If you want more details about the mail in ballot you may also check the Municipal web site at: www.magnetawan.com
Any property owner over the age of 18 yrs. is eligible to vote in a municipal election,as long as they, their spouse, tenant and resident, are a Canadian Citizen or landed immigrant.
The views and comments expressed here are not necessarily those of the Ratepayers Association and only represent those of the candidates standing for election.
Municipal election candidate information
At our annual meeting in July a number of issues of concern were raised by our membership. A draft of ideas was gathered. These were formulated into questions which were approved by the board at a meeting in early September. When nominations closed Sept 10th, we gathered the contact information for each candidate and sent out an e-mail on September 13-14 with the questions you will note below. We also hand delivered to candidates, with out e-mail access, a copy of the questions. The dead line for submission was September 24th. We also sent a follow up e-mail and phone call Sept 21-23 asking the candidates who had not submitted for their replies. We extended the deadline to allow for late submissions. Following are the comments we have . . .
Click on the name of the candidate to see their profile:
| For Mayor | Sam Dunnett See note below | Tony
Pratas |
Dick Smith | ||
| For Council | Jack Crossman | Charlie Gray | Bryan Hampson No reply received | Russ
Ivison |
Carman
Jarvis |
| Barry Mutton No reply received | Kris Nicholls | Patti Paul | Bill
Stewart |
Frank
Tod |
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Each Candidate was asked the following question . . . It is redundant for those who have been on previous councils to mention strengths involving experience (some of which is not good) and for the others to say that they bring new ideas, which is obvious. Other than these qualifications, what are the reasons that you believe that you are particularly suited to the position to which you aspire. Their answer is below their photo and contact information. . . The order of listing is the order we received replies to the questionnaire we sent out. No editing was done except to limit length of reply. | ||||
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Frank Tod |
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Questions
for the Candidates |
My decision
to run for re-election was based on many considerations but there are
three pressing issues I would like to bring to fruition. |
For the past twenty two years Magnetawan has been an excellent home for my husband and I to raise our children. The warmth and generosity of this community has helped contribute greatly to the success of our family, and the development of our children into well rounded adults. Running for council gives me the opportunity to give back to this community. I would like to ensure positive growth for such a unique and beautiful geographical area and work for the wellbeing of our citizens | The reason I am running for council is that is that ever since Pauline and I moved here I have been amazed and disappointed with the amount of divisiveness that exists in our municipality. Throughout my life I have been constantly amazed at the results a group of people can achieve when they put personal feelings aside and start working together towards a common goal. I hope to be given the opportunity to help facilitate that attitude in our community. The future of our beautiful community lies not with the residents of Spence, or Chapman, or Croft, or the Village or Ahmic Harbour. It’s not about the ratepayers association, the Ahmic Lake, Lake Cecebe, Horn Lake cottagers associations; it’s not about the business association, the firefighters, the Lions Club, the Library, or the school. It is about recognizing that all of these groups and people are the generous hardworking taxpaying citizens of the Municipality of Magnetawan. I want to help set the goals and make the plans that will allow us to accommodate the wants and needs of as many of them as possible. | Note from the web master: we asked all candidates to answer the questions shown at the left. We received a" mail out" from Jack which did not address the questions we asked. |
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1.
What is your position on the use the mail in ballot? If elected would
you promise to keep it? |
My position on the mail in ballot is clear, I have supported it in the past and will continue to do so. | I am in favour of the mail in ballet. This gives the whole community an opportunity to vote. In the true spirit of democracy this seems an appropriate course of action. I would like to know the effectiveness of the mail in vote before I would promise to keep it. | All over the world jurisdictions are searching for ways to increase the level of participation of registered voters in the democratic process. I see the mail in ballot as one way of achieving that goal. I support it and I will continue to support i | |
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2.
Are you in favour of the current “Tendering Process”? How
would you suggest changing it? |
It is apparent that the current Procurement By-Law (tendering) requires upgrading with clarification in some areas and I am definitely in support of more stringent procedures. | Without complete information regarding the current tendering policies I could not make a definitive answer, favorable or not. What is important is to have a fair tendering policy in effect and maintain absolute compliance and transparency | All tenders should be opened in public. Acceptance of any tender must be by an approved motion in council | |
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3.
As a sitting councilor did you participate in a cost benefit analysis
of recent major expenditures relating to the new garage or the modification
to the community Centrex? As an aspiring councilor what is your position
re cost benefit analyses? |
The present Council examined costs versus benefits to the community prior to voting on the resolution to proceed with upgrading the municipal infrastructure. While I was personally not in favour of some aspects of this project, the overall benefits to the community will be felt for many years to come. | Cost benefit analysis is important firstly, to decipher whether funding permits a project, secondly, to decide if the project will benefit the community sufficiently and thirdly, to indicate whether or not the project was a success. Benefits are not always in dollars. | Cost benefit analyses are very useful prior to purchases of a significant item or service, however value added must also be determined. Decisions based on cost alone are not always the best decisions. | |
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4.
Would you support public consultations on major expenditures over $100,000?
Would you support enacting a by-law requiring public consultations? |
Any time the public becomes involved with input in any project at any time is positive, in my opinion. Certainly I would support a by-law requiring public consultation for expenditures over $100,000. | Public consultation can rapidly become expensive to a municipality. E-mail, phone calls and open communication with the electorate should suffice. That being said, if there appears to be a lot of dissension throughout the municipality regarding large expenditures, town meetings should be another forum, to facilitate the community’s needs. | An expenditure of $100,000 is approximately 1.5% of budget, and about $27.00 per taxpayer. Special interest groups often derail public consultations. The public should be made aware of these expenditures so they may express their views to council either by delegation or personal contact. A higher number would be appropriate. | |
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5.
Are you in favour of a ward system for municipal elections? If so why?
If not why? |
Ontario legislation provides municipal councils to be elected ‘at large”. Implementing a ward system would require extensive public consultations to determine the number and type of wards. If, by referendum, the voters decided to create a ward system, I would support the majority vote. | A ward system can be a good system, although at this time our energy should be concentrated on unity not division. | There are positives and negatives to a ward system. This topic is too large for 50 words. I am in favour of all taxpaying citizens being represented by an honest hardworking duly elected council. Ward systems tend to narrow the field of viable candidates. | |
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6.
Are you in favour of a “Roads Committee? Fire Committee? Other
Committees? |
Committees that make recommendations to council are beneficial in many ways. It allows for public input and greater opportunities for interaction and improved communication on key issues. A budget advisory committee, for example, would ensure an appropriate and comprehensive budget process is established. | Knowledgeable committees are an important part of a community that help council with the ongoing issues and concerns of the citizens. Yes I am in favour of committees. | The only committee I would add at present would be a Fire committee. | |
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7.
Are you in favour of having a “Fire Master Plan” for the
community? |
I would support a “Fire Master Plan”. | Our fire department is a critical service in our municipality. I am undoubtedly in favour of any plan that facilitates the service of our community while understanding the needs of our volunteer fire fighters in order to get the job done. | Proper fire protection service is a major concern of all our citizens. A well trained, well directed fire department working under a Fire Master Plan must have high priority for future council. I definitely will make it a priority for myself. . | |
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Each Candidate was asked the following question . . . It is redundant for those who have been on previous councils to mention strengths involving experience (some of which is not good) and for the others to say that they bring new ideas, which is obvious. Other than these qualifications, what are the reasons that you believe that you are particularly suited to the position to which you aspire. Their answer is below their photo an contact information. . . | ||||
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Patti Paul |
Tony Pratas |
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Questions
for the Candidates |
During the last four years as your Councillor, I have enjoyed working for you and have brought about what I believe are improvements to our area. I left Magnetawan, only to receive my education: 1 year at Sheridan College in Graphic Design, 3 years Bachelor of Arts at York University. Over the years, I’ve volunteered for many groups including the Recreation Committee, Agricultural Society and the Magnetawan Area Business Association; all in an attempt to make life in our area more interesting for young and old with events to help put Magnetawan on the map. I have been the manager of the Farmer’s Market for 18 years, which is a major attraction during the summer. I have also helped with the Wood n Things Rendezvous which is working towards making Magnetawan a village famous for our wood carvings. I would like to continue working for you for the next 4 years and carry on with making our area a better place to live. | After serving on council for the past 4 years, I have gained a better understanding of municipal practices and procedures plus what the responsibilities are of the individual that is the Head of Council. By following and adhering to the Municipalities Procedural By-Law and the Municipal Act in regards to these duties, I feel that I can provide our new council and our constituents with a higher level of honesty, fairness, accountability, transparency and integrity to the position of Mayor. Leadership with improvement in communications amongst council, staff and our ratepayers are paramount in regards to this community moving forward. These are all qualities that I demonstrated as a councillor in the past term and look forward to serving this community with our constituents best interests in mind at all times. |
Note from the web master: Charlie gave us a a letter which we will reproduce here. Is does answer some of the questions raised. It is NOT in the format requested. I was born and educated in Sundridge and went to work In Algonquin Park in a logging camp at a young age. From there I went on to become a heavy equipment operator working on highways, railroads, airports, city streets. subdivisions and county roads. My ability to be a leader took me through the ranks and eventually I became a project supervisor on a highway rebuilding project - the 401 Highway. I built a saw mill and ran my own business for over 40 years in this municipality.. During this time I became a real estate entrepreneur, and have owned a lot of acreage in Parry Sound and Muskoka Districts. I was a member of the Local Roads Board in this area for several years and o member of the Agricultural Society. I was chairman of the Building Committee when the present Community Center was built and would like to have had the opportunity to have some input into the building project that is underway at this time. I think that every aspect of this community needs to be looked at by this next council. I am not convinced that the spending of tax dollars in this municipality over the last four years has been in the best interest of the rate payer. It is my ambition to see that you the tax payers, know where every dollar goes, who they are paid to and what for. With this information you would have a better understanding of where your money is going than with the system we have today. Before any large amount of money is spent, it should be discussed with the public and analyzed by all. The mail in vote seems to be quite popular and I would not do away with it. Committees are a great idea, but all should be under the guidance of Council |
The qualifications that I would bring to the council table are as follows, I have lived in the Magnetawan area all of my life, 47 years. I was the owner of a small bussiness for twenty five years. I am now the road supervisor for another municipality, this has given me a very good understanding of how a municipality works, such as how by-laws and resolutions are used in the governance of a municipality. I have belonged to the Magnetawan Fire Department for about 2 years and have seen how that organization has struggled and has improved and hope that this will continue in the future. |
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1.
What is your position on the use the mail in ballot? If elected would
you promise to keep it? |
I do agree with the “mail-in” ballot. It is helpful for the large number of rate-payers who do not live full-time in this area and for the elderly and shut-ins who do live here. The “mail-in” vote is a green, eco-friendly way to vote for your new Council! | As the former Chair of the Ratepayers Association, the information regarding the elimination of the Mail -In-Voting System was reported, posted and circulated. The former Appointed Mayor indicated that the system was marred in fraud. No ratepayer should be disenfranchised from voting. Instrumental in returning the Mail-In-Vote, it is here to stay. | I feel that a mail in ballot affords all residents, both permenant and seasonal a chance to have thier say as to how we move into the future. | |
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2.
Are you in favour of the current “Tendering Process”? How
would you suggest changing it? |
It is not always possible with time constraints on some projects to have the tenders opened at Council meetings. However, I do believe there should be Council representation when the tenders are opened. Any member of Council or the Mayor should be available as witness to the tender openings. | The current Procurement By-Law is in definite need of a major overhaul. The optics of transparency needs to be improved with the public being able to witness the tender openings, the municipality advertising all projects, eliminating tenders by invitation only, etc. The Procurement By-Law being continually waived shows poor financial responsibility on the part of council. | The tendering process is or should be governed by a Procurment By-law which should be reviewed on a regular basis. | |
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3.
As a sitting councilor did you participate in a cost benefit analysis
of recent major expenditures relating to the new garage or the modification
to the community Centrex? As an aspiring councilor what is your position
re cost benefit analyses? |
I did participate in cost benefit analysis for the new projects: the expansion of the Community Centre – Library, and the Public Works Garage. There were options presented to Council and the public, and in the end the most cost efficient and reasonably priced projects were chosen to benefit the Municipality into the future. | There were public meetings to discuss the rewarded Stimulus Grant Fund and on how to best use the funding to address the Municipalities needs. There were no consultants used to provide council with a Cost/Benefit Analysis. I tried to have funding also address the need for additional services to our community, such as Health Care. Infrastructure of these two buildings will not have to be addressed for the next 50 years | Not Applicable | |
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4.
Would you support public consultations on major expenditures over $100,000?
Would you support enacting a by-law requiring public consultations? |
Any purchase of equipment for the Public Works, i.e. new dump truck, new grader, or simply purchasing gravel for our roads would all qualify for “over $100,000.” I would support a bylaw for public consultation for larger cost projects that could be discussed and decided by the new Council. | I would support a By-Law, if presented by council, to allow for public consultations on any Infrastructure project exceeding $100,000. Council is designed to operate in the public’s best interests; therefore public input is imperative in decision making. Capital expenditures on equipment exceeding $100,000 are budgeted years in advance with funds placed in reserves. | I feel that shuold be willing to listen to all concerns about expenditures but I also feel that some expenditures are an anual occurance and public consultation would cause many delays and possibly increase the costs associated with these expenditures. | |
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5.
Are you in favour of a ward system for municipal elections? If so why?
If not why? |
Population is scant in some of our areas year round. This could leave a small number of potential candidates to even consider running for office. I think it is more important to find candidates that are qualified and capable for the job as opposed to a ward system in our area. | As a councillor over the past 4 years, I have not received any correspondence, verbal contact or witnessed any delegates making a presentation at a council meeting regarding creating a Ward System in our Municipality and having it become part of the Municipal Election. Members on council proactively look at the community as a whole and not as per former boundaries or townships. | I would not be in favour of a ward system as I feel that it could cause a lopsidedness at the council table due to the grouping of population within the Municipality. | |
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6.
Are you in favour of a “Roads Committee? Fire Committee? Other
Committees? |
I am in favour of Committees but it is sometimes difficult to find volunteers to sit on them. Not everyone wants to devote their free time and efforts for the community. In addition, difficulties could arise if members of the committee do not have the expertise in that field. | All committees are beneficial to council. By having open lines of communication, decisions can be more easily made by understanding the issues and concerns that are at hand. Individuals that serve on these committees must also be treated with dignity, respect and council must recognize their services to the community. Constituents concerns usually dictate which new committees get created by council. | I feel that the council is or should be a part of these committies but should also listen to the staff that has been hired to do a perticular job for the municipality. | |
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7.
Are you in favour of having a “Fire Master Plan” for the
community? |
I would be in favour of looking at establishing a Fire Master Plan. I feel it would give accountability, purpose and structure to our Fire Department and would create benchmarks where the fire-fighters and the community could compare their progress of the steps of the plan. | A Fire Master Plan Study is critical for the new council to address and implement. A group consisting of a consultant, neighbouring communities Fire Chief’s, former and current Municipality of Magnetawan firefighters, and retired professional firefighters need to help the Municipality address growth, capital equipment, facilities and the organizational structure. A game plan is needed, not individual council members micro managing. | The answer to this question could be very long depending on what type of plan, but I will say that a plan of some sort should be looked at in the near future. | |
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Each Candidate was asked the following question . . . It is redundant for those who have been on previous councils to mention strengths involving experience (some of which is not good) and for the others to say that they bring new ideas, which is obvious. Other than these qualifications, what are the reasons that you believe that you are particularly suited to the position to which you aspire. Their answer is below their photo an contact information. . . | ||||
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Kris
Nicholls |
Richard (Dick)
Smith |
Arrowprt@aol.com To whom it may concern, Rate payer board reply In reply to Sam's message | ||
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Questions
for the Candidates |
Magnetawan is
the center jewel of the Parry Sound District. My wife and I have lived
here for nine years and want to ensure it holds its distinction. Retiring as a Fire Suppression and Station Captain after thirty one years of front line public service, having been elected to six terms as a trustee on the Mississauga Firefighter's Association, as well as a Credit Valley Hospital Foundation board member for four years, reflects leadership. These positions require an individual who stands for positive progress, common sense and the ability to carry themselves with presence! I realize that on-going issues of maintaining Northern Status, lack of medical services, continued growth of our fire department, preservation of our Magnetawan River System, promotion of tourism and council's practices and procedures, are all subjects that will affect our future. Having a long history of fair play, honesty, and a no nonsense approach when making decisions or governing my personal ethics, I wish to continue sitting on committees that are directly involved with the Federal and Provincial Government, whom have great impact on our critical issues. With the right leadership, the Municipality of Magnetawan will continue to " flourish " with a quality of living admired by all! |
I believe it
is important to compare what the Community was like in the past and what
have been the changes that take it to its present state (good or bad).
In that regard, I can remember Magnetawan in the early years as a rustic,
clean, proud, self-sustaining area. That was 63 years ago. The various
changes over the years have changed some of that. What bothered me in
the late 90’s was the Marina fire in the Village. It seemed to stand
there as a relic of what life used to be like in Magnetawan. My desire
in running was to bring back some of that pride and in doing so make the
Municipality a better place. Achieving this takes the ability to have a vision of what you would like to accomplish. It also takes a lot of patience as the wheels of government generally move a lot slower than private industry. In addition, you require analytical ability to chart your course and keep things moving. There are many things that can require your attention (i.e. infrastructure, money, people and the divergence of ideas) to be assimilated in determining the course of action. | ||
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1. What
is your position on the use the mail in ballot? If elected would you
promise to keep it? |
Democracy must allow the
public to vote unrestricted. The mail in ballot system will increase voter
participation. I promised it in my last campaign and I will continue to support it. |
I have always supported the mail in ballot and other alternative methods of voting. Democracy hinges on getting the people’s opinion. We have a substantial population that makes Magnetawan their second home and they are entitled to the right to vote. | ||
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2. Are
you in favour of the current “Tendering Process”? How would
you suggest changing it? |
The tendering process has
already come under the scrutiny of current council. The procurement bylaw
may need further clarification for further transparency. Members of the public have always been able to attend tender openings. In actual fact, I have attended tender openings where members of the public have been present. |
Like any process or policy there can always be improvement so long as it is effective and doesn’t impede the staff through delays and lost opportunities to save the Municipality money, or attempt to micro manage the staff. | ||
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3. As a
sitting councilor did you participate in a cost benefit analysis of
recent major expenditures relating to the new garage or the modification
to the community Centrex? As an aspiring councilor what is your position
re cost benefit analyses? |
Receiving grants allowing
improvement of infrastructure are a win win situation. I participated
in "cost - benefit analysis" with council and professionally
designated personnel. Are our projects affordable? Absolutely! Benefits, both short and long term, far outweigh paying full freight on improvements that will be enjoyed by many future generations. |
I am not a sitting Councillor however our Engineers provided Council with a cost benefit analysis of the projects. This went so far as to ask for an additional round of tenders, as the initial quote for the job was far too expensive for the work that had to be completed. It is a good process, however, there are other considerations that make up the package. | ||
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4. Would
you support public consultations on major expenditures over $100,000?
Would you support enacting a by-law requiring public consultations? |
Daily operations in our municipality sometimes constitute expenditures over this amount! The complexities of departmental operations would be hampered with continuous public meetings. Infrastructure improvements do require public meetings. In fact, we have had several public meetings where our engineers and planners have addressed concerns. I support public consultation where necessary. | We consult the public on major projects as we did on the current one. When budget planning takes place the public attends these discussions. All major expenditures are justified and approved or denied at this time. Acquisition of the item is scheduled during the year perhaps through a tendering process. | ||
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5. Are
you in favour of a ward system for municipal elections? If so why? If
not why? |
Council's primary obligation is addressing all issues from a community perspective. A ward system focuses on " sharing the pie " instead of the well-being of the whole municipality. Magnetawan's population does not warrant a ward system. We all share the same geography and interests. Let's stay united. | I would not be in favour, as we live in a rural area with great diversity as to where the people live. A ward system is more suited to a larger area with greater population densities. The Town of Kearney recently rejected the ward system of representation. | ||
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6. Are
you in favour of a “Roads Committee? Fire Committee? Other Committees? |
Often warranted and productive, we have many committees which I support. With regards to "departmental" committees, we have a chief administrative officer whom supervisors these departments and reports to council. Canvassing for public members in the past for waste management and property standards,we have had little to no response. | Committees of Council are useful in some circumstances, providing you can recruit a sufficient number to participate, that have some knowledge of the subject, that they are being tasked to report on. | ||
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7.
Are you in favour of having a “Fire Master Plan” for the
community? |
I would be in favour, however after researching the requirements, council could be locked into consultants and a very time consuming and costly endeavour. I'd like to take the preliminary step of inviting the Fire Marshall's Office in to perform a complete audit (free). Resulting recommendations may possibly lead to a Fire Master Plan. | This is something that Magnetawan has to address in some form. We have an amalgamated Municipality and we need to have a review conducted of fire department requirements in a formal non-partisan way i.e. facilities, level of service, equipment, appropriate number of volunteers, etc. | ||
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