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My 2010 all-candidates' speech
25 September 2010
I was asked recently what I said in my speech at the AC meeting this week, by someone who was unable to attend. While I know the meeting will be broadcast on Rogers TV this weekend and several other times before the election, I am posting my speech here for any one to read and comment on. I will also be posting my responses to some media questions later.
Good afternoon. Thank you for coming out. My name is Ian Chadwick. I have been a councillor for two terms and am asking your support for a third term.
I found this term a bit frustrating. I believe many of you here share my frustration.
I fought a lot this term for openness, for accountability and for public input. And most importantly, for common sense.
Now I enjoy a healthy debate, but I really don't like fighting. And I especially don't like fighting for things I have always believed should be given automatically. I believe all politicians should champion open, accountable government. I believe all politicians should use common sense. I believe all politicians should listen to their constituents.
You and I know this did not always happen this term.
Because of decisions made this term, there's a pit on the main street where we know there should be a beautiful building. Most downtown restaurant patios have vanished. We face a four per cent rate hike in water bills every year for the next decade, even though few of us will get a four percent increase in our incomes every year. A half-million dollars was spent on legal fees that should have been spent on community facilities or paying down our debt.
The most frustrating thing for me was that you, the taxpayers and residents, were not consulted in most of these decisions. And when you presented petitions, you were ignored. Public input was not respected this term. That's going to change.
I won't dwell on the mistakes of the past. This election is our opportunity to move forward and make a better future for Collingwood. I want to be part of that new council under a new leadership.
Council guides the business of the town, but we have to listen to you. A new council can restore confidence and trust in our municipal government by listening to, and respecting, the public again.
I don't promise I'll always agree, but I do promise I'll listen.
To move forward, we need to complete our beautiful, new downtown.
I will ensure the patio debate comes back. I will argue to return patios to the building side.
I will ensure we bring back the Admiral Collingwood site debate. I will ask council and staff to work with the developers and get that project started again.
I will help keep our spending low, and a tight rein on our debenture, so your taxes stay as low as possible.
I will continue to promote smart, sustainable growth, and for a walkable, people-centric community.
I will continue to advocate an aggressive approach to economic development to get more businesses and industries here.
I will continue to make informed decisions and weigh the impact of those decisions on residents and local businesses. I will keep your interests in the forefront. And I will always keep you informed.
I offer you seven years of experience and common sense. I ask that you grant me another term.
I look forward to being your representative on a new, cohesive, effective and visionary council. Our future is bright.
Thank you.
~~~~~
The next chance to meet the candidates is the evening of Oct. 6 at the Legion, but council candidates will not be given an opportunity to speak at that event. The public will, however, be able to approach the candidates, pick up literature and talk with candidates about issues.
Good afternoon. Thank you for coming out. My name is Ian Chadwick. I have been a councillor for two terms and am asking your support for a third term.
I found this term a bit frustrating. I believe many of you here share my frustration.
I fought a lot this term for openness, for accountability and for public input. And most importantly, for common sense.
Now I enjoy a healthy debate, but I really don't like fighting. And I especially don't like fighting for things I have always believed should be given automatically. I believe all politicians should champion open, accountable government. I believe all politicians should use common sense. I believe all politicians should listen to their constituents.
You and I know this did not always happen this term.
Because of decisions made this term, there's a pit on the main street where we know there should be a beautiful building. Most downtown restaurant patios have vanished. We face a four per cent rate hike in water bills every year for the next decade, even though few of us will get a four percent increase in our incomes every year. A half-million dollars was spent on legal fees that should have been spent on community facilities or paying down our debt.
The most frustrating thing for me was that you, the taxpayers and residents, were not consulted in most of these decisions. And when you presented petitions, you were ignored. Public input was not respected this term. That's going to change.
I won't dwell on the mistakes of the past. This election is our opportunity to move forward and make a better future for Collingwood. I want to be part of that new council under a new leadership.
Council guides the business of the town, but we have to listen to you. A new council can restore confidence and trust in our municipal government by listening to, and respecting, the public again.
I don't promise I'll always agree, but I do promise I'll listen.
To move forward, we need to complete our beautiful, new downtown.
I will ensure the patio debate comes back. I will argue to return patios to the building side.
I will ensure we bring back the Admiral Collingwood site debate. I will ask council and staff to work with the developers and get that project started again.
I will help keep our spending low, and a tight rein on our debenture, so your taxes stay as low as possible.
I will continue to promote smart, sustainable growth, and for a walkable, people-centric community.
I will continue to advocate an aggressive approach to economic development to get more businesses and industries here.
I will continue to make informed decisions and weigh the impact of those decisions on residents and local businesses. I will keep your interests in the forefront. And I will always keep you informed.
I offer you seven years of experience and common sense. I ask that you grant me another term.
I look forward to being your representative on a new, cohesive, effective and visionary council. Our future is bright.
Thank you.
~~~~~
The next chance to meet the candidates is the evening of Oct. 6 at the Legion, but council candidates will not be given an opportunity to speak at that event. The public will, however, be able to approach the candidates, pick up literature and talk with candidates about issues.
