Martin MacKinnon 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 the city of Dryden should grant licences to sell cannabis and associated products. A new city council must first define an application process that meets all legal parameters and then decide how many business licences are required.
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: Any council, sitting or new, would not be doing its due diligence, if it did not resolve, once and for all, the comparison issue between the OPP and the Dryden Police Services. We need to show the citizens of this community what it will cost to maintain the services provided by the Dryden Police Services and what the difference would be with the services that the OPP would offer and would these services be acceptable. I am very pleased with the Dryden Police Services, however, once the costing has taken place, I feel the decision should be brought to the community in a referendum.
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 feel that the issue has been dealt with. A new model has been put in place that appears to be working and needs the chance to prove its value. Dryden must always be in the position where it has 24 hour a day fire protection. The new model meets these needs.
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: All cultures should be welcome in Dryden. We should all be equal partners in our community. I think The city of Dryden needs a new position, a Cultural Liaison, to help with the transitions of people new to our community and to help develop relationships and partnerships between community members.
Question #5: What would you do to enhance recreational activities and make Dryden more accessible and active?
Answer: I think the Ball Diamonds and the Soccer Fields are state of the art facilities that we need to develop a marketing plan for to maximize use. We need to attract more tournaments, I have been told that the Arenas and Pool Facility are structurally sound. We are searching for funding to improve the flooring. We haven’t been successful the last three years in obtaining provincial or federal funding to make major renovations such as new dressing rooms but we need to keep trying.
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 pressing issue facing a newly elected council is the OPP costing. It is time to resolve this issue for the peace of mind of our wonderful police force. The single most important long term issue is to complete the path to financial stability. We are close but we must continue working to finish the journey.
Question #7: Why should we vote you to Council?
Answer: Proven leadership. Honesty. Integrity. Hard Work Ethic. Commitment and Love of Community. The ability to make a hard decision to benefit the whole community of Dryden. I care.
