Sarnia mayoral hopeful Bill Dennis expressed his desire to negotiate a new agreement with the County of Lambton.
“I’m Sarnia first. I’m not for kissing butt, and that is what’s been happening,” Dennis stated, referring to Sarnia’s connection with the county as “horrible… because the county takes advantage of the City of Sarnia.”
Dennis, who has focused his campaign on making city hall more accessible and attracting new businesses to Sarnia, was one of three candidates participating in a debate at the Imperial Theatre on Monday. The event was hosted by the theatre, along with the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce, The Book Keeper, the Jean Collective, and Healthy Democracy.
The candidates tackled various topics, including how they would foster relationships with different levels of government.
Dennis, a two-term councillor in Sarnia who mentioned having family connections in high places – “I could get Doug Ford very very quickly on the phone if I wanted to” – asserted that the County of Lambton should have no authority over decisions regarding city urban boundary expansion or where supportive housing should be located in Sarnia.
“When I’m elected mayor, that nonsense ends tomorrow,” Dennis declared. “We are going to negotiate a better deal with the county.”
Sarnia and Lambton’s other 10 municipalities all have representatives on Lambton County council. The county manages funding for services like social assistance and public health for its member municipalities.
County planning staff also serve as the approval authority under Ontario’s planning act for changes made by lower-tier municipalities such as Sarnia regarding their official plans.
A proposal from Sarnia for urban boundary expansion in Bright’s Grove was turned down at the county level during the last council term since there was already available land elsewhere in the city.
“I think there’s a good reason why the City of Sarnia does not have a good relationship with the county,” said former chamber leader Carrie Mc Eachran while responding to Dennis’s comments.
“Guess what, I already do and things are going to be a little bit different when I’m in that chair.”
Sarnia mayoral candidates Carrie Mc Eachran, left, and Scott Molson. (Screenshot from Imperial Theatre broadcast)
Mc Eachran described herself as someone who builds relationships and is not afraid to challenge norms. She argued that city council needs to follow both a business plan and its own strategic plan when it comes to spending decisions. She emphasized that it’s crucial for Sarnia’s mayor and councillors to work together effectively at County Council.
“So, it’s ensuring that the mayor and the councillors that represent the city at the County of Lambton are all working together; we’re all on the same page and we’re all supporting each other,” she explained.
Building connections with all levels of government is vital too; she added she won’t hesitate to ensure that provincial and federal governments hear from Sarnia.
“Building those relationships with the county are really important,” she noted.
Dennis responded by suggesting Mc Eachran’s remarks reflected her lack of experience.
Scott Molson, describing himself as a “blue collar” business owner wanting better tracking of city spending and infrastructure conditions through public dashboards, said he aims for open communication channels across all levels of government as well as local partners including First Nations communities.
“I am a negotiator,” he remarked. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years. I negotiate contracts (and) I’ve got no problem picking up the phone.”
Molson pointed out that forming “coalition groups” is essential for closer collaboration between Sarnia and County Lambton.
“We need to fix stuff but one person doesn’t know everything,” he insisted while arguing community members must connect with their councillors more actively.
“We need coalitions of people to hear what people want and speak on their behalf,” he added.
The candidates were also asked how they’d support county efforts aimed at addressing homelessness and addiction issues within their community.
Sarnia mayoral candidate Bill Dennis. (Screenshot from Imperial Theatre broadcast)
Molson indicated he’d collaborate with various government levels along with local organizations to create subsidized housing options while emphasizing his wish to build upon Ontario’s HART (homelessness and addiction recovery treatment) hub model which includes hospital care along different stages for stabilization as well as rehabilitation within communities.
He also proposed an “impact team” aimed at getting individuals off streets while stressing compassion throughout these efforts. p >
Mc Eachran questioned whether such teams exist already possibly hinting towards existing integrated mobile police/community teams assisting homeless individuals gain access needed services.
Homelessness poses serious challenges locally according , Mc Eachran went on adding she’d establish a mayoral action group comprising representatives from counties police , businesses alongside individuals who’ve experienced these struggles firsthand so solutions could emerge. p >
Dennis pointed out some dealing homelessness addiction may refuse help saying taxpayers shouldn’t shoulder costs associated expanding available service offerings. p >
“We cannot drag down middle-class further by raising taxes support everyone ” he asserted. ” Best way make someone homeless self-sufficient growing economy bringing good jobs into area ”. p >
Those unwilling accept assistance must eventually be “dealt with” according him.
“They need separated society ” he concluded. p >
Sarnia mayoral candidate Mike Bradley didn’t attend Monday night’s debate.
Online voting kicked off Friday reports show 5 ,441 electors had cast votes time reaching 4 pm Monday indicating participation rate around 8.9 percent according news release from City Sarina.
Voting will remain open until eight o’clock October twenty-sixth paper ballots can be submitted between ten am eight pm October twenty-sixth nine locations throughout town More details found sarnai. ca!
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