Shawn Lappage 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 think we should grant those business licences. Obviously, we’ll have to due our research and due diligence before awarding the licenses, but more retail businesses means more jobs. We should be rolling out the red carpet in an attempt to attract as many new businesses as we can to our once vibrant city.
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: As I mentioned at our all candidate’s forum, it appears that public safety has really taken a back seat to cutting the deficit. The current council tried closing Fire Hall 2 and risking life and property, then when unsuccessful, they gutted Hall 1 and lost several experienced firefighters, now they’re targeting the hard-working women and men of the Dryden Police Force. We need to stand behind these brave officers and give them the support needed to continue to keep our streets safe.
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 hope its not closed, as this again speaks to public safety and community pride. I will suggest we again reach out to the DFFA and find a way to bridge the gap that is keeping decades worth of experience and community service sitting at home wishing they were still helping protect our city. I am still a volunteer firefighter, and in no way speak on behalf of the DFS or any other volunteer firefighter when I say that replacing the experienced men and women with college kids does not make me feel safer at emergency scenes.
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’ve worked on the Wabigoon Lake Community First Nation for close to a decade now and think that I have at least a basic understanding of our cultural differences. I also know that those differences can be overcome. I have relationships with several First Nations. We have a growing community of Filipino families as well. I envision Dryden as an inviting place to live and visit, and place where all new citizens are welcomed. An inclusive city that welcomes all regardless of race, religion or sexuality.
Question #5: What would you do to enhance recreational activities and make Dryden more accessible and active?
Answer: I grew up in Barclay where as kids we would keep ourselves entertained chasing each other around with sticks. Youth today need a little more structure, something to drag them away from their electronics. We need more safe gathering spots, more outdoor rinks and baseball diamonds and sports fields. We need to keep our kids safe and busy by providing low cost activities year-round. I would like to see something like a drop-in center where kids can blow off steam in safe and friendly surroundings.
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 think the most important thing to do right off the start is to build proper relationships in council and inclusive of all city staff. The current council preached transparency, but we need actual transparency to get the trust of the community back. We’ll need to work as a team of 7 and not smaller factions where private agendas can sway policy creation. We’ll have to jump right into the budget process and through that address our crumbling city infrastructure. The things we’ve already mentioned like Cannabis retail licensing, and Police and Fire issues are also front burner topics. In the long term we need to continue to pay down our debt and get going on the strategic plan that hasn’t been important enough to prior councils to complete. It will be a lot easier to get where were going if we create that map to help us.
Question #7: Why should we vote you to Council?
Answer: I was born in Dryden and raised in Barclay and have always been a great ambassador for our city. I want to bring some pride back to our once vibrant city. I have an education and experience in business and am not afraid to think outside the box for solutions. I’m a community minded individual who coaches minor hockey, soccer, and baseball; I’m a volunteer firefighter out Barclay Fire Hall and am a supporter of many local fundraising initiatives. I see being a councillor as the next step in giving back to the community that has given so much to my family and I. I look forward to working with the new mayor and forming a strong team with some great individuals who will make up the new city council. Please be sure to vote Lappage! Thank you.
