Candidates vying to be mayor in the Region of Queens gathered on stage at the Astor Theatre Sunday, Oct. 4 attempting to woo voters to cast a ballot for them in the upcoming municipal election.

David Dagley, Brian Fralic, Susan MacLeod and Darlene Norman responded to eight questions put forward by the South Queens Chamber of Commerce, who organized the event.

After taking a couple of minutes to introduce themselves, the candidates took turns answering questions on topics ranging from their stance on open pen fish farming and gaining the confidence of the business community, to how to provide more opportunities for physical activity and arts and culture and what they see is council’s role in protecting the natural environment.

All candidates expressed some level of concern about open pen fish farming. David Dagley pointed to his 45 years in fish conservation before saying he would support fish farms only in a bay that flushes appropriately. But as mayor he has no opinion.

“Municipal governments work closely with the province to receive grants,” Dagley said. “Making waves when it will have zero impact on the review process is counter-productive and may ultimately result in a financial cost to local taxpayers.”

Both Brian Fralic and Darlene Norman expressed their opposition to open pen fish farms while Susan MacLeod says she is not against open pen farms that are suited to an area and monitored by the province. She understands the industry has experienced growing pains but opposes any expansion or new sites in Liverpool Bay.

When asked how to increase the business community’s confidence in the region Brian Fralic committed to adding resources to the region’s economic development effort if it is supported by council.

“The branding project, the internet project for the county, waterfront development and flood mitigation have stretched the resources in that department,” Fralic said. “Additional resources in economic development will put a focus on business opportunities to all four corners of Queens County.”

Norman said if there was communication between municipal staff and the business community they would know where the challenges lie.

MacLeod agreed better dialogue is needed and the region should also look at reducing red tape.

While Dagley said the region’s economic development officer regularly attends chamber of commerce meetings. He also pointed to work council has done to promote the region in Ontario, which has led to an uptick in visitors and in people moving to the area.

All candidates were supportive of efforts to use the regional facilities to provide opportunities for Queens residents to be more physically active and enjoy better access to arts and culture.

Norman wants to see a staff member hired through council who would help with operations at the Astor Theatre.

MacLeod would like for the region, Queens Place and Astor Theatre to work more closely together.

Dagley wants local communities to feel more empowered to expand their recreation offerings.

And Fralic encouraged everyone to make use of the trails and facilities while calling arts and culture the keystone of Queens.

Candidates were also asked what they see as council’s role in enhancing and protecting the region’s natural assets. All four used Carter’s Beach as an example.

MacLeod said the secret is out and both the province and municipal government should accept that visitors want to come to Carter’s Beach.

“So rather than shut it out for everyone, let’s take the attitude: if you can’t hide it, highlight it. Work together to make this a welcoming spot. Put in an access road away from the residential area and provide safe parking and walkways to the beach,” said MacLeod.

Dagley noted the beach and road are provincial property and council has been in contact with the minister responsible on this issue for many years and are waiting on his decision on Carter’s.

Both Norman and Fralic expressed their frustration that the municipality has so little control over the beach.

Candidates then had to let voters know what they would do to build a strong, cohesive government team that effectively represents the regions in the county.

Norman recounted an exchange with someone on their doorstep who pointed out it’s a bad sign when three members of council are running for mayor. Norman had strong words for the three candidates.

“I was part of a council that, we were not all best friends, but we all worked together and we got along together. I have watched and observed the present council as they snicker at each other, as they raise their eyebrows and as they butt into the mayor’s speech. That is not good governance,” said Norman.

Dagley said seven councilors should easily be able to represent their constituents and talked about how council meetings were rotated through different communities prior to COVID-19 to bring the governance to the people.

Fralic said many of the issues in the region can be traced back to poor communication on the part of the region, something he will work to improve by creating open dialogue within council, between staff and throughout the community.

MacLeod echoed the need for better communication, particularly by erasing the historic divide between North and South Queens.

Election day is Oct. 17 but advance polls are available Oct. 8 and 13. Check the Region of Queens site at this link for more information.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson