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Continued from page 7 issues with fill operations, negotiating municipal union agreements and minimizing the tax burden.’ “Scugog Township is a beautiful, four season com- munity — the envy of many,” noted Tom. “As mayor, my long term goal is to maintain and add to the beautiful assets our township owns, while solving our shortfalls such as roads, bridges, quality employment, rural inter- net and youth activities.” He “thinks outside the box” to come up with solu- tions. For example, the new mayor has already initiated talks with MP Erin O'Toole regarding his unique idea for improving rural internet service, and simultaneously bringing an influx of revenue into the township. One of eight regional mayors sitting on the Transit Advisory Committee, Tom pointed out that transit is one area where Scugog overpays for the service provided by Durham Region. This is the case for all three northern municipalities. The mayors and regional councillors from Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock townships “have to be united and stand strong together” at the Region of Durham, regarding transit and “other inequities.” “Tf there is not fair tax allocation for services, we need to look at alternatives,” he suggested. “Remember, Scu- gog only retains one quarter of the taxes collected, while Durham Region and the province take the rest.” Tom plans to investigate the concept of the Region subsidizing taxi fares, which may prove to be a more cost effective way to provide public transit in the north. His research shows that replacing long buses with short buses would result in a 1/3 savings, so he’s looking into this as well. He expects “some frustration with policies and proce- dures,” when trying to turn his ideas into reality, but that won't hold him back. His short-term goals include noah operational inefficiencies in or around the townshi “Collectively,” he added, “with the aft and council, we have to work as a team to question everything and save money wherever possible.” ur roads are in desperate need of attention and we do not have the money in the budget -yet we have to start reversing the deterioration or the costs will escalate We need a plan witha a timeline that we can adhere to.” The new mayor advocates taking advantage of govern- ment grants, for infrastructure and other projects, but not relying on them. He also called for exploring oppor- tunities for revenue sources and partnerships within the private sector. Tom attended the tri-municipality economic devel- opment meeting last year, and he “plans to be actively engaged in economic development.” He's interested in the preservation of local heritage when it adds value, but not if it’s cost-prohibitive to the taxpayers. His local roots run deep. The son of Connie and Jim Rowett, Tom was born at asset “We have to work as a team to question everything and save money wherever possible.” .. Mayor Tom Rowett Port Perry Hospital. He enjoyed growing up here, living in four of the five local wards, enjoying sports on the lake and swimming at Birdseye swimming pool. There used to be a local movie theatre and a bowling alley in Port Perry too. Tom would like to encourage private sector investors to bring these attractions back, so that local youth, includ- ing his 14-year-old son Tyler, have more “non-organized” local activities. Gracing the walls of his mayoral office is a historic painting of the Old Grain Elevators by Tom’s uncle, the talented local artist Harvey We The 2014 Christmas cards saa cent featured the image of a painting he commissioned his uncle to do. Harvey's rendition of the snow-kissed lakeside gazebo in Palmer Park, all decked out festively, is quite charming. What a positive way for Mayor Tom Rowett to start off his new career, by promoting a quaint landmark and a local artist in his beloved hometown, while offering season’s greet- ings. By Lynn Campbell Focus on Scugog QU es Tene Ged ane qa ES Call John: 905 434 0517 * 905 985 8569 www. 14 FOCUS - JANUARY 2015