Callum Scott believes that it is time for tough love in the Town of Renfrew.
Scott, a former business owner who has campaigned to become mayor in multiple previous elections, says his main message has not changed over the past 20 years: Stop the misspending of taxpayer dollars and treat those taxpayers with respect.
Among his proposals, Scott says he would explore severing the town from its corporate entity, subject to provincial approval, in hopes of escaping debts he attributes to the municipal corporation.
He is also calling for roughly 20 positions to be eliminated at town hall, the sale of the myFM Centre, and a recruit-based community police force to replace the OPP. He says he would also look for immediate ways to deliver a two per cent tax break to residents.
Scott is also questioning whether growth should be a priority, arguing that Renfrew’s high tax rates are already putting homeowners and renters under increasing pressure to afford their homes.
In addition, Scott has been critical of how the town treats its residents, saying that they are not treated with the respect they deserve.
He faces five other candidates in the October 26 municipal election: Peter Emon, incumbent mayor Tom Sidney, Josh Marquardt, Mike Coulas, and Jason Legris.
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We asked all responding Renfrew mayoral candidates the same three questions, with their answers in full below:
Question 1: Renfrew is expected to benefit greatly with the upcoming expansion of Highway 417 and the resulting potential for increased commercial, industrial, and residential opportunities. As mayor, how would you direct town staff to prepare for the economic and population growth?
Question 2: The town is feeling the pinch financially in multiple ways, including a lengthy debenture to cover cost overruns with the Ma-te-Way. Expansion project and volatile market conditions. How would you prioritize the town’s spending to navigate the situation?
Question 3: Beyond economic growth, what do you believe Renfrew needs to do to improve the quality of life for the people who already live here, and what would be your priorities as mayor?
(written by Kasey Egan)
