Jobs: Your Decision, Your Future

The biggest challenge confronting Midland is to increase the number of good jobs in our community. New jobs, from both current businesses and new ones, are essential to maintaining and improving the quality of life that we all cherish.

Creating jobs is not easy. But from my business experience, I know that it starts with a solid foundation. Over the last four years I have worked to lay that foundation:

1. I brought together the four North Simcoe communities to co-operate on economic development - no simple feat in itself.


2. With some guidance, that partnership has grown to become the Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe. Last month, Ms. Sharon Vegh accepted the new position of Economic Development Officer. Her job is to grow our area's economy.


3. I have led Council in a full review of our municipal operating costs. We are now better at controlling our taxes, fees, and regulations - measures that help all of our businesses and residents.

Creating jobs requires teamwork. My business background allows me to sit down comfortably with small business as well as large manufacturers. Many of these meetings involve active problem solving that have helped create jobs. My efforts and those of others are starting to show encouraging results:

1. Weber Manufacturing chose Midland when they brought their manufacturing line and jobs back from Mexico.


2. Forte EPS chose Midland to set up their high-tech polystyrene manufacturer, bringing new jobs to our community.


3. Kaitlin Corp. announced last month that they are returning to build homes in Bayport - more construction work.


4. Small businesses continue to come to our downtown - "Taylor and Co.", "We’re Nuts" and "Bell" are some of the most recent.

Creating good jobs is a tough business. It takes a long term vision and plenty of hard work. With your help, I will continue on the path we are on to bring jobs to our community.

The key question before voters this election is whether to continue building on the direction set by the people of Midland in the last election or to turn away and lose all of the energy and momentum that we have achieved.