Michelle Price Running for 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’ve had a hard time with this question, I’ve never tried nor felt the need to use cannabis nor do I condemn anyone who uses . That being said, it is legal to purchase now, and it ‘s not about what I want but what our community wants. I do believe there are benefits to having a retail space within our community, the possibility of jobs, increase tax base and hopefully a product not tainted with other dangerous drugs to name a few. If and when a license is given for retail I think that the city should consider where the space is located.
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 truly believe we have one of the finest police departments a community could wish for. Once the OPP costing report is made available for study in November, I would not only be comparing the cost but also the services (comparing apples to apples). I also believe that this is a very important matter and a community referendum should be held.
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: My understanding is the current model is working and we need to move forward, if in the future the current model in use is not working we can make the necessary changes accordingly.
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 would welcome any person to our community regardless of race. It is important to work with our first nation leaders within our community to help make sure any new member of our community feels welcomed and to help them to adjust. I believe our community needs to continue to support DNFC (Friendship Centre), our Anti-Racism Network to educate our community on acceptance regardless of race. I believe EVERY person should be given an equal opportunity to succeed.
Question #5: What would you do to enhance recreational activities and make Dryden more accessible and active?
Answer: I believe we have great recreational activities within our community the problem may be that perhaps people are not aware of them . Perhaps a calendar of all of Dryden’s events including recreation could help. Upgrades are being done to our arena with the help of the DREAM committee through fundraising efforts we have great baseball diamonds, soccer fields, walking and hiking paths
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: I don’t believe we need to focus on one single issue, we need to continue to work on reducing our debt, the strategic plan needs to be completed as well as fixing our sidewalks, roads and infrastructure. We need to build up tourism in our area, promoting our community as a place to visit or stay. I want to help to promote new business growth in our community, encouraging young entrepreneurs with their ideas to help them make their business a reality. Lets work together for an even better community.
Question #7: Why should we vote you to Council?
Answer: Like most who live in Dryden, I love my community and want to see it flourish. I have volunteered in one way or another for over 3/4 of my life, I have worked in municipal government for 15 years and now own and run a successful business in Dryden. Along with the experience i have gained in the last 20-30 years of working within municipal government and running a business, my honesty, open mindedness to new ideas and willingness to work hard for my community will make me a good choice for a councillor. LASTLY PLEASE VOTE!
