John Hirsch

South Marysburgh Ward Nine

John Hirsch is a passionate advocate for the protection and development of the magical place that is South Marysburgh. As soon as Hirsch settled in the County, he and his wife started donating their time to the community and immediately got involved with the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory. That connection led to getting involved in the appeal of the White Pines Wind Project and most recently, directorships in CCSAGE and the recently formed South Shore Joint Initiative. By looking at his past community work, it is apparent that environmental work has always been a focus for Hirsch. By also appearing at County council, numerous times over the last four years, he has come to realize that he could really contribute as a member of council.

“There is a lack of business sense on council. Staff are not properly instructed when they are sent off to do studies and reports. There are too many surprises for councillors at meetings. I believe that my skills in research and analysis, business and financial management will help council function more effectively,” says Hirsch.

South Marysburgh voters have a wide variety of concerns, according to Hirsch. At the top of the list are the condition of roads and the fact that some roads in Ward Nine have more patches than pavement. Agriculture is also a key area of concern for Hirsch in that South Marysburgh currently has a great variety of agricultural operations. From cashcroppers, to full-range farming, bees and honey, viticulture, dairy, sheep. Basically, you name it and South Marysburgh is either growing or farming it. Hirsch says that the failure to do anything about the farm tax ratio in the last council still concerns many, and the upcoming council needs to find a solution and soon.

The decommissioning of the partially built White Pines Wind Project is also on the minds of many Ward Nine residents. Hirsch says that residents need to push the provincial government to make good on its promise to ensure that all the damage done to the habitat and roads of South Marysburgh is fully remedied. The completion of the hospital is also critical for Hirsch, as is the development and promotion of employment initiatives in the County. For Hirsch, the environment and the protection of South Marysburgh’s natural and cultural heritage are critical in maintaining the unique ecosystem that is Prince Edward County. He wants to ensure that the new Official Plan has proper and detailed measures to prevent inappropriate commercial or industrial development on Ward Nine’s unique and biodiverse South Shore.

STAs and accommodations of all kind are an issue that continues to surface, and Hirsch believes it’s becoming a major problem and hurdle for future development.

“I believe the regulation of the STAs will help solve the problem while generating some muchneeded revenue. Innovative arrangements with developers could also create affordable housing in new subdivisions. The newly created non-profit housing corporation and public transit plan can also benefit residents and workers of the County,” says Hirsch.

As for opportunities where the next council can really effect some change, Hirsch points to the finalization of the first new Official Plan in 20 years, as well being able to provide a solution to the accommodation issues. He is hoping that his business background will be instrumental in creating a realistic revenue plan, and the possibility of a real public transit system coming to the County is something that the next council will help define. Finally, partnering in a meaningful way with the agricultural community and ensuring that the places we love receive the proper environmental and cultural heritage protection will be in focus over the next four years. For Hirsch, his commitment to public service has evolved to the point that running for council has become the logical choice. He is hoping to bring awareness to causes, and to reign in unneeded spending.