David Harrison

North Marysburgh Ward Eight

David Harrison has served the ratepayers of North Marysburgh in municipal government for 17 years and has no intentions of slowing down. Harrison’s family goes back seven generations in the County, and he’s very proud of his time spent devoted to civic service. Harrison hopes to return because there are plenty of initiatives still needed to be pushed through and unfinished business to complete. Harrison thinks that overall things are very positive in Ward Eight, and he is proud and honoured to represent a community of such diverse and wonderful people at Shire Hall. Harrison is also one of the few councillors with experience on councils both before and after the amalgamation, which was an important time in the County. When asked about the differences between now and then, Harrison’s says before “The County”, it felt like it was a little easier for council to get things done.

“I have noticed that in the old system, we were much more in touch with our staff and there was no chain of command to go through, so to speak. If we wanted a road fixed we’d call the road superintendent, we’d set up a meeting, and the road would be done shortly after that. We really need to focus on opening up the lines of communication both internally and externally,” says Harrison

Harrison has several reasons for continuing to run. He wants to continue his guidance on completing the Official Plan, which will happen in the upcoming term. He is also keen on providing more efficient and cost-effective methods of providing services like snow plowing, garbage, and building and planning services. All in the name of lowering taxes, thereby making it easier for people to live and make a future in the County. Harrison has a long history of community involvement through family businesses that are very active in employing County residents. He knows first-hand the necessity of affordable housing for people who want to live and work in the County, at times employing up to twenty local staff members. His previous experience around the horseshoe as well as backgrounds in agriculture and tourism could make his voice a valuable one for another term.

Concerns that Harrison has heard from the residents of his ward are the continual upgrading of our roads. Harrison says that progress has been made over the last four years, however, more money and support is needed if that progress is to continue. Other concerns being presented by constituents have to with the streamlining of planning and building services and the promptness of responses by staff to pubic inquiries. The streamlining issue seems to be one that is being brought forward in numerous wards this election. Property taxes are a priority to Ward Eight residents, as they have a direct impact on affordable housing, resources for home maintenance and allowing people to stay in their own home.

Harrison agrees with his constituents that roads must be maintained and improved in the most efficient and cost-effective way moving forward. He also knows that housing is the key to maintaining a local labour force, thereby keeping young people in the County and contributing to the local economy. Healthcare is also a focus with our demographic of seniors, and a key part of healthcare will be making sure that the new hospital development continues to move forward. He is also pleased that the County has allocated $40,000 to the Eastern Ontario Regional Network to complete a study with the intention of improving high speed Internet service to the County. The study is being done to obtain grants from the federal and provincial governments to fill gaps in the service for Eastern Ontario. Once implemented, it will be a huge benefit to people operating businesses in the County.

Regarding the challenges and opportunities facing the upcoming council, Harrison hopes that the new council will be more focused on encouraging new start-ups in the County and making it easier for them.

“I hope the next council will provide encouragement to the new wave of young entrepreneurs in the County by providing a business climate which nurtures their development instead of roadblocks and red tape that often discourages them, particularly at a time where their resources are perhaps limited,” says Harrison.