Jason Owen 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: Yes, I believe we should allow Cannabis Stores in Dryden. The availability of product will change, so we may as well get some tax revenue to offset any social costs incurred. Supply and demand will create an equilibrium of the number of stores.
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 am biased towards maintaining our current police force as they provide excellent service. However, without seeing the final numbers and being able to compare apples to apples, I am unable to make a commitment either way. I do have concerns related to hidden costs that may not appear in the costing – for example the capital cost of standardizing all police vehicles and buildings to meet OPP standards. There may be additional costs for severance payments to any Dryden Police that do not transfer over to the OPP which could be substantial.
I would be willing to hold a referendum. When council is making a decision that cannot be reversed I am in favor of hearing from our community to ensure the will of Dryden is being heard. While I am in favor of a referendum, tight timelines may not allow for a full process to occur.
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: I do not feel the issue has been closed as I feel there are still ongoing problems within the service and if they are left unchecked they could have a negative effect on our taxes. I believe that the statistics being reported are not a true representation of the current service being provided to our City. We need to see statistics that are comparable to the old model to make a true evaluation of the changes.
I feel the bigger issue with what transpired is that your current council voted to stop discussions with the Fire Association which left no room for a resolution. This issue remains a divisive one in our community and needs to be brought to a conclusion.
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: I think it is important for Council to promote partnerships with our Indigenous Organizations. Council should represent all community members and not limit its outreach to Indigenous peoples. We should work together to ensure all peoples feel welcomed and included as valued members of our community. Partnerships are an important tool that can be taped to ensure quality services are provided to our citizens while controlling costs.
Question #5: What would you do to enhance recreational activities and make Dryden more accessible and active?
Answer: Again, partnering with our community organizations and helping them navigate the rules would enable services to be enhanced while being fiscally responsible. I hope the council you elect is willing to remove barriers and foster good working relationships with community organizations.
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: In the immediate future the OPP Costing model will need to be resolved.
My main goal for Dryden is to grow our community with new business. By attracting new businesses to Dryden our tax base expands and increases our revenues. This can only happen if we have a solid foundation of affordable housing and child care that any new professionals coming to Dryden need. The City needs to be a key player by being a Solution Finder not a barrier and work with potential entrepreneurs.
Question #7: Why should we vote you to Council?
Answer: I believe that I would be fair, level headed, open minded, and work for the community as a whole. I have a wide range of knowledge and am willing to listen. I believe in Dryden. I have committed my time, finances, and family to the community.
