Geoff Heinricks

BLOOMFIELD/HALLOWELL WARD 2

Geoff Heinricks says Prince Edward County needs to bring spending and debt under control, reconsider its growth expectations and focus on the needs of the people who already live and work here.

The Bloomfield–Hallowell candidate identifies the affordability of municipal government as the biggest challenge facing the next council. Getting the County’s finances in order, he says, would allow residents and their representatives to focus on the community’s future.

“Getting spending, debt, and the affordability of government in line, so we can properly focus on what we desire and wish to become as a community.”

Heinricks opposes selling historic municipal buildings to generate revenue. He argues that a sale offers a one-time financial benefit while sacrificing places that contribute to community life.

“As most of these are located in the various communities, and were built as centres of shared community life, their value is greater to the social health of the County than as bottom line bumps in one budget.”

On water infrastructure, Heinricks rejects the proposed regional approach and a pipeline connecting Wellington and Picton. He favours upgrading the capacity and extending the lifespan of the existing facilities in each community.

He contends that overly optimistic growth forecasts have consumed municipal money, staff attention and political energy. He wants a review of spending associated with those forecasts, followed by reductions where planned expenditures are no longer justified.

“A review of what might have been unnecessarily added to budgets to prepare for the illusion has to be done swiftly, rolled back, and a balanced plan of operations and maintenance put in place.”

Heinricks believes even a one per cent growth projection should be halved. He argues that water rates, connection fees and development charges are hurting the municipality and encouraging development in the countryside, increasing pressure on farmland.

He also wants the County to press the provincial government to take responsibility for roads he considers provincial obligations.

On housing, Heinricks proposes studying municipalities that have successfully addressed affordability and applying relevant lessons locally. He wants the County to support builders whose objectives include a strong public interest.

“Zoning might need changing to build starter communities… not just ‘developments’.”

Heinricks opposes strong mayor powers, including their use to overturn decisions supported by a majority of council. He says the time and debate required by democratic decision-making are essential parts of the process.

“I do not support the powers at all. Democracy can be a messy business, and at times slow. But speed and authoritarianism comes at a terrible price.”

Heinricks moved to the County with his young family 31 years ago. He points to his involvement in the development of the local wine industry, his work with the economic development office of the day, and his career as a journalist and author as contributions to the County’s growth and recognition.

He has also served on heritage committees and projects, work he describes as acknowledging a debt to those who built and maintained the community.

He says his knowledge of local history, along with his research, analytical and communication skills, would help him address the decisions facing council.

“I also believe that local government is the most important in the daily lives of people, and deserves the fullest respect and care to see that it is nimble, responsive, and a source of happiness and betterment of all our lives here.”