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 Art Levert’s Answers. He is running for Mayor.
1. Who are you? Where are you from? What education do you have? What relevant experience do you have?
My name is Art Levert, been living in Cornwall for 39 years, 36 years as a homeowner, a business owner for 18 years, i 35+ years working as an advocate & facilitator to help empower people with special needs. Owned my own Martial Arts school for over 26 years, i have been a teacher for “Section 20” at Jean XXIII and i was a pre-kinder garden teacher at Ste. Lucie. i have, and ALWAYS will put the needs of people & their voices first, where it belongs, because they’re not being heard.
2. 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?
Local money was always meant for local services, so money stays here, to service the area.
Local revenue is ONLY to be used for: 1. Roads, Water, Waste: Maintenance, Snow removal, clean water supply, sewage treatment, curbside garbage, recycling.
2. Social/Health Services: Housing, employment & Health care support, parks & recreation, libraries, public amenities.
3. Public Safety & Emergency 911 Services: Fire, Police, Ambulance/EMS
Anything else is not considered “public purpose” and does NOT come out of tax revenue.
It’s time to end bloated bureaucracy, especially the municipal/regional “Sunshine List” recipients, who get paid over $100,000 a year to push paper.
i intend to end the wasteful spending on private projects (non-local issues) and the pandering to special interests. i believe that the people need their local government and accountability back. We are witnessing what happens when the people have no say. Stop spending what we don’t have!! Stay within budget, which is why you elect a Mayor, isn ‘t it?
Taxpayers aren’t to be used as an unlimited source of funding. If the City can’t spend responsibly, it’s time for some wise oversight and forensic audits. Cornwall people have had enough.
3. 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/Mayor to address this issue?
How about ending the property taxation of primary residences and make industrial and commercial classes pay the cost of maintaining the municipal infrastructure?
Why don’t we cut spending instead of asking the people for more money due to the CITY’s mismanagement and incompetence?
4. Why are you running for Council? What is the most important issue facing the City of Cornwall today?
i intend to end the installation of mass surveillance and the 15-minute SMART city which is happening with NO public knowledge, and to end the unlawful expropriation of land, which deprives owners of their property rights. I also plan to bring back paper ballots for voting, so people can vote for a local Mayor and services, and not for the Global Agenda sustainable goals. One of the reasons the Cornwall people have had no voice is because there’s been election interference by municipal City Corporations and the 2001 Municipal Elections Act. This is being corrected this year, and one of the reasons why i am running. It’s time for the people who live here to speak and be heard!
5. Many constituents have expressed concerns about accountability and controversy surrounding Council. What could you do as a Councillor/Mayor to improve transparency and accountability?
First of all, i don’t call the people of this city “constituents”, they are people, man, woman & child who live in Cornwall!
i firmly believe that the “Strong Mayor” powers threaten democracy” and restrict public input.
Most people haven’t researched what “Strong” really means. The problem, as i see it, is that our Officials are presently under a municipal “Declaration of Office”, which locks them into implementing the global Agenda. This is both the problem, and the solution, which is why i’m running for Mayor of Cornwall. When elected, i intend to take the Oath of Office, and work for the benefit of the local people and area ONLY.
6. We constantly hear about the Art Centre and the water meters. Many residents 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 those projects?
The Art Centre shouldn’t be a burden to taxpayers, it should be fundraising/donations money raised by those who have a vested interest in such a project, why should the people of Cornwall be on the hook?
The Water Meter issue, that is most disturbing, because from my personal experience and many others as well, the Corporation of the City of Cornwall has been tyrannical.
By-laws have been weaponized against the people, even when it comes to public services, what their taxes PAY for! Private energy contracts DEMAND mandatory SMART water meters or the CITY shuts off access to water!! The Corporation of Cornwall’s does NOT own the water, and i am standing up against this insanity on behalf of man, woman and child in Cornwall.
7. 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.
Some really atrocious mistakes were made in the past (long before I was born), as for my personal experience, in recent years, i have worked with the wonderful people of Akwesasne on many occasions, through PJ Burn’s “Fishing for Kids” events, and always invited his group, who gladly participated in my “Fishing for Special Needs” events in return, for many years! Good relationships are based on simple respect for one another…let’s work together!!
8. Cornwall’s municipal government relies on experienced and qualified staff to deliver services to residents. What would you do as a Councillor/Mayor to ensure the city can attract, retain and support the best possible people in senior positions?
Qualified, dedicated and experienced people that would do their duties properly, if not, bring someone that will! Make sure that “responsibility” of each department is the top order of the day!
9. 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/Mayor?
Personally, i am a firm believer of preventive measures when it comes to health & nutrition, however, health services have been severely affected for many years, wait times, beds, doctors in short supply. We have to support natural & holistic clinics that does a world of good, bring back effective natural health care, it’s not only the pharmaceutical based treatments that work.
10. 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?
People have expressed to me, that police presence is often lacking in many areas of the city, perhaps they are undermanned, short staffed, there needs to be a close “police” relationship with the people who live in this city, the women of this city have stated to me, that they no longer feel safe to walk, bike or jog on the plentiful trails of this city…this is NOT acceptable!!
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