Tom McGregor | Campaign Platform – Part 1
Tom McGregor’s platform will be released in four installments over the next four weeks. Readers are encouraged to contact Tom with comments at www.tommcgregor.com.
JOBS
I am sure it will come as no surprise to you when I say that the biggest issue and the most significant concern for the people of Chatham-Kent is the lack of jobs. The people of Chatham-Kent need and want quality employment. Jobs with a fair pay rate and good working conditions.
Many of our quality manufacturing jobs have left and are unlikely to return. While our residents are eager to work and work hard, we often lack the education level and skill sets to move on to some of the higher technology based jobs.
What we really lack is a job strategy. A job strategy will help us determine:
1. What kind of jobs are out there? What is the next big thing?
2. What type of jobs do we want for Chatham-Kent? Some employment opportunities come with negative community impacts. Community consultation (with the affected community in Chatham-Kent) is important.
We must remember that the individual communities within Chatham-Kent have different needs and desires. Our advanced automobile technology strategy may work in Ridgetown or Wallaceburg, but Wheatley is a fishing village, and we need to understand what they need and want.
The cookie cutter approach that we often apply in Chatham-Kent doesn’t match up with the individual communities resources and wants.
3. Once we know what type of jobs are available and what fits with the communities of Chatham-Kent, we need to ensure our workforce has training available to get them up to speed. Consultation with our two Community Colleges is key. In my conversations with administrators from both Colleges I found them very eager to help upgrade the existing workforce and teach new skills to our youth.
Probably everyone who reads this has experienced the situation where their children or their friends children leave Chatham-Kent to go to college or university or seek employment, never to return. When our youth leave, they take with them our ability to grow as a Municipality. We need our children and their children to fill our schools, our arenas, our art and recreational facilities, and our homes.
Chatham-Kent needs to be more attractive to youth. We must partner with and encourage St. Clair College and Ridgetown College University of Guelph to expand their programming and their physical size. More programming and more degree programs will encourage our youth to stay and other youths to come to be educated and remain to become contributing residents of Chatham-Kent.
We need a plan to help young entrepreneurs. Many municipalities have partnered with education or private business to provide incubator malls for entrepreneurs. That may or may not be the answer, but clearly we need to make Chatham-Kent more attractive to our young business people. We can’t let the little we have slip away.
Our unemployment levels far exceed the national average. Unemployment creates many social issues, alcohol and drug misuse, domestic abuse, crime, depression and feeling of low self worth.
Clearly, many of our problems within Chatham-Kent can be solved with quality employment. We need to promote Chatham-Kent and its individual communities aggressively. If it requires international travel, we need to do that and as your Mayor I am ready, willing and able to go.
One of the responsibilities of the Mayor as the head of Council is to represent the Municipality, locally, nationally and internationally. It is important that the Mayor moves beyond the boundaries of Chatham-Kent.
We need to change the way we have been doing things.
What we have been doing isn’t working.
Marlee
September 17, 2010 at 7:11 am
Our Director of Economic Development has already been moving in some of the directions suggested in this platform – the small business bureau not only incubates entrepeneurs (young and old) but runs regular workshops for them. United Way of CK also has incubation options for potential new local charities – which creates both jobs and support for our residents.
The Community Strategic Planning Committee ran a one-day workshop last year focused on youth – how to attract them and keep them once they are here – and a number of proposals which came from the youth at the time are now being implemented.
The Director of Economic Development also has a plan to assign staff to areas outside Chatham so they know better the needs and opportunities available in our smaller towns – and can help more areas take early advantage of economic outreach options.
And my constant message – “culture grows the economy”. Culture is a growing “industry” which, if nutured will bring more jobs and improved quality of life to our whole community.
twoguest
September 22, 2010 at 1:39 pm
“United Way of CK also has incubation options for potential new local charities – which creates both jobs and support for our residents”
WE need jobs not new charities created to enhance United Way’s empire–although I understand that UW jobs have excellent benefit plans. Any “incubator” setups must involve business/education/government not Charities!!!
Rob
September 22, 2010 at 1:54 pm
An interesting comment – and valid.
Leaving aside the fact you’re speaking of the UW in this case, I think that cultivating local charities is important as well though.
Union Gas Vice President Rick Birmingham made a comment last week that “Businesses succeed when a community succeeds”.
While jobs are obviously the final solution, there are in many cases inhibitors to the community attracting these jobs, and also social conditions that might inhibit many CK residents from obtaining and holding these jobs.
In some cases I think that incubating new methods of serving the citizens through non-profits could be just what is needed. We need innovation in the charity sector as well as other areas.
You never know, a local incubator that involves business/education/government would very likely be born as a non-profit itself.
Jim in Wallaceburg
September 17, 2010 at 4:52 pm
I’d have to agree with Mr. McGregor on most points. However if we often lack the education level and skill set to move on to some higher technology based jobs then it is likely because our youth leave the region to obtain post-secondary education in their desired fields and remain out-of- region because that is were the professional opportunities exist.
Chatham-Kent has a great un-played card – our educated and upwardly mobile youth who have had to leave the area because career prospects do not exist. Many would prefer to live closer to home with their extended families.
Create the professional opportunities in Chatham-Kent and you will have an educated and skilled workforce who is eager to return to our low cost-of-living municipality.
I would recommend the municipality maintain a database with this critical information. Make contact with people and have the details available to prospective employers in the high tech field.
Ms Miller
September 18, 2010 at 12:50 pm
I understand the vision of education, and opportunities for youth, but our issue at hand is the parents of the youth. How can the future seem positive for our youth, when they see the frustration that comes from their parents having difficulty with local emploment opportunities. It’s no wonder our youth want “out of here”. If there are more choices for adults to become educated locally also, and then are able to find succesful employment positions thereafter–can we lead by positive example for our children. I understand that companies have certain qualifications for their needs, and want the best candidate to hire; however, I am curious to know how many local residents have been selected for the newly arrived companies. Maybe we need to be more aware of what exactly they are seeking–and prepare in advance.
I have seen job postings in other communities that state, “preference will be given to applicants within a ** mile radius.” Possibly that could be a request for our local employers. This could help increase confidence levels in local applicants, and also be a benefit for a “greener” environment by encouraging less vehicle emmisions, since locals could take advantage of the “Ride your bike to work” day–utilizing those great bike lanes.
I see many more benefits of working where you live-besides the obvious ones-saving gas cost,vehicle maintenance, better attendance in winter months, etc.
Also..are these companies advertising in the town where they operate, or in Chatham-Kent or other?? If these companies are coming here based on government funding/incentives, and such–can’t there be some stipulations for that benefit.
I also believe that there are many opportunities for increasing the education levels in people of our town-if these options were made more advertised, and easily understood. Possibly more frequent invitations by the Town/ Municipality in each community for Information Sessions on all education services, funding options, with potential employers involved to answer questions regarding what skills and qualifications they are seeking, networking opportunities, job fairs, volunteering options, etc.
There are many free programs available, but most do not know much about what is available. Overall more “teamwork” by all could really help. I believe that “One Day Workshops” are not enough.
As a community leader–it should be a priority for you to be aware of, and make all aware of these possible options on many occasions, especially since you believe that is where the issues exist.
You have stated,”We must remember that the individual communities within Chatham-Kent have different needs and desires”, What are our needs and desires, Mr. McGregor? When we know what these are, we can then be prepared for a more positive future. This information should be made readily aquirable by people who are interested, on a constant basis.
I understand that we are all a part of Chatham-Kent, but we are also individual communities within. We require options for education and employment in each of our local towns,and should have local accessible options to grow,and build confidence within, if we are to grow as a whole.
Jeff
September 19, 2010 at 1:17 pm
http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/canadianstats/a/bizandeconomy.htm
I know that we’d all like to have that big manufacturing company to come into C-K and save us all from this recession that has been around longer than 2008-09 when the bottom fell out of the world economy but doen’t you think that every municipality is trying to lure that same factory to their area. I do believe that if we focus on what we are mostly about, like agriculture, we could lure some bigger companies to the area.
But we also have to look at growing the small business sector. According to the link above
“Between 80 percent and 90 percent of all companies in Canada are small to medium-size businesses. They generate nearly half of the country’s GDP and are responsible for six million jobs.”
Go with what’s proven. Lower the business property taxes to half of what they are and see the empty buildings, that doen’t generate the same taxes as occupied building, fill up. I believe this will happen and you will see these run down buildings fixed up without the fear of an assessment coming in to raise their property taxes more than what their at right now. There are government programs like the Self Employment Benefit Program that helps people on unemployment start their own business. Give the unemployed a chance. There are people out there that would love to have their own coffee shop, bakery or whatever that would be happy to be able to make a descent living and serve their community.
Just my 2 cents.
StellasKid
September 19, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Mr. McGregor has a thoughtful, well rounded approach to the needs of this community and would represent us well. My question is – what are WE going to do for the community? #1 we should be carefully following the campaigns to vote with clear goals AND we should BE the community that businesses want to come to – with an educated skilled workforce (that means more people have to finish highschool too!) – and BE a community that supports growth and change like new cultural and recreational opportunities and welcoming to Newcomers. Politicians (even very good ones) can only do what we educate them on and support them to do.
EnoughAlready
September 20, 2010 at 10:04 am
I agree that the Director of Economic Development has been working wonders. However, that is what she is paid to do. What has Mr. McGregor done over his past 10 years of service to Chatham-Kent to move this community forward? What has he championed? What initiatives has he struck before Council to see the community prosper? What has he been bold enough to come forward with subject to the criticisms and accolades of his peers and moreover his constituents? To come forward with a platform that is a repeat of current directions to Economic Development is disheartening. It takes a very positive outlook and demonstrated positive interest in the Municipality as a whole to represent as Mayor. Chatham-Kent needs a blend of long term goals and short term quick wins to win the marathon. Is this not what we have seen in the current administration? Heck, a big challenge of Hope’s term is ensuring that we have the leadership within the organization to succeed. In four years, Hope has gotten the corporate house in order (stable CAO, filled a number of positions including the Director of Economic Development). We can’t move forward unless our leadership is in place.
More importantly, we now have a demonstratedly cooperative and interactive relationship with Ottawa and Queens Park irrespective of individuals personal political flavours. The keys have been found in Gagner’s desk and the doors to Chatham-Kent have been unlocked to business, discussion with all levels of government and most importantly – success.
Although I applaud Mr. McGregor’s platform – so far it only appears to mimic the current direction. Is this what we want in a Mayor – to simply continue along the course? or do we want someone at the helm who has truly made a difference in a short four year term. Its all about establishing relationships and unfortunately in this regard, McGregor has a reason to be so glum.
Gulliver
September 20, 2010 at 9:29 pm
enufalready seems to parrot the line that it is the mayor that makes the stuff happen – its sometimes like crediting the rooster for making the sun come up !
It is the council and staff working together that make things happen – not sure that bringing council together is a hallmark of the mayors over the last four years. Has anyone noticed the mayor putting forward a good argument with reasoned thinking that has shifted councils position ? That is what an effective leader does – I do notice that council as a whole listens more intently when Mcgregor speaks then the mayor – there is a message in that.
Elizabeth
September 20, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Seems to me that jobs is the easy campaign platform; who could really disagree. But to have jobs in our community requires a community the people desire to move to. What would that really look like? A place were you have recreational opportunites like great trails, parks, sidewalks and are attractive an appealing. How many times have you been in another city and say, “Wouldn’t it be nice to have this!” The reason we do not have it is because of a platform like this and not realizing that it is so much more. My challenge for Tom is to really look a little deeper. I want a Mayor who sees how the desire for jobs can only be accomplished when you work on toursim, health, culture and the economy.
EnoughAlready
September 20, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Elizabeth – I agree. I would perhaps pose the question to voters – what growth have you seen in the community and who “championed” it. Personally I cannot recall much over the past 10 years of amalgamation which has not been done in the last 4. One thing that I have to say is that Chatham-Kent now has a stable corporate picture – there appears to be the resources in place to support each and every aspect of prosperity in Chatham-Kent. Its nice to say that “jobs” are a priority, but the strategic plan needs to be a bit more refined. Unless we have things like a Capital Theatre, Con-Ex Centre, swanky new condo developments on King Street in Chatham, a new Gable Rees Pool in Blenheim, a successful tourism base in WAMBO in Wallaceburg, interurban transit to better connect us all, two college campuses, proper promotion of our tourism areas et cetra, and can successfully market it to the world, we have no chance. Council has done an amazing job in each of their individual areas – what has Mr. McGregor done for Chatham? Probably not much. For Wallaceburg? Probably a lot more. Unfortunately the only candidate who has a proven record of supporting the prosperity of the Municipality as a whole is Hope.
Harry
September 21, 2010 at 10:43 am
I agree with Enough Already. And many of the projects he listed were accomplished only with provincial dollars. Thank goodness for the McGuinty government; and Hope seems to work well with both the Tory VanKesteren and Liberal Hoy, in direct contrast to his predecessor, Diane Gagner, who couldn’t get along with anyone.
twoguest
September 22, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Seems to me Gagner got along well enough to assist in getting funding for Navistar which led to several years employment for around a thousand people. These jobs have since evaporated under Mayor Hope’s watch despite the great relationships he claims with all levels of government and his union background. Perhaps knowing and getting along with business is what ultimately brings and retains jobs.
Also in fairness to Gagner she dealt with the emerald ash borer fiasco which was beyond municipal control but certainly soured many voters in CK.
twoguest
September 21, 2010 at 10:55 am
Wow what world have you been living in? Could you give some examples of the highlights of the last four years?
Factories closing and not reopening, call centres closing — then reopening with the Mayor taking credit.
Some staffing positions have been filled but the jury is still out on the results and really how much of that is or should be the Mayor’s job??
I find many things are being politicized by the Mayor which should not be. It is not his job to be involved in every aspect of the municipality, we have staff to do that. It is the job of Mayor and Council to create am atmosphere ie taxes, infrastructure and support which allows the staff to do their jobs without political interference.
Oh and I can’t resist–Mr Mayor when are you announcing the results of your Korea trip of four years ago??
twoguest
September 21, 2010 at 11:06 am
Just to clarify I am looking for examples that weren’t already in the works more than four years ago and also for projects that the Mayor actually supported, not those that were successful in spite of him.
As for ability to get along with others, why don’t you ask the people at St Clair College or the YMCA about that?
To the point of what McGregor has done for Chatham, I suggest that anyone who has paid attention to council would know that McGregor has consistently seemed to take into account all areas of Chatham-Kent and not just his own ward (although he and Mr Parsons have done a good job there in my opinion)
McGregor for Mayor
September 21, 2010 at 8:16 am
I have enjoyed reading the comments attached to Part 1 of my Campaign Platform. Over the next few weeks when I present positions on agriculture, education, seniors, taxes, youth retention and the importance of culture in our municipality some of the excellent points that have been raised will be commented on.
An election is an opportunity to exchange ideas so we can develop a workable strategy to move Chatham-Kent forward.
The input is welcome.
EnoughAlready
September 21, 2010 at 8:30 am
Cautious response…we shall see.
Small Business Owner
September 22, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I am a small business owner that has a thriving business in Chatham-Kent, thanks to great staff, great clients & great products… but I have very little thanks for the Municipality, its tendering process and general policies.
The heading of the article above is JOBS. If you look at the Municipal website, out of the first 100 tenders this year 54 have been awarded. Only 50% of the tenders (27) actually went to Chatham-Kent companies. The value of the other 27 contracts that got shipped to out of town companies? 16.3 million! If you want to create jobs in CK keep the $ here for god’s sake, our Municipality is giving away hundreds of jobs to companies that are located out-of-town.
And if you want to work for the Municipality you should have to live in CK. Take the Curator of the Thames Art Gallery, he lives in Windsor and has been collecting a pay check from our Municipality for years!If you worked for Coca-Cola and walked into a staff meeting with a can of Pepsi what do you think would happen?
Our Municipal website was supposedly revamped by a company from Toronto for $400,000 – and any MCK staff will tell you it still does not work well(was supposed to be completed by April 01). Our Municipal logo was designed by a company from Nova Scotia. And the contract to market the local Municipal libraries was just awarded to a company from Virginia.
Mr. McGregor here is tip on how to create hundreds of jobs in our Municipality… just stop sending our tax dollars out of town.
Agree and Disagree
September 23, 2010 at 8:09 am
I agree with what you are saying in principle small business owner. But if these outside companies are more competitive than our local companies, than I think we have to award them to those outside companies in order to keep our taxes low, and help create jobs that way through private investment.
Having said that, we are spending almost $10 million a year on consultants to do jobs we could be doing in-house at City Hall for much less. How about hiring some youth that have recently graduated as research analysts and stop sending the millions of $$ to outside C-K consultants. This would kill two birds with one stone: create jobs and attract/retain youth in the Municipality through the creation of youth-specific entry-level positions. But, oh wait, those new jobs would probably just go to unqualified relatives or friends through nepotistic hiring knowing our Municipality, so maybe this won’t be a better alternative. This is coming from a youth with a POLITICAL SCIENCE degree that applied to work the election in C-K and was turned away after all, so I’m quite familiar with the idiotic hiring practices of my home community. Just my two cents.
twoguest
September 23, 2010 at 10:03 am
Glad to hear you are enjoying success.
Protectionism at the municipal, provincial or national level does not promote a healthy economy. Local business should get an opportunity to bid on jobs but the best tender (not just price or location) should win the job.
I am not familiar enough to have an informed opinion on the examples cited however it would be interesting to hear from local business who have won contracts outside of Chatham-Kent.
As for municipal employees living here I agree in principle but this would be unenforceable, I am quite sure.
Jim in Wallaceburg
September 23, 2010 at 11:48 am
Local businesses should definitely be given preferential treatment when bidding on municipal contracts – say an additional 5-to-10 percent weighting. This is no different than what I do when shopping goods and services for our household; I am willing to pay slightly more to support local businesses. In Wallaceburg, our businesses community regularly demonstrate their philanthropy and I want to continue to support them in making my community a better place to live, work and play. This has been discussed at council; I am just not sure that it went anywhere.
Rob
September 23, 2010 at 12:07 pm
That is a point that many people don’t realize… that shopping local is more than putting money in local merchant’s pockets. It builds their community.
Most of the great things our communities have to offer – what makes them a community – is built on the backs of local business owners.