Tony Bell, Council Candidate
Candidate Name: Tony Bell (I)
Position Sought: Councillor
Email: bluewatermachine@bellnet.ca
Phone: 519-538-4442
Bio:
Tony Bell is a long time rural resident with deep roots that dates back five generations. He was born and raised on a beef farm in Sydenham (Silcote) where he and his wife currently live. After Georgian Bay Secondary School he took a three year technical program at Conestoga College and a one year mechanical program at Fanshawe. Tony is a provincially qualified tool and die maker and is currently co-owner of a family owned machine shop, Bluewater Machine & Tool, on Grey Rd 12 just outside of Meaford.
With fifteen years of entrepreneurial experience in his current business, Tony knows the challenges of business, and has trained others through the apprenticeship program. Tony is the past president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 32 Meaford, current membership chairman, and Sergeant at Arms. Additionally he is current chairmen for 42 Army Cadet League support group in Owen Sound. Tony enjoys outdoor activities both in the winter and summer. He takes pleasure in landscaping with his wife and when he wants to relax he plays guitar.
Why I am running for Meaford council:
I want to impact the municipality in a positive way, and lead by doing good governing. I wish to communicate with businesses, community volunteer groups, farmers and unions, along with listening to the concerns of both rural and urban rate payers no matter how small the voice. I have a desire to serve this great municipality and have the best interest for the municipality at heart. I have a positive outlook and will devote my time and energy to go the extra mile for my community. I go to where the issues are and I see the issues first hand. I want to always pursue alternatives rather than closures. I want to keep our good roads good, and find ways to make our bad roads better. I intend to help guide our economic development in the next term. I know where we are and I have a vision of where we can go and what we could look like in the future. I have demonstrated that I am passionate about this municipality and I am determined to do a good job.
My Top Priorities if Elected to the New Council:
In your view, what should be the top priorities for the council that is elected on October 22?
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Infrastructure: Roads, bridges and corporate assets. Council needs to continue with dedicated tax funds to maintain and extend their life. This will bring better quality access to the rate payer.
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Keeping taxes within the 2.4% range, bearing in mind national inflation is at approximately 1.4%.
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Better economic development, with improvements to the promotion of our great municipality through responsible growth.
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Keeping our long term debt and reserves within reasonable levels, while being aware that infrastructure and economic development will bring heavy costs.
My Involvement in the Community Over the Past Four Years:
As a municipal representative, I am on the Property Standards and Licensing Committee and the Farm Safety Association, which meets at the Agricultural office in Markdale, the Meaford Business Improvement Association and the Bognor Hall. I have been a member of the Legion for 15 years and I was the past president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 32 Meaford for two years, currently I am the membership chairman and Sergeant at Arms. I have dedicated fifteen years to the Royal Canadian Legion. I am also currently chairmen for 42 Army Cadet League support group in Owen Sound, attended many parades, celebrations and volunteered with Riverside Community Centre.
The Role of Councillor as I See it:
I have read and understand the role of a councillor as described by the provincial government written in the Municipal Act. However this is what I believe makes a good councillor:
A good councillor needs to lead in governance by setting the direction, leaving the how to get it done by the administration. They must consider all options and actively participate during council session, ask questions, find out what else lies within the issue and what other considerations were made before they were discarded. They must do their homework and gather the facts so that they may present their position clearly. A councillor should expand their knowledge by going to seminars and conferences. A councillor must treat everyone with dignity and respect; this includes fellow council members, municipal staff and rate payers alike.
Through ongoing contact with a broad cross section of people, councillors represent others, and are ambassadors for this municipality. Through the passing of by-laws, it is councillors that set in place policies and procedures, and determine the services to be delivered through the budgetary process..
The Skills I Will Bring to Council:
Over the past four years I have been a strong voice on council, even if it means I stand alone. My confidence as a public speaker allows me to convey my thoughts and positions clearly and effectively. I am known within the community as having a high level integrity. I try to be well rounded and open to new ideas and different perspectives, by looking at things practically and using common sense. I take the time to weigh the issues at hand because I truly care. Over my past term of office I have shown good initiative, with motions like the adoption of the enhanced snow removal above the provincial minimum. I also have displayed tenacity with not giving up on the closure of the twin bridges south of Bognor and the repaving of Story Book Park Rd. After a lengthy service delivery review, I am now very familiar with all of the departments in our organization. I now know what it takes to run this Municipality, and with my experience and ever-growing skill-set, I know where impactful changes can be made.
