Candidate Questionnaire - Cam Guthrie (Ward 4)

1) Why did you want to run for city council?

I want to serve the Guelph community. I believe strongly, as many do, that a councillor that lives in the Ward they represent will be a pro-active councillor and not a reactive one. Do your research Ward 4 and find out which candidates don’t live in our Ward! Ward 4 does not have a councillor with relevant information available online. I intend to change that with a website that brings together dialogue from the residents on any issue that affects Ward 4. With better dialogue, we’ll have better decisions. My business background, work on not for profit boards along with volunteering for many organizations make me the best option for Ward 4.

2) What do you think of the performance of the last council?

Debt has risen to uncontrollable amounts. There is a lack of debate on key issues. Spending your hard earned money on non-essentials is unacceptable. When council spends more time debating “free-range chicken eggs” than it does looking into ways to truly help our community, there’s a problem. When families have to make their own budget sacrifices, yet it sees council vote in salary increases for themselves, there’s a problem. This does not show leadership. When they raise taxes but don’t pick up your garbage, lock the library and cancel transit services it becomes obvious that we have a tax and spend council. This must stop.

3) Please describe your position/ideas on the following issues:

a) Taxes

The taxpayers of Guelph do not have bottomless pockets. The city must focus on your needs. Residents are carrying the burden of taxes and for the first time, we have tax increases with fewer services. Do you remember when your garbage wasn’t picked up this summer? When you walked to the library and the doors were locked? When buses were cancelled? These cuts were a direct result of poor financial decisions. To help offset the taxes to a more shared rate, we need to encourage a strong and stable local economy. Guelph needs well paying and long-term jobs. We must turn the "open for business" sign to the "ON" position so that businesses feel welcome in Guelph. There has never been a time when this is more urgent.

b) Budget

I'd like to introduce you to the Budget filter that I will use on your behalf. It's called the "FREE BUDGET" I am the ONLY candidate that will ask these tough questions.

F - What can we FREEZE?

R - What can we REDUCE?

E - What needs to be EVALUATED?

E - What needs to be ELIMINATED?

c) Transit

I am excited about the new developments regarding transit. Especially in Ward 4. With our ward consisting of many commercial and industrial areas it is imperative that we are able to move people about this city to their jobs. I am also in agreement with the new “spine” route that has been proposed for Woolwich, Norfolk and Gordon streets. Guelph should be praised for the amount of bicycle lanes that have been added as of late. I have been an advocate of these for some time now. I’m looking forward to the GO Train, the downtown transit terminal and partnering with our surrounding communities to help make transit a more viable option for people.

d) Development/Infrastructure

We need to develop our employment lands. We need good paying and stable jobs in our city. My focus for residential development will be on in-fill opportunities that “fit” with the character of those areas within our city where that development will take place while being mindful of height restrictions. The Places to Grow act from the Province will make this a challenging time for Guelph as we prepare for thousands of new people arriving in our City. Our underground infrastructure should be maintained and replaced properly with focus on leaking water pipes. It has been said that up to 30 per cent of our water loss is through old water infrastructure.

e) Arts & Culture

I am an artist and have played in several bands. I have arranged, recorded and produced many albums. Guelph has amazing talent but for some reason we don’t showcase it well enough. We need to embrace our talent not only musically but for all arts and culture and promote it. The tourism department should be working hand in hand with promoters. More tourism creates a healthy economic environment that creates jobs.

4) Is there another issue that you’d specifically like to highlight/focus on?

Elect someone that has the experience to respect your hard earned tax dollars.

5) What’s your message for voters?

As a husband and a father that lives in Ward 4, I respectfully ask for your vote on Oct 25th. Please go to www.camguthrie.ca for more information and videos of issues that I feel are important to our Ward. Thank you!