Here are Five Questions with 2014 Cornwall Ontario City Council candidate Gerry Samson.

1 – Tell the voters a bit about yourself. What skills and experience would make you a good candidate for Council?

I am Cornwall City Councillor Gerald Edward Samson, for approximately three years and as the former Vice Chairman, 21 year of the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry, and Catholic County School Board of Eastern Ontario.
In this capacity, I served on many committees, including chairman of Finance, and Special Education committee.
I also have graduated, from a three course from Queens University, in Micro and Macro Economics, and Real Estate Appraisal. Also many courses from Ontario Police College, as well as a 28 year veteran of Cornwall Police Services,in which I received The Merital Services metal, from The Honorable Attorney General of Canada,Romeo Leblanc, in 1994, for outstanding service to the citizens of Cornwall.

2 – In what ways could we improve Economic Development and how can we make Cornwall a more friendly city for small businesses?

Economic Development by continuing to expand and develop our Industrial lands like Walmart, Target and Loblaws which will create many newer higher paying jobs for our citizens.

By continuing to promote safe and affordable emergency services for the safety of our citizens.
Providing the necessary funding for municipal infrastrure, and affordable transit services for all.
Continue to ensure social assistance, and housing for low income families and help these citizens find better jobs.
Support educational opportunities by creation of our university to help foster our youth with better educational opportunities!

Continuing to develop our waterfront, bicycle trails, and recreational facilities like the Benson Centre and Arts in the Park, Theatrical development at Autsville Theatre,

3 – What is your vision for arts and culture? Would you support the building of an Arts and Culture Centre in Cornwall?

Arts and Cultural Activities have to be incorporated in one centre such as Port Theatre or Aultsville Hall. I will support fundraising for this centre however all the artists have to culminate together and stand together, in this fundraising activities.

4 – Do you support freezing or lowering taxes? If so, where would the savings come from, and would you support reducing some services? If you do not support freezing or lowering taxes explain why.

I support freezing or lowering taxes,and reducing some services,such as headhunters, and consultants, except when absolutely necessary, to obtain provincial or federal funding, in this manner, we reduce the cost of government.
By treating the dignity and respect of all of our employees and promoting from within we foster promise for all and avoid civil litigation!

5 – What has been the biggest accomplishment at City Hall over the past four years OR what has been the biggest issue of concern at City Hall over the past four years?

Biggest accomplishment by this council in past four years, to continue to support industrial development of Industrial land to attract new industries such as Target, Walmart, Loblaws, with new better paying jobs for our citizens.
Development of smart centres which foster more employment and a greater variety of choice for new merchandise for our citizens!
Supporting expansion of a new University, to promote educational activities for our youth, and all citizens, which in itself creates new jobs,and keeps our sons and daughters in our City.
Continue to support safe and affordable emergency services, as well as the necessary infrastrure needed to keep our sidewalks and roadways feasible for our residents.
Supporting development of our waterfront, and construction services!
Keep Music in Your Soul!