Feature Article January 16, 2002
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Harmony on councilby Jeff GreenCentral Frontenac Mayor Bill MacDonald believes there has been a marked improvement in Central Frontenac Council unity since this council took office one year ago.
I think that through the election process 14 months ago, where the councillors were held accountable for their decisions by people that came from all over the township, even though they are only elected from their own smaller regions, the returning councillors realized that: Wait a minute, my decisions are effecting everyone in the township, MacDonald told The News last week.
First term Kennebec Councillor Marsden Kirk concurred with the mayor, saying he has been pleasantly surprised with how well council has worked together. We seem to agree on 90% of the issues, and when we disagree there has been little acrimony.
Both men made mention of the substantial amount of road work completed within the past year in all corners of the township, according to Marsden Kirk.
By far the most extensive amount of road work was done on Road 38, using monies ceded to the township when responsibility for the road was downloaded from the provincial government. The decision to proceed with work at either end of the road and proceed towards the middle was made early in the year, and the work was completed by the end of the summer. Unfortunately, completing the reconstruction job on Road 38 will not occur this year.
Other accomplishments of council this year included the initiation of an improvement plan for the Arden dump, and the completion of the townships official plan, which is now awaiting approval by the province.
The coming year promises to bring new challenges to council. While Mayor Macdonald spoke of the difficult budgeting process ahead amid concerns of shrinking revenue, he did not speculate about the possibility of the township increasing taxes. Marsden Kirk, on the other hand, said it will be very difficult not to increase taxes again this year.
One of the council initiatives expected to gather steam this year is in the area of economic development. Central Frontenac has three members on the Economic Development Committee of the Frontenac Management Board, which is the body that replaced the County government after amalgamation in 1997. This committee will be hiring an officer to promote economic development throughout North, Central, and South Frontenac.
Marsden Kirk, who sits on the committee, said, The question of what kind of economic development that would be appropriate for all three townships, which range from semi-urban to rural, is the first thing we need to address.
Bill MacDonald says, I have learned a lot being mayor for the past four years. However, he has also found that the job has grown beyond what it was when I was first elected.
Since 1997, the provincial government has downloaded responsibility for policing, land ambulance, long-term care, social housing, as well as maintenance for Roads 38 and 509, onto the municipal government, and MacDonald says, The mayors job has really become a full-time position. I am fortunate to have good employees and family members who have been willing to step in to keep my business running, or I wouldnt have had time to do all that is required of me as mayor
Central Frontenac Council is sure to face some hard times this year, and it is hoped the spirit of co-operation this council has enjoyed will help carry them through it.
