Gérard “Gerry” Miner wants to keep representing residents of Ward 4 West Hawkesbury on Champlain Township Council. Miner has served as a councillor and school trustee at various times for nearly 40 years. He admittedly enjoys municipal politics and is most focused on the day-to-day operations of the township.
“My platform is to try and run this township in the best way possible,” Miner said.
Infrastructure, particularly roads, are an item of importance for Miner. He noted that Ward 4 has 56 per cent of the total distance of municipal roads in Champlain Township. As a result, Miner believes the ward should be given a fair share of attention with respect to road improvements and maintenance. However, Miner also understands that Vankleek Hill and L’Orignal also have unique needs.
Miner said his focus on day-to-day operations is important because the needs of the township will always have to be met, no matter what other issues exist. He is against the Alto project and is doubtful the riders and financial capacity exist to pay for it.
“Demographically, we are not set up for that type of train,” Miner commented.
Ward 4 sprawls from the boundary between Champlain and North Glengarry in the south, to the Ottawa River in the north. Miner said the issues voters have identified with him vary, depending on the area of the ward.
During the campaign, Miner has visited 1,300 of the approximate 1,500 residences in Ward 4.
“The conversation is very different from one end to the other,” he remarked.
Miner said in the south and middle section of Ward 4, voters are more likely to discuss Alto and problems with the speed of traffic on roads. He said taxes are more frequently mentioned in the northern section and along the riverfront. Miner noted that only about 54 per cent of what a property owner pays in taxes go to Champlain Township. The rest go to the United Counties of Prescott and Russell and the Province of Ontario for education.
Excessive speed and other unsafe driving habits are a main concern for Miner. He said there are many complaints from residents, even after the township reduced the speed limit to 40 kilometres per hour in most urban areas during the previous term. Miner said he has witnessed drag racing on local roads and drivers passing each other or neglecting to stop before proceeding at unsignalled railroad crossings.
“People have lost respect,” Miner said.
To improve road safety, Miner wants better communication with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and for the township to work with school boards about traffic safety.
Miner also believes in education about the community, including how municipal government works, and what Champlain Township does is important for residents, particularly newcomers and young people. He emphasized that it is important to continue to have experienced councillors who fully understand municipal government and past issues when addressing current decisions.
