The Mayor-elect of Kincardine says he’s excited to work with the incoming council next month.
Kenneth Craig was elected mayor on October 24th, earning 2776 votes, and defeated councillor Laura Haight.
Craig says that he likes the direction the former council was heading and is looking forward to working with new Deputy Mayor Andrea Clarke.
“Initially we will continue some of the good work the previous council had done. Andrea Clarke and I will continue to share leadership responsibilities around the council table. Some of the priorities that both Andrea and I talked about were council decorum… allowing the council chamber to be a safe place for anyone to come and share an idea.
“We want to work hard to continue the planning process so that Kincardine becomes a really enjoyable place to live and to work, and raise your kids, and perhaps spend your retirement years.”
The incoming mayor says that he hopes to focus on helping with the recruitment of healthcare providers, saying “One of the developments that are going to be working is the proactive doctor recruitment, perhaps nurse practitioner recruitment. Healthcare is really critical.”
He also says that ensuring there is available housing will not only attract healthcare workers but families.
Craig adds, “I believe that the population of Kincardine needs to grow. We have to provide housing to allow people to have safe and quality places to live. But with an increased population — an intentionally increased population, we’re going to mitigate some of the tax burden, we’re going to attract business, we’re going to attract commerce. It is one of those crucial areas in local government.”
He also says that the new council should focus on all of the usual infrastructures, saying he wants to make sure that the municipality continues to upgrade local roads and bridges.
The new mayor also said it’s important to support local volunteers who work tirelessly to give Kincardine a sense of community, saying, “…we need to continue supporting our volunteers that provide so many festivals and activities that just make Kincardine have this wonderful culture and quality of life.”
The inaugural meeting for the incoming council will be held on Wednesday, November 16th.