John Carlucci 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: We know that this is happening soon so I am for someone opening a store as long as they follow the rules and regulations set out by the government. Economic growth is something i want to see happen in Dryden – as long as they follow the rules i have no issues. At the AMO conference i attended in August this was a hot topic and there were more questions than answers asked about how this will work. I have read many articles on the subject and all i can say once I get more information i would gladly share it with everyone. I am sure we can discuss it more in an open session of council.
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: We have a great Police Force and sitting on the Police Board I have an even greater appreciation and respect for what these officers do for this community. Regarding the OPP Costing – I have no decision as I have no information; I need the information and until I see it and review it I cannot make a decision. I can tell you I will research and ask the questions that need to be asked and we will involve the public as that I understand is a part of the proposal. Realizing the cost of a referendum I would have the Public Meeting and gather the feedback at that time. Work with the Police Costing Committee that I sit on to make a recommendation to council once all info is gathered and preset to council for their vote. The committee is gathering information from other municipalities – those that went OPP and those that did not as part of the process in getting proper information in order to make a informed decision once we get the costing and model from the OPP on the 28th of November.
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: We have a great Fire department to-day and I feel protected and confident that our community is safe. We worked on this situation for months and I stand 100% behind the decision Council and Mayor made. As far as I’m concerned there is no issues regarding fire service here in Dryden. Chief Murrells report on August 27th tells the story of what this model has accomplished and it is all very positive. Far as I’m concerned and as far as the citizen that have spoken to me it’s a done issue.
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 neighbors feel welcomed and are included as Dryden moves forward?
Answer: We need to partner with our indigenous friends and work closely with the indigenous organizations to form stronger partnerships. We need to work with KDSB on their initiatives regarding indigenous housing and programs they are launching it just benefits all of us. It is our duty to look after all citizens and their needs where we can and how we can.
Question #5: What would you do to enhance recreational activities and make Dryden more accessible and active?
Answer: We have many recreational facilities in Dryden and I am proud of what we have to offer to our citizens. Do these facilities need some work of course and we now have in place the proper staff – Steve Belanger to look into opportunities for funding programs available to us as a City. We have the DREAM committee doing fundraising to help enhance the arena and I appreciate all their hard work and dedication to making this happen – please support them and their fundraising efforts. Our facilities from what I understand meet the accessible requirements that ADA has set out, if there is an issue let me know and I will advise Steve to make him aware of this issue.
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: There are many issues not just a single issue that the new council must deal with. For me it is continuing with our Debt Repayment strategy – need to pay our debt – 2021 is not that far away and once there we will be able to see the light at the end of this long tunnel. If all goes according to the strategy we will have the debt paid by 2030 if not sooner then life for us will change for the better. Second issue is the strat plan we tried but with the revolving door of CAO’s we could not get it done so we need to get it done as this is our guide for the next 4 years.
Question #7: Why should we vote you to Council?
Answer: I still believe that I can watch what happens and later wonder what happened or be a part of making things happen. I want to continue to make thing happen using my common sense business approach. I now possess the skills as a councillor and understand how city governance works. My skills include Integrity, effective communication, listening, common sense approach and collaboration, Thoroughly researched decision making, positive attitude, and Hard working. I truly believe this past council has moved us forward in a positive manner and I want to still be a part of that and ensure we keep the positive momentum going. I see and feel the pride of our City returning because of what we’ve put in place – there is still work to do and I now know we will get there with the right council in place. I continue to have the attitude, dedication and willingness to help keep the momentum going as I have had in the past term of council.
