‘Progress and prosperity’
Dear Editor:
Over the past five decades of my working life, I have been employed in project management, home construction, development and small business. Those experiences help bring into focus what this election means to me and why the right candidates are critical as Centre Wellington embraces the future.
The business park on the west side of Fergus was created to encourage local jobs for local people. Little has happened on that site and I wonder why. Is the land priced too high or is the purchasing regimen too onerous? Failing to keep this project a priority has meant no additional tax revenue despite a significant investment using taxpayer’s money.
More importantly, locals have been denied employment opportunities to make living and working here a reality. Jobs out of town mean we risk status as a bedroom community. A healthy industrial and commercial base help offset property taxes on residences.
The new subdivisions proposed require ample engineering and studies to ensure the impact on the current population base is sustainable. Something is out of step here.
We also seem to have an issue with hiring. Any business person knows one of the largest investments and costs is people. Has anyone thought to analyze the way the township functions to ensure efficiency and best value?
Traffic and its impact on the community at large have only worsened in recent years. Signage, speed limit changes, traffic calming initiatives – these things all require some common sense. Bottle-necking traffic on major thoroughfares only backs up traffic on side streets.
Please vote for people interested in progress and prosperity for all.
Don Vallery,
Belwood