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court should be held to a partisan role, in representing constituents’ issues, but don’t waver in your responsibility
in fact, that would actually be in contrast I’m quite sure I missed crossing t’s and to care about our money. I want people
to what is required of a Judge. In every dotting i’s and I blame no one but myself, to understand what is important; I want
election in every jurisdiction, in every I’m not perfect, so I’ve been told, and that people to spend money on things that
country that has elections the number is not an excuse but rather just a fact of make our community a great place that
one issue of concern by the majority life. “Change is generally good.” We can inspires a vibrant and strong economic
of voters is the economy/jobs and the say that, because once we change, we foundation, where jobs can be created.
second is healthcare. This summer we really can’t compare what it would have The Gas Light District, for example,
vacationed for a few days in Ottawa and been like, if we didn’t. I am guessing we’ll will inject tens of millions in added tax
took a tour of our Supreme Court. Most have some change, but don’t be surprised revenue into our City and it came to us
of you know that I’m a political junkie, if we don’t. Municipal Politicians are because of some investments in the
so I apologize for this, but I didn’t know hard to unseat, because municipal downtown core by the City of Cambridge.
any of the names of our Supreme Court governments are complex, there isn’t an I am confi dent more investments like this
Judges. I guess I just have faith they will overriding party position, a lower voter will come and add millions more. All this
interpret the Law as it was intended and turnout generally happens, and most do enables our City Council to continue to
honourably represent the offi ce as fairly not participate. It is wonderful we can develop, grow and better our community.
and truthfully as is possible. While the though, and even if you don’t like any of
rule of law is very important, I think, them, at least say so by casting a rejected Growth is a double-edged sword; yes, it
we have some other big fi sh to fry, and ballot, but, you did participate. adds to the tax input but also requires
rightly or wrongly, I probably believe more expenditures to satisfy the needs
that Judges are fi rst considered on their A democracy allows you and I, the of those new investments. However,
ability to interpret the law and secondly everyday citizen, the opportunity to stagnation would be devastating, not
on who owes who a favour. I’m sure some choose which “one” of us will sit in the only to the health and wellness of our
might think I’m downplaying the Supreme seat to represent our collective interests. community, but to all the other personal
Courts role but it is more about the fact What are our interests? Sure, the investments we’ve made such as our
that I still, mostly, have confi dence in the standard, clean, healthy, happy place to homes and properties. When I am asked
system and the players. work, live and raise our families, maybe where I’m from, I’m proud to pump up my
the amenities we have, parks, arenas, chest and say “Cambridge Ontario, the
I guess I should get to the point, that pools, playgrounds, I know it is still centre of the Universe.” OK, no factual
being, what is it you’re looking for in Local wonderful outside, but in a few months, evidence of that, but theoretically it
Political leadership? Do you want change we will need our roads plowed, garbage is correct. Canada is widely revered as
for the sake of change? Do you want collection is vital, but those are elements the best Country to live in for cultural
change because you think the ones there of our interests. Our collective interests diversity, opportunity and quality of life.
are not in sync with your vision of our are in how our hard-earned property taxes Canada looks at Ontario as the Economic
community? Do you want change because are spent. We pool our resources (money) Engine of this great country. Ontario
you think they lie, spend too much, don’t and send representatives to spend it on looks at South Central Ontario as the
really care? Maybe, ask yourself, if you making our community as good as it Heart of that economic engine and if you
have ever been thoroughly pleased with can be. We need to be confi dent in the place your fi ngers on your wrist you’ll
any political choice you’ve made? I mean, people we send, that they understand it feel that little beat that is Cambridge, the
100%, because I can honestly say I have is “our” money they are spending, that beat of the heart of the economic engine
never been totally pleased. I’m not sure I their one primary responsibility is to be a of the best country in the world to live
am totally pleased with my performance good steward of the public purse! Elected in. We are also within a day’s drive of the
as an elected offi cial. I made mistakes Offi cials, I urge you to kiss as many babies wealthiest population on the planet. We
in judgement on which way I voted on a as you’d like, hopefully cut many ribbons really are lucky to have the Postal Code
particular matter, at times I wish I had of new business openings, attend every we do. (con't on page 49)
a do-over opportunity, I had failures community function you would like to,

NO.50020825

www.cambridgechamber.com 7
Fall 2018