GANDER’S FUTURE IS BRIGHT AND I WANT TO BE PART OF THE TEAM THAT WORKS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!
When considering to run for town council in Gander I wanted to get some good insight into what has been happening with municipal governance over the past number of years. I looked at the towns Strategic Plan 2021-2025, the most recent budget, council progress reports, and reviewed the minutes of some recent council meetings. Some of the common themes that stood out to me and I feel are of utmost importance are Fiscal responsibility and enhanced service delivery. Many elements of the strategic plan mirror my own thoughts and reflect what I would commit to as councilor.
Obviously good service delivery is THE role of council and you cannot enhance and expand on service delivery unless you are fiscally responsible, answering to the taxpayers in the way you spend their money and ensuring funds are available into the future.
Looking at the Strategic Plan most everything aligned with my thoughts on how a council should run. The principles of being Fiscally Responsible, Open and Transparent, to Partner and Collaborate, and strive for service excellence will guide all my actions. Read the Strategic plan here... https://www.gandercanada.com/media/p1nnl4qh/strategic-plan-2873.pdf
Under Pillar 1 in the plan, Fiscal Sustainability, there are 4 excellent strategies that are consistent with my outlook. Debt reduction, sustainable and affordable infrastructure, alternative revenue generation, and Partnerships. Everything we can do in these areas will help lower the tax burden on residents and help to continue providing service excellence.
Another key area for me is economic growth and the importance of making Gander an attractive place to visit, to live, and to do business. As the town grows it broadens the tax base and provides more money for services but also would help in securing more funding and support provincially and federally. Also to get businesses, healthcare professionals, and others to look at Gander as a vibrant place to live is vitally important.
Gander is an aviation community, regional service centre, and a preferred convention and sport venue. We need to do everything we can to build on those strengths.
With almost 12,000 residents and servicing up to 80,000 people in 130 communities Gander's future is indeed bright if we manage correctly.
Facilities include a multi-purpose arena, curling club, golf course, swimming pool, and a state of the art Soccer and Track and field facility. We need to continue to build on our recreational infrastructure, enhancing what we have and looking to add as a way of keeping our community vibrant and healthy and making it an attractive place to live and to visit.
Other area attractions include Gander River, Gander Lake (Little Hr.) and Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest. Promoting and enhancing these attractions is another important focus.
Gander International Airport, 9-wing CFB Gander, the hospital, Nav Canada, and Environment Canada are all key players in Gander's economy and community.