Survey says – week 2

Editor’s note: We are now into week two of Concerned Citizens of Prince Edward County survey of municipal candidates. Judging from the number of folks clutching the Wellington Times, open on page 3, at last Thursday’s candidates’ meeting in Milford, the survey appears to be achieving the goal of arousing interest in the fast-approaching election and the issues that face us all.

Several candidates have written to explain why they chose not to answer some or all of the questions in the survey. Generally speaking they felt the potential benefit of of reaching a broader number of voters didn’t offset the challenges of condensing their response to the issues in a yes or no format.

Space doesn’t permit each of their letters; however, the candidate’s extended comments are available to view at ccpec.on.ca.

A list of upcoming candidates meetings can be found online at wellingtontimes.ca

Question 1: Would you support zero-based budgeting, to review each department’s expenditures from scratch, at least every four years?

Question 2: Has the County’s focus on developing a “creative rural economy” helped or hindered our economic prospects?

Question 3: Should the County’s Recreation, Parks and Culture Department be restructured to enable more hands-on direction by volunteers / community groups over the assets, services and programs they administer?

* Asterisks denote that the candidate qualified their answer with a comment. Comments may be viewed at ccpec.on.ca

A blank indicates where a candidate chose not to answer the question.

CORRECTIONS
Mayoral candidate Monica Alyea answered two questions directly. Hallowell candidate Heather Campbell answered one. Eight candidates declined to participate. Incorrect information appeared last week.