James (Jim) Hanna - Deputy Mayor Candidate
Kincardine, on N2Z 2X5
Phone: 519-395-3235
Email: jbhanna@hurontel.on.ca
Here are two responses to similar queries. Hopefully this information is helpful.
Jim
Responses to Kincardine Record Questions
Where do you live and work? Your age, family, organizations you belong to?
I am 65 years old and have lived in this community most of my life. I live at 1572 Bruce Road 1, just south of Highway 9. I am married to Brenda, and have one daughter. I grew up on our family farm on Statter's Lake Road, in the former Kinloss township. I went to school at Western University, became a Professional Engineer, and have practiced for over 40 years in the steel production and the energy sectors. I have served as Councillor on Huron-Kinloss Council since its inception in 1999.
Why are you running for council?
I want to continue to support our community by ensuring our township continues to provide the services we all rely upon, in a financially sustainable manner. I have always maintained that "Council should conduct themselves in a manner to set up the next Council for success, because any other behaviour is simply pushing the burden to a future Council". When I started on Council in the new Huron-Kinloss, the newest grader we had from the four former townships was 18 years old, and the newest truck we had was 16 years old. Suffice to say it has been a struggle to reach our current condition where our equipment stock is modern and well maintained.
Was there something that prompted you to run for deputy mayor?
With the retirement of our current Mayor, and our current Deputy Mayor now running for Mayor, a void was created. I am running for Deputy-Mayor because I have the knowledge and experience to perform the job. Senior positions on Council demand experience, and I bring that to the table.
What experience do you have with municipal politics, local government, boards and committees, or any other level of government?
I have served as Councillor on Huron-Kinloss Council for 22 years. I have Chaired committees including Recreation, Medical Board, and Fire Board. I have been a member of multiple committees throughout my tenure on Council.
What do you believe are the major issues facing the Township of Huron-Kinloss
A major challenge we currently face is waste management capacity. We need to continue to petition the Provincial Government for changes to the current legislation to divert combustible and degradable material from the landfill.
Another challenge we face is aging infrastructure particularly bridges. We need to continue to pursue aggressive maintenance strategies to restore existing bridges to maximize service life, as the cost of replacement is high.
Affordable housing is also an issue despite housing stock being available, it is not being used. Every small town and village in our community have store fronts, and virtually every one of them has an apartment above the store that would have housed the original owners. Almost all of these apartments are not being utilized due to Landlord Tenant Act restrictions that make it almost impossible for Landlords to manage their properties. We have and will continue to petition the Provincial Government for changes to the Landlord Tenant Act, which will allow Landlords the ability to invest in this housing stock, and make it available to the public.
A final thought.
Huron-Kinloss Council was originally framed as an "at large" council, with no wards, for which we should all be grateful. An "at large" council results in decisions being made based on the benefit to the entire township, rather than favouring one ward or another. We have seen neighbouring townships divided over issues that often originate as a perceived benefit to a particular ward. Huron-Kinloss Council has worked cooperatively and has demonstrated the "one for all" approach results in decisions that benefit the entire township. We need serious, experienced and cooperative candidates to form Huron-Kinloss Council, and I ask for your support.
Reponses to Kincardine Independent Questions
Biography
I am 65 years old and have lived in this community most of my life. I am married to Brenda, and have one daughter. I grew up on our family farm on Statter's Lake Road, in the former Kinloss township. I went to school at Western University, became a Professional Engineer, and have practiced for over 40 years in the steel production and the energy sectors. I have served as Councillor on Huron-Kinloss Council since its inception in 1999.
Why are you running?
I am running for Deputy-Mayor because I have the knowledge and experience to perform the job. I want to continue to support our community by ensuring our township remains debt free, and continues to provide the services we all rely upon, in a financially sustainable manner. I have always maintained that "Council should conduct themselves in a manner to set up the next Council for success, because any other behaviour is simply pushing the burden to a future Council". When I started on Council in the new Huron-Kinloss, the newest grader we had was 18 years old, and the newest truck we had was 16 years old. Suffice to say it has been a struggle to reach our current condition where our equipment stock is modern and well maintained.
What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing the municipality? How would you address them?
A major challenges we currently face is waste management capacity. We need to continue to petition the Provincial Government for changes to the current legislation to divert combustible and degradable material from the landfill.
Another challenge we face is aging infrastructure particularly bridges. We need to continue to pursue aggressive maintenance strategies to restore existing bridges to maximize service life, as the cost of replacement is high.
Local Issues
-lack of affordable housing and how high priced real estate is keeping younger generations out of the housing market
Housing stock is available, however it is not being used. Every small town and village in our community have store fronts, and virtually every one of them has an apartment above the store that would have housed the original owners. Almost all of these apartments are not being utilized due to Landlord Tenant Act restrictions that make it almost impossible for Landlords to manage their properties. We have and will continue to petition the Provincial Government for changes to the Landlord Tenant Act, which will allow Landlords the ability to invest in this housing stock, and make it available to the public.
-record low unemployment rates (businesses closing or reducing hours due to labour shortage)
This council has supported "Women in Carpentry" which provides skills training for women to allow then to engage in "non-traditional" trades. We need to continue to support similar initiatives to bring more capacity to the labour market.
-rural access to medical care - wait times, specialists, surgery etc.
This Council has supported doctor recruitment in Grey-Bruce, and have been successful in bringing four doctors to this area, two of which have set up local office in the Lucknow Medical center which is jointly owned and operated by Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW) and Huron-Kinloss. We need to continue these recruitment efforts and financing of local medical offices to ensure adequate medical care is available.
-increasing cost of living putting goods and services out of reach of many on fixed or low income (i.e. cost of internet, insurance, electricity, etc.)
Our Council needs to continue to manage budgets effectively, to ensure we are getting maximum value for every dollar we spend. There is only one taxpayer, regardless if the program is Federal, Provincial, County or Township. We need to work cooperatively to ensure that necessary programs are funded adequately, and that maximum value is attained.
-increase in mental health, addictions issues and effect on community
Council needs to continue to support recreation particularly for our youth and seniors. Physical activity and team building has proven to help abate mental health effects, including the likelihood of engaging in substance abuse leading to addiction.
-increasing costs of raising a family and finding services .ie. Daycare, activity programs
In addition to budget management, this Council has, and will continue to provide activity programs (eg. Summer Camp) to provide opportunities for families to engage in recreation and skills development, at low cost.
-increasing demand for spaces and services at nursing homes and the rising costs of service
While operation of nursing homes is outside of Township jurisdiction, local private operators have been successful in increasing the availability of assisted living spaces in both Lucknow and Ripley. The Township contributes to this increased capacity by ensuring necessary services are available and financially sustainable.
For consideration
Huron-Kinloss Council was originally framed as an "at large" council, with no wards, for which we should all be grateful. An "at large" council results in decisions being made based on the benefit to the entire township, rather than favouring one ward or another. We have seen neighbouring townships squabble over issues that often originate as a perceived benefit to a particular ward. Huron-Kinloss Council has worked cooperatively and has demonstrated the "one for all" approach results in decisions that benefit the entire township.