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ELECTION 2014: Candidate QandA with Mervyn Lougher-Goodey

Candidate QandA with councillor candidate Mervyn Lougher-Goodey in Sidney
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Mervyn Lougher-Goodey

Occupation: Retired civil engineer.

Background:

Twenty-eight year Sidney residential taxpayer, 16 year community volunteer and presently finishing off a second term as a Sidney councillor.

 

1.  Why are you running for council?

I consider myself open-minded, decisive and keep a balanced view on all town matters. I bring years of community service and leadership to the council chambers. I have the time and energy to be a full time councillor so I believe I remain qualified to be one of the Town councillors.

 

2.  What are your top three issues to tackle, if elected?

• I hear continually about the difficult interface between residents’ and employee parking; there  needs to be a solution for this conundrum.

• Sidewalks; there are not enough of them and in places are too narrow. This could be solved by working aggressively within the long term Town infra-structure program and increasing the width of our sidewalks on replacement.

• In order to ensure that Sidney remains an attractive seaside town I believe it is essential we continue to protect and fund  our waterfront and marine infrastructure.

 

3.  Is council’s relationship with the business community adequate and what would you change if elected?

I have been the liaison between council and the Chamber of Commerce and I believe in the main we share common goals. The Sidney Business Improvement Area (SBIA) is working well with the Town.  We share office space and manpower to improve the economic sustainability of the Town. The Town continues to provide a variety of parking for customers.

Do we have sufficient parking?  No there is always a requirement for more, however by supporting downtown residential development there would be more pedestrian shoppers present.

 

4. What sort of balance should Sidney seek to achieve on its waterfront land?

Council has  formed a Ports Committee made up of the mayor, several councillors (myself being one) and citizens with waterfront experience.  This group looks at the long range requirements and funding for the sustainability of our waterfront. The most expensive and notable infrastructure includes our three marine structures and our long seaside walkways which require continual maintenance.

 

5.  How would you contribute to people’s enjoyment in living, working and playing in Sidney?

Ensure maintenance funds are available to support our present sports and recreation infrastructure.  We need to continue to work and cooperate with our local service clubs that provide such items as playground equipment and water spray park equipment with the Town funding the supporting civil infrastructure.  Future capital expenditures could include such initiatives as a pickle ball court, resurfacing Iroquois tennis courts and perhaps providing more bike paths.  Support to our museum, Mary Winspear Centre and, the library continues to be important for our residents.  The next council will be engaged in the formulation of the new parks master plan and these preceding issues could be, inter alia, included in that plan.