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Valley Voices releases results of candidate survey
For Immediate Release
(Grafton, Ontario – November 6th, 2006) The Valley Voices Residents Association (VVRA), a local citizens group currently appealing an aggregate extraction site proposal before the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), revealed the results of a survey of Alnwick/Haldimand municipal candidates today. All nine candidates were asked questions to determine their position on matters of interest to the group and to rank the importance of each issue on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being most important.
The group received responses from seven of the nine candidates. Walter Broegelman (Ward 2) and Ray Benns (Ward 1) failed to respond.
Four of the nine candidates are acclaimed, but the position of mayor and the two Ward 2 council positions are being contested.
The survey questions covered topics including communications, the candidates' vision for the next four years, community participation, and growth.
“We are pleased to have two new councillors in Ward 1. Ritchie, especially, seems anxious to improve communications and dialog with the community,” says Bob Garthson of Valley Voices. “This should help address some of the concerns we've had with the previous council.”
Of particular concern to Valley Voices were responses to questions relating to major land use decisions, such as the development of an aggregate pit.
“We need municipal leadership that is sensitive to the impacts major land use changes have on a neighbourhood, including decreases in both quality of life and property values. They must be respectful and sympathetic to the affected residents,” says Garthson.
When asked to what extent 'quality of life' should be a guiding principle for Council, Mayor Finley rated the importance of this issue at only a 3. Rosemarie Robins, who is also running for mayor, gave the issue a rating of 5. Robins also promises to stand behind the community, after a decision is made, to make sure safeguards are in place and the rules are being followed.
Carol Hanley, president of Valley Voices Residents Association, says the results of the survey have confirmed their decision to support Fell and Holmes for council, and Robins for mayor.
“Because we cannot support a candidate who does not respond to our survey, we endorse Fell and Holmes in Ward 2. And we endorse Robins for mayor. The remaining candidates are acclaimed, but we hope the new faces in council will result in positive changes.”
She adds, “We'd very much like to thank all the candidates who responded to our survey.”