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 Mayoral Candidate Paul Fleming.
Election day is October 26th.
First and Last Name
Paul Fleming
What position are you seeking in the upcoming municipal election on October 26?
Mayor for the City of Belleville
Question 1 – Why are you running and what are your main priorities if elected/re-elected?
I am running because I believe that City Hall has stopped listening to the people who live here, and as a result we don’t have a collective vision for this great city filled with wonderful people. Since I put my hat into this race, I’ve spoken with or heard from close to 1,000 people through phone calls, emails and at their doors. What I’ve heard is remarkably consistent: many people, especially people who have lived here most of their lives, are worried that our best days are behind us. They feel we’re not as safe, affordable, clean, or fun as we used to be. Many don’t see a reason for their friends and families to come home when they leave (even though they want to). I’m running to lead and implement the necessary changes. I have an MBA and MSc. My degrees have given me a background to pursue other areas of the business world. I have spent 30 years as a business leader including a position as a Chief Operating Officer with a private equity company. Now, as a Partner at People Minded Business, my experience helps Ontario non-profits grow strategically and have more impact with every precious dollar. With this experience, I can transfer these skills to the day-to-day business of council and the myriad challenges affecting our city. Our platform is built on what residents told us and has four priorities: rebuilding community safety and well-being, having real responsibility, accountability and transparency at City Hall; making Belleville the go-to community for future-facing employers; and making Belleville a place where people come, stay and play.
Question 2 – How do you balance budgetary restraint with continuing increases in many areas of the municipal budget?
Restraint isn’t only about shrinking the number – it’s about getting value for what we’re buying. Every budget decision should answer three simple questions: What are we spending? What impact do we want to have? Did it work? Right now we’re only good at answering the first one. We need to get a lot better at the other two – people have the right to know how their money is being used. We will conduct a value for money review of the city’s operating budget, with a deep dive into how services are delivered in both wards leading to an honest look at tax fairness in Ward 2. We will share the results of that review, so all taxpayers know what we know. From the conversations we’ve had with people in the community, it’s clear that people understand the reasons that some costs rise. The city has no control over the price of diesel which necessary to operate our snow plows and buses. While we can’t change the price of diesel, we can pay closer attention to the costs we can control. Becoming the go-to- community for future facing employers and investors is one of our priorities. Attracting employers who bring good jobs to Belleville will help to increase our tax base.
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?
There’s no magic fix for these necessary costs, and I won’t pretend there is. Pipes in the ground are expensive and delaying routine maintenance only moves the pain down the road; emergencies cost more every single time. The city plans say we need about tens of millions a year more than we have available to maintain our current levels of service. We’ll have to find that money somewhere because a portion of our core infrastructure is reaching the end of its life. Your feedback about roads tells me that you’re well aware of what happens when we push that. Renewing assets on schedule is far cheaper than replacing them after they fail. We plan on making Belleville’s road plans searchable so you can look up your own street, and you will be able to report a problem such as potholes and track the status of work. Belleville is short of serviced land that is ready for the major development that is proposed for Ward 2 and our industrial lands. Without the necessary services development cannot proceed. We need to explore more creative solutions for finding ways to fund major infrastructure projects.
Question 4 – What measures can the municipality take to address the issues of affordability and housing security?
To make this an affordable place to live we must conduct and publicly share an independent value for money review (both wards), target tax increases to the cost of living or less, and build a multi-year affordable housing plan and service industrial land faster to attract good jobs and bring families home. Affordability starts with City Hall keeping its own house in order like targeting tax increases to the cost of living and ensuring we are getting value for our money. But we need to do more – affordability means that Belleville residents can afford a roof over their head, food on the table and a bit of money left over for life. Belleville and Hastings County know how many people require assisted and affordable housing. We need a realistic multi-year plan with clear targets to measure and publicly report. It must account for the unique needs of everyone; seniors, veterans, families, women fleeing violence, Indigenous residents. We need people out of tents, off the street, out of cars, off couches, and into appropriate housing. We will work with local homebuilders to prioritize entry-level homes for families, and scale development fees to accommodate first-time home buyers. I want to explore ways to work with all levels of government to help lower-income families make the down payment on that first home so they can build equity and a future. The City of Belleville, Hastings County, non-profits, faith groups, builders and every level of government all have a role. I’ll bring them together through an Affordable Belleville working group. Lastly, affordability is about income as much as cost. Bringing good, future-facing jobs to Belleville gives people the pay cheque to afford to live here.
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?
Homelessness is what my non-profit colleagues call a wicked problem. There’s no single, simple fix and that includes throwing money at it. The City’s new homelessness report is a useful step, but it didn’t really include the concerns of residents who don’t feel safe in their own city. Real solutions need all voices at the table. We will investigate building a Detox Centre with provincial and federal partners and local non-profits, so that when someone says “I’m ready,” there’s somewhere to go. The HART Hub is an important piece of the puzzle but its provincial operating funding ends in 2028. We need a plan for that now, not when the money runs out. To be an amazing city, we need a climate of mutual respect. To that end we will enforce our existing laws and bylaws so public spaces are safe and welcoming. We will join forces with other Ontario cities, learn from their successful projects, and together push the province for the funding. There may need to be changes to laws that restrict us. Meaningful impact takes collaboration and accountability. A Mayor’s Nonprofit Collaboration Team will get the organizations already doing this work pulling in the same direction. We’ll develop and share measures of success so the community will know how we’re doing.
Question 6 – What message do you want the voter to know about you and your campaign and your priorities for the next four years?
This whole campaign was built by asking the people of Belleville what would make this city better, we listened and our platform reflects what they told us. That listening won’t end if I’m elected – I’ll be out in the city in a visible way and will welcome you sharing your thoughts. Together our priorities shape a shared vision for moving Belleville from a State of Emergency to a State of Amazing: a city where people feel safe, businesses can thrive, city hall works for residents and people are proud to call Belleville home. I know the Mayor has one vote on Council and I’m committed to working with whomever is elected on Council to get things done. I might be the leader but I report to you. We’ll track and share how our budgets perform, ask you every year how satisfied you are with your city and publish the results. Belleville doesn’t need to stumble through another four years – staying still while the world moves forward is really moving backwards. It’s time for fresh ideas and fresh air at City Hall.
