Rooted in Cornwall. Ready to Serve

I want to set the standard for transparent leadership, accountability and community first values.  The residents of Cornwall deserve a City Council that is open, honest and accountable.  Too often, I hear that people feel disconnected from what’s happening at City Hall.  With almost 19 years  of experience solving complex problems for large multi-national companies, I understand the importance of clear concise communication and accountability. 

When you elect me you can expect straightforward answers, responsible decision making that always puts Cornwall first.  I will be a councillor who shows up, who listens, who responds to your concerns and explains the decisions that I make that affect our community.  I will be hosting regular sessions where residents can come and ask we questions.  

In November 2022 when the current City Council’s term began the city was approximately $52M in debt.  By the 2026 election the city will be $100M – $110M in debt.  Council raised property taxes 3.56% in 2023, 4.21% in 2024, 4.26% in 2025 and 5.41% in 2026.  All of these tax increases and Council has doubled the debt in four years.  Families in Cornwall are already feeling the pressure from the rising cost of living.  It is time for fiscal responsibility.  We cannot undergo every capital project all at once, we cannot continue to green light more funds for projects that are already over budget. 

My approach is simple, I believe in responsible spending.  That means setting clear priorities, making hard decisions and not trying to do everything at once.  We need to focus on what matters most, plan properly and make sure that projects are delivered in a way that taxpayers.  At the end of the day every dollar spent is a taxpayer dollar and it should be treated that way.  Good financial management isn’t about saying no to everything, it’s about making right choices so Cornwall can grow in a way that is sustainable.  

The city of Cornwall has a lot going for it, and with our population now over 54,000, we are growing, but we need to do a better job creating opportunities here at home.  That means supporting local business, attracting new investment and making sure people, especially younger residents can find good jobs without having the leave the city.

For the past 3+ years I have served on the board of directors for ACCFutures which is a local non-profit whose mission is to help support entrepreneurs and businesses in SD&G and Akwesasne.  I am proud of the work that I have been a part of and want to bring this knowledge and experience to Cornwall City council.   

Housing and especially affordable housing is a real issue in Cornwall.  It is not something that we can ignore.  We need more housing, but we also need to make sure that we are building the right kind of housing.  I don’t think that this is something the City can solve on it’s own. Housing is a shared responsibility between all three levels of government and we need to partner with the province and federal government to bring the right support and funding to Cornwall.

AT the same time, we need to support the people who need it most.  That includes better access to mental health and addiction support.  I would like to see the city of Cornwall partner  with SD&G, Akwesasne and higher levels of Government to make sure the right programs are in place and that people can access the help that they need across our communities.

Cornwall has a strong community because of the people who are in it.  Every day you see volunteers, local service groups and non-profits stepping up to help make a difference.  We should be proud of that and something that we need to continue to support, but community does not stop at our city limits.  We need to do a better job building stronger partnerships with our neighbours.  I don’t think we are doing enough to work closely with Akwesasne or SD&G.  

There is a key piece of property on our waterfront that is co-owned with Akwesasne.  Our waterfront has so much potential and it is time that we do something with that the Port Lands that will be benefit for both Cornwall and Akwesasne.   In my opinion strong communities are built on connection, collaboration and people who care.  That is the approach that I will bring to City Council.

The City of Cornwall needs an outdoor multi-sport turf field for our youth sports teams.  Having a turf field will allow youth teams to start practicing outdoors in late March/early April and give them the ability to practice until the snow comes in November.  A turf field would give them 3+ months of extra training time on a full size outdoor field, allowing them to improve their skills, stay physically active and hopefully stay in love with their sport.  I see the turf field being used for soccer, football, lacrosse and potentially even more sports that our community is involved with.

I do not expect the taxpayers of the City to cover the entire cost of the new turf field.  There are Provincial and Federal grants available to help improve facilities for youth sports.  I am confident that we could even get some corporate help with costs.  My plan would see the city of Cornwall operate this on a pay per use basis.  Similar to how they currently run the Benson Centre field house or any of the indoor ice pads.  This would help generate some additional revenue for the city as well and as being as adding another amenity for the community.