Municipal elections are October 26 in Ontario. To help voters make an informed decision here in Cornwall, the editorial board of The Seeker has put together 10 questions for candidates seeking a seat at the municipal council table, whether as Councillor or as Mayor. To ensure fairness, the same questions were sent to every candidate. We sent a total of 10 and they had the option to answer all of them, or pick a minimum of 5. Their answers will be published in their entirety, in the order they are received. We will not edit, correct or modify any responses.
These are Claude Poirier’s Answers. He is running for Councillor.
Who are you? Where are you from? What education do you have? What relevant experience do you have?
I was born raised and educated in the City of Cornwall. Widowed nearly four-years ago. I am the father of two married children, grandfather to one and another grandchild on the way. I am retired volunteering my time with several community organisations. I served some time ago five separate terms on Cornwall’s Municipal Council.
In The Seeker’s poll asking constituents about the most important issue facing them, a large majority of respondents answered “taxes/affordability”. What would you do as a Councillor/Mayor to make Cornwall more affordable, and what city services or spending, if any, would you be willing to reduce, change or eliminate to keep tax increases under control?
The easiest thing for a prospective candidate is to say that I will eliminate waste, cut taxes, reduce services. I promise none of these. If elected I would strive to work and obtain all information before making any decision on the services we deliver. What is the status of our budget, what is the anticipated growth in revenue, what are the mandated services we deliver and their cost implication. With this knowledge I can make informed decisions on how best to make Cornwall affordable.
Over the past few years, many constituents have expressed concern that the city’s homelessness situation has significantly worsened. What would you do as a Councillor to address this issue?
Cornwall homelessness problem is not unique. As a Councillor I would need to review what we have done to date. What is the status of the housing unit under construction targeted for our homelessness population. What is the impact of these units on our homelessness population once occupied. What can we learn from other municipalities on how they are dealing with the issue. Continue to lobby senior levels of Government for assistance in building affordable housing.
Why are you running for Council? What is the most important issue facing the City of Cornwall today?
I am running for Council believing that my experience as a former elected official, my life journey has prepared me for the challenges that the incoming Council will face. I am articulate, knowledgeable, and committed to improve improving the deliberations and actions of the incoming Council. The most important issue facing Council is one of governance. The present governance structure leaves the public believing that Council at times is not as transparent, informed, and accountable as it should be.
Many constituents have expressed concerns about accountability and controversy surrounding Council. What could you do as Councillor to improve transparency and accountability?
Council members need to be informed and accountable. Council needs to review its governance structure. We like many municipalities have a Chief Administrative Officer who is the professional administrative head of a municipality and heads as the vital bridge between the elected council and municipal staff. Maintaining the proper balance between the two is essential if the municipality is to operate efficiently. I am not advocating political interference in the day-to-day operation of the city. I am suggesting that we review how Council arrives at its decision on a particular matter. Council needs to be assured it has all the information before deciding on a course of action.
We constantly hear about the Art Centre and the water meters. Many have expressed the view that these were bad decisions on Council’s part. Both projects are being implemented, but they remain a sore spot for some voters. Would you consider revisiting or changing decisions made on these projects?
I did not support the installation of water meters. I believe that Council should have prioritised more important projects like the construction of a secondary intake pipe for our filtration plant. On the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, we did not have a lack of water issue. A failure of our present intake would be more catastrophic to the city. The incoming Council will need to be briefed on the status of the project with many millions already spent. The new Council will need to be properly briefed on the status of the project. I supported the construction of a new Art Centre. There are however many questions on the status of the project and its cost. Council will need to focus on how best we can remedy the situation and deliver a functional and affordable program.
What would you do to improve our relationship with Akwesasne? What does Truth and Reconciliation look like to you? Explain how Cornwall can take steps toward it.
I believe we have a good relationship with our neighbors from Akwesasne. We must continue to maintain an open dialogue. Council must continue to work with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne on the Port Lands redevelopment projects. The fruition of a joint project would be beneficial to both communities and demonstrate what we can do together.
Cornwall municipal government relies on experienced and qualified staff to deliver services to residents. What would you do as a Councillor to ensure the city can attract, retain and support the best possible people in senior positions.
City Council does not directly supervise its senior staff that is the role of the CAO. Council can however foster a working environment that is positive, that values the advice of its senior staff and encourages professional development. All city staff should be happy to come to work. We as a Council need to make our employees understand that they are valued and important in the delivery of our services. Our employees’ wages and benefits need to be competitive with the market that surrounds us.
Healthcare is primarily a provincial responsibility, but access to healthcare is a major concern for Cornwall residents. What can the City of Cornwall realistically do to help improve healthcare access, and would you make it a priority as a Councillor.
Healthcare is a Provincial responsibility, but it does not stop City Council from advocating on behalf of its residents to the senior levels of government. We need to continue to pressure the province and the feds to adequately fund health care services in our community, with an aging population we must continue to lobby and advocate for the healthcare needs of our residents. I am committed to doing so.
Many residents are concerned about crime, vandalism, drug use and a general decline in their sense of safety. What can the city realistically do to address these concerns, and where should municipal responsibility end and provincial or federal responsibility begin?
The Cornwall Police Service is the responsibility of its Civilian Board. However, since we fund the police service, we need to be assured that they have the resources to address the problems our community faces. Council does have representation on Board, and they need to inform us of any issue where we can be of assistance in remedying the issues. We must advocate on behalf of our residents and tap into any programs that are available from senior levels of Government that can combat these problems.
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