Jim Mauro – At Large
1.Businesses are frequently the targets of
crime and on the front line dealing with societal problems in the area; what
steps do you think should be taken to ensure businesses are protected and our
community is safer to explore, shop, work and play in.
I
believe I am the candidate with the most experience in this area, and with the
willingness to speak publicly to the issue of crime as I have been for 20
years. While there are obvious societal issues that need to be addressed, those
will take years to see substantive change. Solutions need to be presented now
to improve safety throughout the community. My first release on crime was to
utilize retired officers for two minor roles performed by officers to put these
officers back onto the streets. Having officers on patrol instead of guarding
crimes scenes, or guarding prisoners waiting treatment at the hospital is
seriously inefficient. I would enhance the camera system in the area and look
for ways to increase patrols in the area. Again, I believe my experience and
knowledge of the police service would lead to options that are not currently
being explored to put more resources on the street, something I have long been
advocating for.
2. What is your impression of the Fort
William Business community? What is one thing that is done well and what is one
thing that needs to improve?
I believe the community has been effective in
advocating for their members with regard to the removal of the Victoriaville
canopy that is now moving forward. I believe this has the support of most of
your members. I do not believe I have enough information to be critical of your
organization in any way, nor do I believe it is productive for a potential
member of council to say “what is wrong” with an organization.
Instead I would hope to be in a position to move forward positively, working
with the business community to provide a robust economic zone where people wish
to visit, shop and enjoy. Certainly one of the areas that I think the city has
failed is in the removal and centralization of homes and services to the
intercity area, away from many businesses that would be flourishing if the
people lived and worked in the area. Where possible, I think these decisions in
the future should be made with the benefits to the area in mind.
3. With the revitalization of downtown Fort
William project underway there is no planned community center for the area
after the project is completed. Victoriaville provided an important and safe
gathering place. What vision do you have to recreate a similar
environment for community connectivity?
Your
organization raises an interesting point and a by-product of the move to
re-open the street. Perhaps there is a need for a community centre in the area.
The north has the 55 plus centre and it is possible the city needs to invest in
a similar type centre, geared to the needs of the area. Providing such an area
should be part of the plan to re-open Victoriaville and if elected, this would
be an issue I would raise with Administration.
Thank
you for your questions
Jim
Mauro- At Large Candidate