LAURIE WEIR

Residents in South Crosby Ward of Rideau Lakes Township will head to the polls June 26 to choose a new representative. The seat was left vacant on March 4 when second-term councillor Joan Delaney resigned from the position. 

Four candidates have filed their nomination papers, including Bulloch. They include Jonathan Carr, Jordan DeLong and Rob Hennessy.

Each candidate was sent a set of identical questions to help voters better understand their priorities, positions and motivations for seeking office. Dustin Bulloch is the first to respond. His answers are presented here, unedited for meaning but edited for clarity and style.

1. Why are you running for council?

I’m running in this by-election because I believe I can have a positive impact at the council table. Municipal government is the level that has the greatest impact on our day-to-day lives, and more people should feel empowered to get involved and have their voices heard. I’m committed to being a steadfast advocate for residents and ensuring local government works for all of us.

2. What is the top issue facing South Crosby, and how would you address it?

The top issue facing South Crosby — and all of Rideau Lakes — is the ongoing plan to retrofit and expand the municipal offices in Chantry. I believe the replacement of this office is long overdue and that township staff deserve a safe and functional workplace.

However, I have concerns that the current design is not in the long-term interest of the municipality, and that public consultation has been woefully inadequate. Before this project moves forward, I believe all residents deserve the opportunity to review the current plans, be presented with alternative options, and have their opinions validated through a formal referendum process.

3. What would be your first priority if elected?

My first priority is to be an advocate for the community. I will be dedicated to listening to the needs of all residents and supporting our essential services. I will advance public policy that puts people first.

4. How would you improve communication and trust between council and residents?

I believe the first step toward improving trust in council is active listening. People want to know that their voices have an impact on council decisions. I’m committed to being open and available to all residents and ensuring their concerns are heard at the council table.

5. What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I actively volunteer with the Rideau Lakes Public Library Board and the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee. I’ve worked for the past 18 years on the Rideau Canal, including 10 years as the Lockmaster at Davis Lock, and I have a busy young family. These experiences have broadened my connections within the community and strengthened my commitment to public service.

6a. Council has been criticized for dysfunction and division. How would you help restore trust and stability?

I’ve developed positive relationships with all the current councillors through my years of local volunteering. I believe I can be a facilitator between individual members and work collaboratively to achieve results for our community.

6b. Do you support or oppose the mayor’s use of strong mayor powers under provincial legislation?

I understand Mayor Arie Hoogenboom’s decision to use these new powers to veto the tendering process for Chantry, as I share his concerns that this project, as it currently exists, is not in the best interest of Rideau Lakes.

However, I do not support the decision by the province to unilaterally impose these very disruptive changes on Ontario’s municipalities. I believe this legislation is a cynical ploy to give more power to private property developers and threatens the democratic institutions of our local communities.