Greg Ross has made Champlain Township his home and wants to become involved with how it is governed.

The Ward 4 West Hawkesbury candidate moved to Champlain five years ago from St-Lazare. For 35 years, Ross has worked in business.

Ross’ five-point platform includes commitments to community, communication, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, and opposition to the Alto project.

He is also interested in bringing more business activity and visitors to the community. This includes adding restaurants to Main Street in Vankleek Hill.

Ross would also like to see banners recognizing local veterans added to the utility poles in urban areas, as is done in many other communities.

“These people should be honoured,” he said.

Ross has been visiting with voters across the large territory Ward 4 encompasses.

“I’m listening to what people have to say,” he remarked.

The things people are saying, according to Ross, involve wanting gravel roads paved, high property taxes, and challenges with permits and inspections.

Ross said he would also like to revisit the issue of constructing a sidewalk or other pathway to safely connect Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) with the Foodland and Tim Hortons area on Highway 34. He described it as a matter of safety.

Ross is not in favour of the proposed Alto project. He said the money should be spent on other priorities and would rather see a dedicated corridor for the existing VIA service that does not have to share tracks with freight trains. He is also very concerned about the effect the project would have on multi-generational farms, and the cost to Canadians.

“I think we’ll be subsidizing it forever,” Ross said.

He also appreciates Champlain’s bilingual character and how anglophones and francophones work together.

“It really says a lot about the township.”

Ross said he has enjoyed meeting with residents during the election campaign, and if he is elected on October 26, he is looking forward to working with other members of council. Most of all, he wants to be approachable by residents.

“I will be accessible. I will answer the calls,” Ross said.

“Let’s make it the best place we can,” he concluded.