Shayne MacKinnon running for Dryden City 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: Provincial legislation surrounding Cannabis sales in municipalities is in a state of flux currently. What we do know is that cannabis products will be available on line as of 17th of October. We as a municipality will have an option to licence businesses or not by January 22, 2019. To make an informed decision and to determine what other by-laws (where you can smoke, grow and sell) the new council must study the legislation and more importantly the many provincial regulations that will accompany those laws.
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 have many retired and currently serving friends in both the OPP and the Dryden Police Service. All of those good folks would protect your life with their own. Since 1981 I have been committed to protecting our community and I don’t want to see that protection eroded or compromised in an effort to save a few dollars in the short term. I was fortunate to lead a team that deployed police resources, created police budgets and responded to the changing needs for enforcement in our community. I am offering that experience and my familiarity with provincial agencies and contracts to our community.
I have no desire to run the police service, we have a great command staff for that purpose and a great staff who have made Dryden their home. I am concerned though that we look beyond introductory offers, beyond what will be termed as the integrated detachment efficiencies and get to the really important issues. Response times, transient staffing shortfalls and hidden costs disguised as budget reconciliations.
Yes, I would not only support a referendum but recommend we engage leaders from other communities to hear their testimonials regarding our neighbours OPP contract experiences. The costing presentation next month will be crucial to the future of our community and I would be proud to be in attendance as councillor elect, representing you.
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: Like many others, the Volunteer Firefighter issue left me flabbergasted and saddened. I along with 1199 concerned folks signed a petition to resume negotiations. Not a petition to take specific action, not a petition to fire anyone, a petition to talk. Our City government can do much better than what has been done and if it takes an open forum to air grievances with any group, council should have arranged that (multiple times if necessary).
Many of the wounds from this issue will not heal easily and can only be achieved through dialogue and a willingness to engage with each other. I have a proposal for achieving that end which is respectful to all members of the Dryden Firefighters Association and the Dryden Fire Service. I will propose this idea as soon as possible after a new council takes office.
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: We should be very proud of the organizations in the community who assist our urban aboriginal and metis residents. I am a former board member and current member of Dryden Native Friendship Centre. Without the drive and determination of the DNFC and similar community organizations our City would have private and public buildings boarded up, unused and derelict. There would be more unemployment and less education if not for the many programs that are offered through DNFC and others. DNFC welcomes newcomers and their families to our community and help those in need.
In spite of many years of being part of City of Dryden Strategic Plans, election platforms and council chamber rhetoric there are no long term partnerships between first nation organizations and the City of Dryden. Those partnerships are essential and I will encourage realistic and attainable projects that benefit all.
Question #5: What would you do to enhance recreational activities and make Dryden more accessible and active?
Answer: I have long maintained that the centre of the community each day at 4:30 is the Dryden Memorial Arena complex in our City. With the advent of school hockey programs this has changed the usage to daytime hours as well. The tournament schedule itself including Band tournaments makes our arena a very busy asset during the winter months. Council should recognize and support the efforts of the Dream committee and put fundraising and grant proposal efforts squarely behind this project.
I believe we can better utilize other recreational and sports facilities in the community. We need to continually promote our waterways, lakefront parks and our ability to host large celebratory events. I am encouraged by the engagement of a new director of community service and a new economic development director. Given the appropriate support and resources these folks can make significant positive changes to our community.
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 believe that the Community Well-being plan is the most significant issue that council will face in the short term and for the next four years. Our community is seeing substantial change in our demographics and an aging population. We have seen a spike in the abuse of prescription drugs and destructive street drugs. We have youth and families in crisis due to many factors including finances, academics, employment and social media. Transportation, accessibility, safe affordable housing, mental health issues and racism are just a few of the issues intertwined with our communities well-being.
As advocates for all the residents of our community it is obligatory for City council to participate in the well-being plan in a meaningful and consistent manner.
Question #7: Why should we vote you to Council?
Answer: I have a genuine concern for the safety and security of our community. This not only means physical and property protection but includes low tax rates, financial recovery and encouraging growth that attracts good people, businesses and addresses our City assets (especially the arena). We must recognize our aging population by endorsing secure affordable seniors housing projects. We must value our volunteers who keep our community running. And we must lift up those in need because that is who we are.
I strongly support our Dryden Police Service. They have dedicated staff who committed to work and live in Dryden. They have exceptional training, great crime prevention programs and most important excellent response times. Their command staff adapt easily to local policing issues, financial restraints and new legislations. (Marijuana).
If elected I will use my lifetime in Dryden, my 30 years of police experience and my council experience to ensure that we achieve financial recovery, address the wellbeing of all of our residents and constantly build a better Dryden. I will commit to providing you and your family with the best safety and security that we can. I am very proud of our community and very excited about our future.
There are three things you should know about me before you vote.
First I will take action
I don’t like spending months mulling over issues, let’s get things done. That action includes telling you what you need to hear not just what you want to hear. Taking action to unite us not divide us.
Secondly I will work every day to improve Dryden
Every time I see another community receive a grant, a new school, senior’s facility, or arena upgrades. Every time I see an outside business open, another community host a workshop, or convention I say, why not Dryden? We can turn that around.
Lastly I will be loyal to you
Loyal to our abilities, our own police service, our volunteers and our potential. Loyalty means being at meetings that I commit to, and serving a full four year term. I am a proud, loyal son of Dryden and always will be.
I am asking for your vote in this election but whether you vote for me or not, make sure you vote and assist those who wish to vote but may be uncomfortable with this new system.
Thank You!
