Carl Hordyk, candidate
What do you see as the key issue(s) facing BWG at this time? Do you have a solution in mind?
“After knocking on more than 3/4 of the doors in Ward 4, I would have to say traffic congestion coming from the east is No. 1 on residents’ minds. While we continue to lobby the province for the (Highway) 400-404 (Connecting) Link, we need more made-in-Bradford solutions. Traffic lights need to be synchronized, right- and left-turn lane queues need to be longer, and the lights at those intersections timed accordingly for the time of day. Speeding is also top of mind. I’m hearing from residents that the traffic bollards are not working. We need to find a permanent solution to speeding. Speed bumps have been discussed in the past. Enforcement by police is nice, but police cannot be everywhere and speeding is a town-wide issue.”
Are there any other issues or concerns you want to highlight?
“Taxes are also a concern for residents. Keeping taxes low and respecting the taxpayers’ money is a top priority for me. Yard waste pickup has also been brought up. Residents are frustrated that there is no yard-waste pickup in the summer months. I have explained that this is a service provided by the county, and I would respectfully ask our future mayor and deputy mayor to address this on BWG’s behalf.”
What inspired you to run in this election?
“I am running because I want to make a difference. My grandfather is my inspiration, as he was a municipal councillor in King Township. He accomplished an incredible amount for his community many years ago. I want to work hard, and dedicate myself to BWG. I want to be a part of the team that makes the decisions for Bradford’s future. I work locally, and am accessible to residents to address their concerns.”
Ron Orr, incumbent
What do you see as the key issue(s) facing BWG at this time? Do you have a solution in mind?
“Traffic... We are seeing excess speeding in residential areas. Morning and coming-home traffic is met with frustration. The next council will have to do more investigation into how we help with these issues – more police presence, having the flow through Bradford better controlled, and looking into alternate routes. The new Line 5-(Highway) 400 interchange opening soon should help. Let us not forget that we have seen an increase of traffic coming from Barrie and Innisfil through Bradford. We will have to keep up the pressure on the province to build the (Highway) 400-404 (Connecting Link). The council needs to make sure that the Bond Head ring road gets built by the county.”
Are there any other issues or concerns you want to highlight?
“Taxes and housing for lower income residents… This council has worked hard to keep the municipal portion of your taxes within inflation while still maintaining services. We need to work on getting more industry into Bradford. The employment lands along (Highway) 400 will help attract manufacturing and commercial... We need to work on having new apartment buildings built so that there is a more affordable alternative for seniors and the young people of our community that want to stay and work here.”
What inspired you to run in this election?
”I want to give back to Bradford because of what this community has given and meant to my family. I have operated two successful family businesses here over the years. My wife, Christine, and I raised our family here. I believe that with my business background and my connection to this community I have proven this last four years that I work hard to get your voice heard and am always available to the residents.”
Rick Turner, candidate
What do you see as the key issue(s) facing BWG at this time?
“As a whole, Bradford needs to be concerned about making the right decisions about growth and development. Our community is growing rapidly, and we need to make sure we are making smart decisions to utilize our lands and resources responsibly, while maximizing our return.”
Do you have a solution in mind?
“Building communities with great parks and trails, and making sure we are tempering industrial growth with opportunities for local business to grow and thrive. Ideally, I would like to see more industrial encouragement, while also making sure we are fostering smaller entrepreneurial ventures.”
Are there any other issues or concerns you want to highlight?
“Traffic safety is a major concern in the interior of our communities. We need to see more police enforcement and traffic calming measures implemented. Other issues like the (Highway) 400-404 (Connecting) Link and faster emergency response to outlying areas need to be improved.”
What inspired you to run in this election?
“I have always been very interested in the community and politics. I think having someone representing within the ward is very important, and I wanted to be that person. Also, I didn’t want to regret no trying to run when I had the opportunity. They say you only truly regret the things you do not try!”
