Balanced growth, local services and infrastructure, listening to the community, investing in youth, and promoting community safety are the five main priorities for Champlain Township Ward 1 Vankleek Hill candidate Martin Kaufman.
The Vankleek Hill resident has had a varied career ranging from working in social services with youth to horse farming and more recently, representing a dairy equipment supplier.
He is frustrated with excessive speed and other bad traffic safety habits on Vankleek Hill’s streets. He is also frustrated with the lack of results from efforts to address those issues.
“It’s gotten worse,” Kaufman said.
He would like to see speed bumps and other speed reduction measures used on streets in Vankleek Hill.
Kaufman wants the township to ensure existing infrastructure in Vankleek Hill can withstand further expansion and development. He referred to water pressure as an example of something which must be properly maintained.
Attracting more commercial businesses to Vankleek Hill is important to Kaufman. He wants the township to carefully assess what sort of businesses are most needed.
“Where are we missing stuff?” he said.
Ensuring the township gives adequate attention to Vankleek Hill’s cultural sector is a priority for Kaufman.
“It’s important to support and develop that,” he remarked.
Kaufman said he is committed to listening to all individual and community concerns residents express about municipal issues. He insisted that he will always respond to calls and emails if residents contact him.
He added that he wants to ensure township bylaws are applied fairly among all residents and that the permit process for business and building is administered smoothly for clients.
A commitment to volunteers and youth is something of importance to Kaufman. He wants the township to support volunteers, volunteer organizations and engage youth in community life.
“Get them involved,” he commented.
Kaufman would like to see another volunteer fair held in Vankleek Hill to promote organizations and volunteer involvement. The last one was held in the spring of 2024.
