Here are Five Questions with 2014 Cornwall Ontario City Council candidate Rony Macarone.

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

Hello my name is Rony Macarone (pronounced Rōnnie Makəˈrōn). I am a small business entrepreneur that operates a few businesses in town. I am from a Franco-Ontarian mother and my father was born in Montreal from Italian parents. Hence the funny last name. My post secondary education is in business, information technology, conservation and sustainability. I am honest, technically skilled and I am eager to find solutions to the most complex issues. I can bring a logical approach to governing our city.

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

I would start with making Cornwall the ‘place to be’ The old reputation our city had is done. We need to re-market. Attracting young families and working on keeping youth engaged. This will create young entrepreneurs that will want to develop their ‘startups’ locally. We need more post-secondary training in information tech, communications & logistics. Cornwall is Ideally situated to take advantage of some very high tech business opportunities.

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

I am very involved in the arts and have been my whole life. We do need a coherent plan to develop the arts community. Perhaps an art show on the scale of Lift-off, similar to le Salon des métier d’art in Montreal that attracts artist & craftsmen along with their buyers. Cornwall, SD&G and surroundings hold a ton of talent! Let’s form a coop to unite & support all artists and hold events on a grand scale.

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 definitely support the freezing of taxes. I do see lowering taxes. What I have seen in a ‘quick’ look at the city’s budgets is the elimination of wasteful spending. I can’t get into details here but I can say I see waste in some departments, such as Roads, Garbage and EMS.

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?

What I have seen coming from economic development is amazing. The business parks, Distribution centres & Big Box retail are examples. I would like to see more growth in the middle class and skilled jobs.