Candidate learned the value of hard work on the farm

October 22, 2014 · 0 Comments

Kevin Flear, a candidate for Shelburne Council in the upcoming Municipal election, was raised on a farm in Mulmur Township, where he says he “learned the values of hard work and accomplishing goals.” Flear says he wants to be a Councillor to “represent the views of the local people, ensure that the community receives the right services, and that the interests of the local people are taken into account.”
Married to his wife Elisha for 14 years, the couple is raising four children in Shelburne, Haley, Nolan, Avaya and Seth. “My proudest achievement is my four children,” says Flear, “My eldest is going through for Law at Laurentian University.” The Flear’s youngest children, attend Glenbrook Elementary, and “keep the house very exciting.” As a busy dad, Flear has volunteered for baseball and soccer for the past four years, as well as volunteering for extra-curricular school activities.
A graduated of Centre Dufferin District High School in 1992, Flear received his plumbing degree at Conestoga College and went on to write his plumbing license for the Province of Ontario in 2000. Currently, he works for a local company, James Fraser Plumbing. He thinks political experience is “an on the job training process; I have been in leadership roles, as a supervisor for plumbing companies, which I believe will assist in my position as a Councillor.”
Mr. Flear answered the following questions from the Free Press:
What specific skills do you bring to the position of Councillor and how have you acquired and utilized those skills?
“The skills that I would bring to the position of Councillor would be leadership and organization. I would bring fresh ideas and would enjoy bringing new approaches to solving problems, which I have learned being a plumber and a parent. I have utilized those skills by effectively completing projects in a timely manner due to the hard work that is necessarily needed. “
What do you feel is an acceptable number of meetings for a member of Council to miss?
“Absolutely none. You are voted in to represent the voice of the people. Therefore, that voice needs to heard and represented at all times.”
What are your thoughts on the increased remuneration recommendation for Council recently made by Ward & Uptigrove Consulting and Human Resources?
“I believe it is unnecessary, any taxpayers dollars that are collected by officials, should be recycled back into the community. One should not get involved in politics to collect a pay check. Politics are about making a difference and being involved in shaping the future of local communities.”
What do you see as the biggest challenge you will face as Councillor?
“I believe the biggest challenge I will face as a Councillor is implementing the views of the public in a timely fashion. Many opinions and suggestions will be presented, and these ideas should only be pursued with the backing of the public. Also, ensuring the ideas that are presented are accomplished in an effective and timely manner. “
What is the biggest challenge the Town will face in the next term? As a member of Council, how would you specifically deal with this and/or other challenges?
“The biggest challenge the Town will face in the next term, in my opinion, is the ever-growing diverse population and ensuring that the infrastructure stays up to date by observing and expanding water wells and sewage treatment plants. The biggest issue that the Town will face is balancing the increasing population and the maintenance of necessary amenities for all residents, while, at the same time, not increasing taxes. I will deal with this issue specifically, by managing funds properly and applying for Government grants.”
What changes would you like to see implemented for the Town by the end of the next term?
“Changes that I would like to see implemented would be more transparency in local government and more community involvement in decision making. Such as: Infrastructure, i.e. water, sewer, social services, so that the town can continue to grow; bringing in more businesses to the town; more recognition to local businesses; public transportation; the Town’s Parks and Recreation, i.e. bicycle paths, baseball diamonds, enclosed pool; the revitalization of Fiddleville; an Environmental Plan. “
“Together” says Kevin Flear, “We can make a difference by influencing changes that benefit our community and ensure its sustainability; here, now, and in the future.”
Election Day is October 27th with voting held between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. If you are not on the voters list, visit the Town Hall to have your name added to the voters’ list. Advanced Polls are Saturday October 18th and Wednesday October 22nd from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advanced polls will be held at the Town Hall 203 Main St. East in Shelburne.