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 Quinte West Council Candidate Ward One (Trenton) Robert Wharram.
Election day is October 26.
First and Last Name
Aaron Fagan
What position are you seeking in the upcoming municipal election on October 26?
Belleville City Council (Ward 2)
Question 1 – Why are you running and what are your main priorities if elected/re-elected?
I am running because the community around me is asking for a change. After the neighbourhood around me said they would love someone like me to represent them, I felt that it was my civic duty to help them.
Question 2 – How do you balance budgetary restraint with continuing increases in many areas of the municipal budget?
In every stage of life there are checks and balances. As we continue to build in the city, we greatly increasing our tax revenues. These increases in revenue need to be allocated to tangible long term projects and not short term headline makers.
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?
I think the city has done a very good job when it comes to offsetting many of these cost with grants from higher levels of government. We should continue these efforts moving forward.
Question 4 – What measures can the municipality take to address the issues of affordability and housing security?
Affordability and housing security are very difficult issues to fix overnight. I would like to see larger apartment complexes being built to ensure additional options for housing.
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?
This has been one of the major issues that I have championed my entire campaign. What we are currently doing to address the homeless issue are short term Band-Aid solutions. If there is to be long-term success in dealing with the homeless issue, it requires a long-term full-service care facility in the city.
This would include not only housing but regular mental health evaluations, more focus on detox centres, instead of clean injection sites, and back end support to ensure that these individuals have an avenue to be successful members of society.
Question 6 – What message do you want the voter to know about you and your campaign and your priorities for the next four years?
I would like all the voters to know that I am solely running to represent them in city Council. Over the next four years, I look forward to creating concrete action plans when it comes to future projects. I’d also like to see the great folks who work for the city be used to their full potential and lift any sort of internal restrictions they may be facing on the day today.
Finally, I’d love to see entertainment value brought back to this city. We need to make sure that our tourism and nightlife are something that people look forward to visiting the city for and staying in the city as well.
