Q&A with developer Benny Marotta Hyper-local news for Niagara-on-the-Lake lakereport.ca Pages 10 and 11 The Vol. 1, Issue 11 LakeOctober 18, 2018ReportNiagara-on-the-Lake VOTE SM A RT. What really matters to you? Heritage? Infrastructure? Agriculture? Quality of living? The Lake Report does their focus fit with yours? Are seen — including generally not getting it, you carefully consider solutions that their issues on the top of your list? They along, to the point where it appears that have to be guided by municipal, provin- With Monday’s municipal election should matter to all NOTL residents, personality conflicts interfere with de- cial and sometimes even federal legisla- looming, we have had several good but each candidate might have a differ- cision-making — each and every coun- tion, there are several components to opportunities through many different ent approach. cil member has the ability to decide to the process, such as studies that have to organizations and outlets to find out Now is the time for carefully consid- work as part of a team. We hope, when be done, staff that research and provide about all the candidates running for ering all candidates and what they will our new council meets, to see nothing recommendations based on legislation, this term of council. Now is the time to bring to the table in the next four years. but collaboration and respect for each public meetings where residents can’t make sure you get out and vote, but be- As for candidates who were part of other at the council table. agree on solutions, and then, when you fore heading to the ballot box, remem- the previous council, we should bear The job of a politician is one per- think you have figured out the best ber to consider what is most important in mind that all council members are formed in public for the public, by option of those legislation allows, you to you during this next term of council responsible for the past four years of diverse group of people chosen by the need a majority vote to support it. It is — the issues, how certain candidates decisions, both the good and the bad, public, who bring various skills to the not as quick or easy as residents sitting will deal with them, their experience, and that no one person can be held table. at home might think. and what you find most important when responsible for what is decided by a We should not vote for a single-issue That said, perhaps one of the most choosing someone to represent you majority. council that only kicks into gear when important considerations is commu- and guide your municipality. Then you Many residents have expressed our heritage properties are threatened, nication skills, and the willingness of have to vote for those who tick your concerns about council not coming or one that purports to stop unwanted councillors to explain the process to most important boxes, the candidates together to resolve issues that have been development, but judging by what we’ve residents, so if they don’t get what they who are most likely to deliver what’s left unaddressed in Niagara-on-the- seen throughout this campaign, that’s want, they at least understand why. important to you. The candidates have Lake. not likely to happen. That’s a reason for carefully con- all told us their priorities — what are It is the duty of all members of coun- Ask someone who has served a term sidering what candidates promise and your priorities? cil to come together on important issues on council what is most frustrating what critics of government might say. It’s important to remember not all and make decisions, learn to work about the job, and this is the scenario It’s also a reason for considering the groups which have been providing together and to foster an environment that you will likely hear: In business, or experience of candidates and under- information on candidates share the suitable to get work accomplished, and as part of a household, you can look at standing what they realistically can same values. Some are more business- the ability to work together has been a problem, consider the solutions, make accomplish. focused, others are dedicated to a common theme among candidates. a decision and implement it, or delegate One thing on which we can all agree: heritage preservation or are experts on Something else to consider. others to get it done. Sitting at the mu- We need a council that won’t wait until agriculture. They have all provided us While we may be quick to blame in- nicipal council table you are presented the next election to start working for with important information. But where cumbents for a series of problems we’ve with a problem that has many sides to residents. Page 2 October 18, 2018 Discover Your Inner Art-trepreneur NEWS Mayoral candidates get down to business Penny Coles The Town needs to promote said. The executive, who has Staff local businesses to locals, also worked for the Federation and streamline red tape at of Canadian Municipalities At the Niagara-on-the- town hall through a fast-track which funds such projects, Lake Chamber of Commerce system for simple building knows how to tap into sources candidates meeting Oct. 11, permits, as is done in other of funding “and has the execu- the three people hoping to municipalities, Disero said. tive experience to make this lead the community during The Town should also be happen.” The Town hasn’t the next term of council were working with daycare provid- applied for funding from the asked just one question, which ers and looking at expanding Federation of Canadian Mu- they were given in advance — daycare facilities, said Disero, nicipalities programs, “while what would they do to support to help young working couples other municipalities have been business. who require two jobs to be given millions. How many “We recognize decisions able to afford to live in NOTL. opportunities have been lost in made by council as they “If you are ready to lead, the last four years? We’ve had relate to land use, planning, and to lead our future for what absolutely no leadership and it bylaws and so many others all you want, I ask for your sup- has cost us.” have an impact on business,” port Oct. 22.” There are many ways to at- Paul MacIntyre, chair of the Dan Turner, also hoping tract families, Turner said, in- chamber and moderator of the to be mayor, has an honours cluding organizing more fami- evening, told a full house at economic degree from Brock ly-oriented events, such as a the community centre. Coun- University, where he has also monster mash at Halloween, a cil decisions have an impact Candidates wait for their turn to talk business at the Chamber of Commerce meeting held worked as an economics Christmas festival in Sim- on investors’ return, investors’ at the community centre Oct. 4. teacher. He’s worked at Sta- coe Park, a St. Patricks Day confidence, the future of of the tistics Canada as an economic parade or a weekend event to trees to replace those lost to ence is important to you in economic development com- town’s economy, businesses analyst, and at the Niagara paint the “ugly electric utility ash borer disease, he said. your Lord Mayor, I’m the only mittee was set up, “with two big and small, the job market Region planning department boxes” in town, which is done As for business, Darte said candidate you can choose.” people from the public I know for youth and the overall “liv- where he consulted with in other municipalities. “They he would continue to build Four years ago, he said, and respect a great deal,” who ability” of NOTL, he said. thousands of businesses across are an eyesore in the prettiest on past success. During voters asked him to grow were surrounded by Town Pat Darte, hoping for a the region, he said. It was his town in Canada. Why has this the last term, he established business, protect public assets, staff and politicians. When second term as head of the experience at the Region that never been done?” partnerships with global and bring educational options to the project was finished, they council table, said he has two gave him an understanding Turner said he would pursue Canadian businesses, inviting town and drive local initia- had produced a $5,000 video, successful businesses in town, of what businesses need from more service businesses to lo- them to come to town to see tives for youth and the elderly but had no idea who to target, one an agri-business, and one local government to thrive cate near the airport, focusing the great opportunities it of- — and he says he’s done all how to get those industries, or in sports tourism. “I get it,” economically, he said. He has on attracting businesses with fers. In addition, the Town’s that. what criteria should be used to he said. “I’m the only mayoral three priorities to help busi- 100 employees or more, which economic development “I always say I’m not a ensure the Town would see a candidate who can understand ness in NOTL — attract more could be a catalyst to get more committee is about to release politician,” he said. “I’m not a return on its investment. first-hand how important busi- families to town, solve traffic schools and more businesses a video that will help attract politician who talks and does Disero said she would want ness is in this election.” problems and develop more in town.