KEN PERRY

Hi, I am Ken Perry, your candidate for mayor in the upcoming election. I have lived in Fort Frances for more than 34 years and I truly call Fort Frances my home.
I relocated here for work, met and married, Laurel, my wife, raised our two boys, and started my construction business, seeing the prospects and opportunities at the time and now into the future.
With the right leadership both in a mayor and on council, we can progress in a positive fashion. The gift of land that just recently was bestowed upon our town is a great opportunity to help restore a lost taxation base of the mill.
The town has pledged that any decisions will be after consultation and input from a wide opinion of the public–keeping in mind that whatever we do will be costly and we need to see maximum return on any investment, establishing a wider tax base and optimum use for the space.
The point park is being litigated and negotiated for far too long. Through discussions with our First Nations’ neighbours, we must bring this issue to a satisfactory conclusion that will benefit all involved parties for the enjoyment of everyone.
Litigation merely kicks the current problems down the road and leaves everyone feeling like there are no winners.
I have identified that revenue needs to come from “other sources.” The senior levels of government have provided exemptions and reduction of property taxation to several entities within our town. I believe that Canada and Ontario need to share or cover the losses for property they have exempted.
I have initiated this discussion through my role on NOMA. These exempted properties are supported by the town through a full range of service, including contributions on their behalf through the DSSAB levy.
I am in favour of the new Municipal Accommodations Tax. As most know, I have championed with the Ontario government for the railroad company that cuts our town almost in half to pay its fair share of commercial property tax. This year we may see a 10-fold tax increase to this corporate citizen, from three years ago, and with much prodding we could assume a much greater share.
We still lag far behind other jurisdictions in Canada.
I have identified other avenues of revenue that does not impact the local taxpayer directly or to any great degree. I have taken several of these initiatives forward to NOMA, AMO, and the upper levels of government. We are being heard.
There is much work to do if we here in Fort Frances are going to continue to enjoy all of what there is to offer and what there can be. Work takes time and energy. I have the energy needed to lead the new team of council going forward to pursue our future.
I want to be your new mayor. On Oct. 22, please give me that opportunity.