HAROLD HUNTLEY (2014 election)

I am a retired elementary school principal and my wife, Theresa, is a retired nurse. Between us, we have raised six children and have nine grandchildren who live across Canada, giving us lots of excuses to travel.
I chose to run for town council after having spent 12 years as an elected trustee on the Northwest Catholic District School Board, 10 years as a director of the Northern Lights Credit Union, and 15 years on the board of Columbus Place for Seniors.
All of these experiences have given me the skills to serve as a town councillor, and I am ready for whatever challenges that may involve. I also have a Master’s degree in Administration so I am well-versed in the areas of budget setting, strategic planning, communications, and policy governance.
I always have been involved in community activities. I have coached minor hockey and presently I’m president of senior curling.
In the past, I also was extremely active in the affairs of St. Mary’s parish and I’m a past Grand Knight of the K of Cs.
I retired 14 years ago after 33 years as a teacher and principal, so I have lots of time to serve this community.
The question of how to deal with a budget shortfall has many ramifications. We presently have very few services that we provide for our citizens and all of them are important.
We have “maxed out” what we can charge for rec centre rates and burial plots, and we have taxed our residential and commercial taxpayers (many of whom are on fixed incomes or narrow profit margins) to the limit.
Any budget shortfalls must be deliberated line-by-line with as much input from stakeholders as possible.
Economic development is vital to improve the bottom line on the tax base in Fort Frances. We need to find a niche that makes us “special” enough to attract development.
Since we have an aging population, perhaps we can focus on attracting retirees to our beautiful and convenient location. The value of the Canadian dollar is a real advantage in attracting tourist visitations but we need a serious campaign to advertise our assets.
We need to brainstorm ideas that would vitalize our curling club, camping facilities, snowmobile services, and shopping opportunities so that visitors to our area will want to cross the border and feel welcome and well-served.
Our community has much to offer. We have a great location, preferential power rates, abundant fresh water, a peaceful environment, and excellent relations with our neighbouring First Nations’ communities.
We really need to advertise these advantages. I truly would enjoy being part of a town council that could tackle that agenda.
With my wife’s blessing, I offer myself as a candidate for Fort Frances town council.
In lieu of spending money on signage and print materials, I have chosen to make a monetary donation to the Riverside Foundation for Health Care, so please consider me when you see everyone else’s signs.