Regional Chair Candidates Election Priorities – Keeping You Informed

Sept 24, 2014 – As this is the first time we will be electing a Regional Chair, the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce felt it was important to inform the business community and therefore posed four questions to each of the candidates on September 18th and asked each to reply to the Chamber no later than Noon Wednesday September 24, 2014 to meet our press deadline. The questions were about Nuclear, Metrolinx, Interest Arbitration and the candidate’s expertise. We advised that if no response was received by the deadline it would be noted in the publication that a response was not received.

Ask the Question. Get the Facts.
 
Question 1 – EXPERTISE
You are applying for the job as Regional Chair to run a multi-million dollar corporation and to lead a Regional Council and make decisions on behalf of the property taxpayers of Durham Region.
What in your current or recent career sets you apart from the other candidates and qualifies to lead Durham Region?
Roger Anderson – I have served as a Local, Regional Councillor and Deputy Mayor in Ajax. I have proudly served as Regional Chair for 17 Years. As Chair, I strongly advocated for and was successful in having the Province start the continuation of the 407 ETR extension in Durham Region.
Under my leadership Durham has enjoyed a “AAA” Credit Rating for 17 years. The Region of Durham is one of only six Canadian municipalities to have a “AAA” Credit Rating. This allows lower tier municipalities to borrow through the Region, saving taxpayers money.
As President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario I was able to negotiate the Gas Tax Agreement in Ontario. This has resulted in $17,000,000 annually in revenue for our community.
The first Energy to waste facility approved in 25 years. This facility will supply enough energy to the “grid” to power 10,000 homes in Durham Region.
Amalgamated 11 rental Regional offices into one facility.
On the Board of Directors of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Chair of the Durham Police Services Board.
Chair of Durham Transit.
I have proudly served on the Board of Directors of WindReach Farm.
The Roger Anderson Charity Classic Golf Tournament has raised over $5 million dollars in support of youth at Durham College, UOIT, the Abilities Centre and Children and Youth at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. This is something I am extremely proud of.

No Response received by publication deadline from:
Arthur Augustine 
Michael Deegan
Peter Neal
Lynn Porteous
Barbara Pulst

Question 2 – INTEREST ARBITRATION
Interest arbitration is the only legal mechanism available to municipalities to settle contract negotiation disputes with essential municipal workers such as police officers, firefighters, and some paramedics. There is concern over the impact that the province’s interest arbitration system is having on Ontario’s competitiveness.

What impact do you see this having on Durham Region ratepayers?

Roger Anderson – Currently only Police and Fire are entitled to Interest Arbitration. Durham Paramedics can only have IA if both parties agree. Over my past seventeen (17) years dealing with police negotiations and while representing the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) it is clear that municipalities do not fair well at Interest Arbitration. This is due to the fact that Arbitrator’s do not take a municipalities’ ability to pay into consideration very often. Due to this, Durham Region and AMO are urging the Ontario Government to change the legislation so that it is more responsible to the taxpayer.

No Response received by publication deadline from:
Arthur Augustine 
Michael Deegan
Peter Neal
Lynn Porteous
Barbara Pulst

Question 3 – NUCLEAR
The provincial government is taking a short-sighted, narrow view of our nuclear assets in Durham.

Do you support nuclear new build in Durham and will you encourage the Province to recognize nuclear as an essential part of Ontario’s energy and economic future?  If YES, why and if NO, why not?

Roger Anderson – Yes, reliable, cost effective with a small carbon footprint energy generation. In Durham Region our two (2) nuclear facilities produce 30% of all energy generation in Ontario. OPG has a highly skilled and educated workforce that brings many economic benefits to our community. With UOIT Nuclear Programs the Province and Federal Government should be supporting the growth of CANDU reactors in Canada and around the world.

No Response received by publication deadline from:
Arthur Augustine 
Michael Deegan
Peter Neal
Lynn Porteous
Barbara Pulst

Question 4 – METROLINX
What are your views on the proposed extension of Metrolinx service to Bowmanville and if elected what will you do to expedite the timelines?

Roger Anderson – Metrolinx has to realize that Durham Region is the fastest growing community in the GTA. Metrolinx has to move forward with the extension to Bowmanville sooner. Metrolinx and the Province has to give Durham Region a place on its Board so our voice can be heard.

No Response received by publication deadline from:
Arthur Augustine 
Michael Deegan
Peter Neal
Lynn Porteous
Barbara Pulst

 

 

Isabelle Foley

Isabelle Foley

As Director of Member Success I strive to help members connect and get the most out of their chamber membership. I am an advocate for local businesses and passionate about spotlighting our community's success. Join the growth!

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