Editor's Note: We asked Midland council members for their take on the first two years of their mandate as well as how they see the future unfolding. A few didn't respond, but we're delighted to offer you insights from those who did. Today, we hear from Coun. Bill Gordon.
Question 1. What are you most proud of, personally as a councillor, that you/council have been able to accomplish in the first half of your mandate?
I’d have to say that making the King Street infrastructure project work this term is easily the biggest project and accomplishment for this Council. The fact that it has come in on budget and on-time and paralleled the global pandemic has really reduced the overall impact on our community and the downtown businesses. There would never be a good time to do this project and migrating away from combined sewers and the routine discharges into Georgian Bay was a clear priority when listening to our residents.
Question 2. What is your biggest disappointment as it relates to a council decision/direction or issue?
My biggest disappointment over the past two years has been the lingering animosity among some of council and our propensity to turn to costly legal process and the code of conduct to settle grievances rather than speaking to one another.
Question 3. Nobody saw the pandemic coming. Specifically, as a councillor, what is the biggest challenge the pandemic has created and how have you tried to tackle that challenge?
As a Municipality, we managed to avoid emergency declarations during the COVID-19 pandemic which allowed us to keep meeting as a team and maintain most of the service levels that our residents expected throughout 2020. Financial assistance from the Province/Federal level continues to help offset the losses. Service delivery credit goes entirely to our staff.
Question 4. What is your vision for the area known as Midland Bay Landing (i.e. a full park, half a park and the balance development, mostly development)?
Midland Bay Landing plans are deserving of a revisit/re-think and that sentiment is echoed by many in the community. Waterfront parkland preservation is a priority for me and always has been.
Question 5. Are you doing enough as a council to be transparent, to encourage public input and to listen? How so? How could that be improved during the second half of your mandate?
Transparency, along with integrity are a core values for me and I value public input. I host zoom chats before every Council meeting since the pandemic and routinely interact with the community about wants, wishes, concerns and issues, bringing them to Council for discussion. Nothing will change while I am at the Council table.
Question 6. What is the biggest challenge council faces in the second half of its mandate (ie. Staff retirements, promised tax freeze, capacity) and what are your top priorities?
Our top priorities are service delivery and modernization. Tax rates are a constant pressure as we find efficiencies to delivery services and match their costs to our residents.
Question 7: Lastly, do you intend to seek re-election? Why or why not?
At this point, I may seek another term. Despite the challenges I still enjoy bringing residents voices to the Council table and will continue to advocate for our community if the electorate choose to give me another mandate.
