Hodder: I promise to be effective, honest, transparent

CANDIDATE: JAMES HODDER

RUNNING FOR: COUNCILLOR

I am very pleased that my wife, Joan, and I have delivered my campaign flyer to every house and apartment in Shelburne. Thank you, Joan! Beside the exercise, we talked to many residents, and received a friendly reception everywhere we went.

Joan and I have lived in Shelburne for nearly eight years. I have lived in large cities and small towns. My home town of Arnprior is similar in size to Shelburne.

The people of Shelburne face several issues, one being our police service. Do we continue with the Shelburne Police Service, or do we utilize the OPP? I have listened to people on both sides of the issue. It is a weighty question, and one that requires deep thought, research, and consideration of the consequences. If the people of Shelburne and their Council choose the OPP, I will then work to ensure that every officer of the Shelburne Police Service will be hired by the OPP, and that they will be stationed here.

Another issue is our police station. It no longer meets current standards. Can upgrades be made to the station, or is a new one required? If elected to Council, I will want a thorough study of the possibilities before a multi-million dollar station is built. Perhaps it is unnecessary to build a new one, as I have learned from attending a recent council meeting.

The traffic of two major highways passes through our town. Every day, drivers of many diesel trucks use our Main and Owen Sound Streets to get to their destinations. Besides the harmful fumes, they are noisy, and rattle people's houses. I am not alone in proposing that the solution is to divert truck traffic around the town, but Shelburne cannot implement such a plan without the Provincial Government's permission and money. To that end, if elected, I will work to develop a relationship with the Provincial Government.

I would like to see the development of businesses in or near Shelburne so that our residents do not have to travel so far to work – as many now do – in keeping with our motto, “A people place, a change of pace”, and at the same time being mindful that future growth should be manageable.

Shelburne has grown quickly since Joan and I moved here. We both want to see a vibrant community that celebrates the richness of our new diversity, and to that end, I will work with other Councillors and leaders to cultivate that richness.

I promise to be an effective, honest, transparent, approachable, and accountable Councillor. My goal is to work hard for the people of Shelburne. With my education, experience in a multitude of organizations in service to various causes, you can think of me as an investment in Shelburne's well-being and future.

Finally, please vote. It is now easier than ever before. Our future and our democracy depend on it.