Varied approaches by mayoral candidates
Editor

The priorities and styles of the three candidates seeking Caledon's top job are as varied as the individuals themselves. From new leadership and a solid record to rolling back taxes, the trio seeking the mayor's seat were all well received at the all-candidates' debate sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of Bolton last Wednesday night.

Garry Moore is giving up his area 5 council seat to snag the big chair and he said his business acumen and military experience back his sound approaches on all issues. He's comfortable leading people and putting words into action. With three teenage children, he has a big stake in the community.

He feels Caledon needs vision and a concrete action plan for the future. He hopes to find solutions to traffic woes, public safety, crime and long-term road work. He pointed out Caledon needs more recreational services and long-term financial solutions, along with greater infrastructure and accountability. Council itself needs to instill a sense of pride in this large community.

Norm Calder, who served as mayor from 1992 to '94, stressed he led the first council on a zero tax increase platform which built up a stabilization reserve for 10 years with no ill effects to services or infrastructure. This current council, he noted, increased taxes 12.5% making Caledon one of the highest-taxed areas in the GTA. During his term, Calder helped bring services to Caledon East; sparked environmental projects and kicked off the BAR (Bolton Arterial Routes).

This council, he argued, had a vision of "emptiness," while sitting on millions in reserve funds. He vowed to roll back the 12.5% increase dished out to residents over the coming term. While others believe his goal is unattainable, Calder said with reduced tax arrears and solid growth revenue, his plan is workable. Once the bypass is complete, growth would pay for itself, he noted. Voters need to take a stand here and now.

Marolyn Morrison mentioned her 18 years of service, through her first term as mayor, nine years as regional councillor and trustee prior to that. She said she's fulfilled her mandate and commitments over the last term. She's helped bring about political accountability and transparency and accepted no money from developers or the aggregate industry.

She was pleased to help create the Caledon Community Work Plan

which addresses residents' concerns and needs. She's proven her leadership ability through fiscal responsibility, making Caledon debt-free by the end of this year.

She's aided youth in this community and $16 million has been spent to date on the BAR project around Bolton. She created an open-door policy and has worked with business and furthered Caledon's identity. In other words, Caledon has come long way in the last term and she believes in uniting this community.

While there remains much to be done, she's more than up to the challenge.

Questions

Calder asked whether the other two candidates would support rolling back taxes. Morrison said it would be difficult to do, adding their 2.9% increase this year was among the lowest in the region. There's a disparity between the capital and operating budgets that needs to be addressed before taxes are simply rolled back.

Moore said the Town needs more aggressive economic development, to attract more business and revenue. While he wouldn't commit to a tax rollback, he said a freeze may be possible.

Morrison asked Moore why he was concerned regarding council minutes, and why he never brought it up during the last term. Moore said as it stands, they are records of decision and not full-fledged minutes indicating who said what and who voted for what. He would like to see a more Hansard-style of comprehensive recordkeeping.

When asked why he wants to be mayor, Moore said he hopes to put his skills to work with the community to make a difference. As area councillor, he fulfilled his commitment to do his best, and he wants to continue that as mayor.

Morrison said she's passionate about this community and she, too, wants to continue to make a difference. When she ran three years ago, she made a list and delivered on every one of her promises.

Calder said it's time for fairer taxation. He read a letter from a constituent who fears losing his property due to the burden of high taxes. Calder said he, too, made good on his promises during his term in the '90s.

One local senior asked whether Caledon can expect improved transit in the future.

Morrison said she views transit as a region-wide program and a new task force is looking at regional systems. Caledon, despite its vast size, just doesn't have the numbers for its own transit system.

Calder said he worked with GO in the '90s to establish local routes and he would support a private/public service. Caledon needs more of a voice to go after solutions.

When asked why youth crime is on the rise, Calder said there's a lack of activities for our young people. Transit within Caledon would be one way to get them places and alleviate the boredom.

Moore said he's committed to holding a youth summit, to listen to their concerns and he, too, said transit within the town would go a long way to helping the kids out.

Morrison said youth violence is not limited to Caledon, but is prevalent across the GTA. A youth summit is held in the GTA to discuss drugs, violence and gangs, etc. Peel just created a strategy to address youth violence, and she created the Mayor's Youth Council to give young people a voice and an active role.