In an effort to promote discussion on key issues during the current election period, we are giving candidates the opportunity to answer a number of questions that may be of interest to local voters.
Everyone receives the same questions, and their answers are presented with minimal editing for format purposes only.
Here is the candidate profile for Belleville Council Candidate Ward One (Urban) Sean Kelly.
Election day is October 26th.
First and Last Name
Sean Kelly
What position are you seeking in the upcoming municipal election on October 26?
Belleville Ward 1 Councillor
Question 1 – Why are you running and what are your main priorities if elected/re-elected?
Running on improving local services and quality of life in Belleville. We need to continue to work on primary care recruitment, support for families and vulnerable residents. Mental health and addiction services need to be accessible and expand affordable attainable housing.
Question 2 – How do you balance budgetary restraint with continuing increases in many areas of the municipal budget?
Need more support from provincial and federal government. Provincial government needs to provide long-term funding. Tuis gives city the ability to plan infra structure improvements and services in future. Province needs to support health care needs of an aging demographic in Belleville area. Government grants to assist on roads, bridges and wastewater along with other city services. Invest in priority needs.
Question 3 – Infrastructure projects are a huge strain on local budgets, especially when it comes to water/wastewater. How can we address/reduce these costs moving forward and mitigate the impact for ratepayers/taxpayers?
More funding from provincial government. Multiyear funding. Make growth related development pay its share.
Question 4 – What measures can the municipality take to address the issues of affordability and housing security?
Build more attained and affordable homes. City has a plan of 10,500 homes over 10 years. City has to work with local builders and build homes that work financially. Work closely with Hastings County on expanding rental properties and supportive housing. We need to shorten the wait times for people… some on waiting list for 9 years.
Question 5 – Homelessness has become a major issue for most local communities. What would you do to address this issue and what needs to happen to have a meaningful impact?
Need to have mental health and addiction services available for those suffering. Expand supportive housing and we need more support from all levels of government and work closely with local health.
Question 6 – What message do you want the voter to know about you and your campaign and your priorities for the next four years?
Continue to expand affordable housing that people can afford! Economic development – encourage investment in Belleville creating good paying jobs. Belleville welcomed 90 new businesses in the past two years and has seen huge growth in industrial park with Kelloggs and Proctor & Gamble. Health Care recruitment has seen significant progress in the last two years reducing the number of residents needing primary care. Roughly 8000 people still need access to a Doctor or Nurse Practioner – we must stay focused on this primary care recruitment. Belleville also needs to continue to be a welcoming community to all. Recognizing our diversity and ensuring every community feels represented and vital to the fabric of city.
