Here are Five Questions with 2014 Cornwall Ontario City Council candidate Mark A. MacDonald.

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

I was born and raised in Cornwall and I am a retired Fire Inspector from the City of Cornwall Fire Department. I’m a community activist and if I fight for what I believe in.

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

We can improve our Economic Development by promoting a more regional approach to doing business. There is a tremendous amount of overlap between us and the Counties. We could save money by combining services with the region and we could use the savings to help small businesses.

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

The city seems to bend over backwards to help big business and they should do the same for the arts community. For some unknown reason they are neglecting to help the Port Theatre and yes, I am very supportive of an Arts and Culture Centre in Cornwall.

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 lowering taxes. The “New Council” must set an example by cutting 20% from their own budgets. It should start by agreeing to reduce the number of Councillors from 10 to 8. We do not need 10 Councillors, especially considering the amount of money the “New Council” will be making.

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?

The city has suffered some huge setbacks such as the chemical tanks on our waterfront and the sale of the General Hospital, it has been a disastrous 4 years. The biggest problem was that this Council was not a strong team and the “New Council” will have lots of work to do just to make up the time we lost.