.
Wilson says his short-term goal, if he is re-elected, is continuing down the path of settling their debt.
Wilson notes they have no flexibility, stating they have obligations to the bank and to Infrastructure Ontario.
He says this year was their heaviest debt repayment year with $3.75-million they could have used for infrastructure and social projects.
Wilson says he met with Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford Thursday about possible government funding.
He notes Rickford took a list of their shovel ready projects and they now know what the City has in its hopper.
Wilson says short-and-long term shovel ready projects total roughly $10-million.
Roger Valley has a different take on the issue.
Valley believes the City can balance its debt and address crumbling infrastructure at the same time.
Valley says the City is overpaying their debt right now.
He says they can use some of that money to take advantage of government grants, noting “if we don’t help ourselves, the provincial and federal governments won’t be interested in helping us”.
Valley notes Council can balance its debt payment with re-investing in our streets, sidewalks and sewer and water projects.
He also wants to see money set aside for badly needed building maintenance.
There was plenty of talk of referendums last night with candidates citing a possible need for the fire service remodel, OPP costing and allowing cannabis stores in the community.
Valley says he’s not a fan of referendums but notes there may be life altering decisions that may need to go to a public vote.
He believes if Council receives the right information and shares it with the public, than people will understand why the decision was made and it was probably made in the best interests of Dryden.
Greg Wilson says there is a time and place for referendums.
Wilson notes the province wants public feedback on OPP costing and he’s all for that.
He says more time is needed to address the legalization of marijuana.
The forum attracted all 15 candidates as well as a large crowd of interested voters.
Meantime, you can start voting for the October 22nd election Friday at 10:00am through Internet or telephone.
