Corrie Trist Running For Municipal Council
Question 1: With an apparent change in policy by the Provincial Government, it appears privately owned shops will be able to sell Cannabis products. Should the City of Dryden grant business licenses to local shops to sell cannabis and associated products? How many should be allowed?
Answer: I believe this conversation starts with the cooperation of our police service that can provide valuable insights. Non governed cannabis products are already on our streets and the legalization of cannabis will likely increase usage in our community. To grant or deny local businesses license to sell will have little affect on the availability of said products. As a community we should work together with our service providers to prepare and plan on how to deal with the ramifications of this new legislation.
Question #2: The first issue Council will face will be a decision on the OPP servicing the City versus remaining with the Dryden Police Service. Do you have a preference? And-a simple yes or no-would you be willing to hold a referendum on a possible switch?
Answer: I’m in favour of which service provides the best care, education and protections for our community. When the costing comes in, we will have to evaluate the pros and cons of the two organizations. What I already know is that our Dryden Police Service does a fantastic service to our community in many ways above and beyond usual enforcement. This is something that our public should be educated on, along with how the community policing model we currently have may change should we entertain a switch to the OPP model. Monetary evaluations will certainly be addressed but I for one realize that cost for our city involves much more than dollars and cents. I believe the necessity of a referendum on this issue is unlikely.
Question #3: Possibly the most contentious issued faced by Council this year was the withdrawal of service by the Dryden Fire Fighters Association and the resulting restructuring of Dryden Fire Services. Do you feel the issue has been dealt with and is now closed or do you want to see it re-opened?
Answer: The safety of our citizens and those who pass through our city is an issue that should be open for discussion at all times. We as councilors should ensure that the new model provides more than “Adequate” protection for everyone and is also sustainable in the future. I believe expert analysis should be utilized to determine the validity of the new model compared to our original service model.
Question #4. Approximately 20% of Dryden residents are First Nations people. As a member of Council what would you do to ensure that our Indigenous residents, visitors and neighbours feel welcomed and are included as Dryden moves forward?
Answer: The ever changing demographics in Dryden indicate that it is imperative to include our First Nations residents and surrounding communities when considering the future prosperity of our city. We need to engage the First Nation leaders from our region to participate with council when devising our strategic plan for the future. The more we can communicate and understand how our common goals align the easier it will be to achieve them.
Question #5. What would you do to enhance recreational activities and make Dryden more accessible and active?
Answer: Recreation and healthy lifestyle involves everyone from our youth to our elderly. Access to our many sporting venues, our recreation center, parks, and the waterfront for all citizens should be an ongoing conversation amongst our leadership. This includes supporting and enhancing the “My Lift” program that is vitally important to many people. Ensuring that Drydenites can be more active also includes having safer sidewalks, bike paths, parks and better snow removal to encourage people to get our during all seasons.
Question #6. What is the single most important issue facing our newly elected Council in the coming year-and the single most important long term issue for the four-year term?
Answer: The single most important issue for the newly elected Council is to come together, trust and communicate with each other and the citizens of Dryden. This in my opinion has been lacking for some time. It is important for us all to be engaged and have a say in creating a Strategic Plan for the city. This must start with Council and extend to city management, user groups, the business community and everyone else who has a stake in our community.
Question #7. Why should we vote you to Council?
Answer: I am a very active member in our community. I care about our children, families, businesses, prosperity and growth. I believe in working together, listening to the public and achieving our goals with progressive, dynamic strategies. I’m interested in what you, the public, have to say and will work hard to convey your ideas and values to the rest of Council. Vote Corrie Trist for open , honest representation of yourselves in Dryden. Thank you
