BIOGRAPHY
I was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands and immigrated with my parents to Canada. I have been a resident of Walkerton since 1981. I am retired following a career in the arts, education, business, engineering and consulting. I am also a former two-term councillor in Milverton (now Perth East).
I was a member of the Walkerton Planning Board in the 1980s and chairman of the Walkerton Performing Arts Group, which showcased talents such as Peter Appleyard, John Arpin, Valdy, Murray McLaughlin and Trio Vivant to Victoria Jubilee Hall, and was also instrumental in obtaining the grand piano that graces our hall.
For a number of years, until 2017, I served as the secretary to the Saugeen Municipal Airport Commission. At present, I serve the municipality as a representative on the Municipal Wind Turbine Committee, which I have done for the past four years.
I was instrumental in organizing our COPA Flight 54 in the mid-90s, then served as the Southern Ontario Director of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association from 2010 until 2018. While a member of the organization, I helped the airport and our whole community benefit financially from events and activities, such as the COPA National Convention, Snowbirds, safety seminars and aerobatic competitions.
I have been a Legion member for over 15 years and have and still serve on several executive committees. At present, I am the sergeant-at-arms and first vice-president of our Branch 102.
ISSUES
There are several issues facing our municipality:
Council accessibility – resume council meetings so that the public can attend and interact with their councillors, and continue the Zoom format. Other than the mayor and one councillor, I have been unable to express my opinion in person to a councillor.
The airport has been mismanaged by the commission by taking funds from runway reserves and spending them on legal fees. I would like the airport to work to becoming self-sufficient.
Arena – I support the idea of “twice the ice” by utilizing the ice in the horse palace, thus giving equal ice time to all users.
Downtown parkette – I am not in favour of spending over $600,000, as these funds could be spent more wisely elsewhere.
Development – ask the residents their views on future development, not consultants.
Procurement policy – revoke the current policy that has resulted in a 97 per cent over budget this summer for the last six projects. Give our local contractors/suppliers an opportunity to bid.
Homelessness – we should work very closely with the county to resolve this so that those involved live in dignity.
Hospital – no local control; we should rally and strive to bring control back to our area.
Tourism – of course welcome tourists, but feel I that our funds, should be spent on improving residents’ experiences.
