On the issues – Week three

Police service, roles of council and population

Where do candidates stand on the issues that matter most to you? With 35 candidates vying for 16 council seats, it is more important than ever for County residents to know what those candidates intend to do once they are elected.

This week, the Times is presenting the final set of results of a survey prepared and conducted by Gary Mooney.

Mooney has launched and led community initiatives in Prince Edward County for 10 years. This is his second all candidates’ survey—each achieving more than 80 per cent participation.

These results are pulled from 27 questions posed to candidates. For the full survey and responses, go to pec2014acs.wordpress.com

The results provide a quick snapshot of the issues and of each candidate’s position. It is not meant to be a comprehensive airing of the issues, but rather the starting point of a conversation as candidates appear at your door or at events and meetings.

Eighty-three per cent of candidates responded to the survey, an increase of two per cent over participation in 2010.

This week, we present the answers to the final set of questions. (See chart).

 Issue One: There are concerns that the County’s police service provided by the OPP is too expensive (now 12 per cent of the operating budget) and too heavy-handed. Should council consider a change?
A. No, continue with the existing OPP County police service.
B. Yes, explore a regional police service (OPP or municipal) with Belleville and Quinte West.
C. Yes, consider a County-only municipal police service.

Issue Two: Two possible roles of council are: Setting policy and approving recommendations from staff, and hands-on management of some projects, programs and services. In your view, what is more appropriate for council?
A. The primary focus should be policy and recommendations, leaving hands-on management to senior staff.
B. Equal balance between policy and recommendations and handson management.

Issue Three: Between 1996 and 2011, PEC’s population increased by only one per cent, versus 20 per cent for Ontario. What is your view on population growth strategies for PEC going forward?
A. Encourage faster growth to increase the tax base, preserve existing services and increase markets for local businesses.
B. Maintain slow / no growth to ensure preservation of the County’s rural character and lifestyle.

An asterisk denotes that the candidate qualified their answer with a comment.

Comments may be viewed, along with the full survey, including candidate profiles at: pec2014acs.wordpress.com.