Below are Mark's viewpoints for the two questions
which will be submitted to the electors in the
upcoming election.
Question on Ballot - Merger
"Do you support the members
of Kitchener and Waterloo councils engaging in
discussions about the advantages and disadvantages
of merging the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo?
Yes or No"
Mark's response: "There has been a lot of passionate debate surrounding
the merger issue between Waterloo and our neighbour to the
south, but precious little data to back up the claims on
either side of the argument.
As a long time elected official I try and steer well
clear of emotionalism in my decision making. I base my
opinions using tools such as staff reports, consultant
studies, financial analysis, stakeholder input and public
consultation. Not for me the “gut instinct” school of
politics. I want statistical data, hard facts and solid
financial figures to guide me in my decision making on
behalf of my ward constituents and indeed all the citizens
of Waterloo who may be affected by my voting.
I have listened to every matter of heated debate on the
merger topic and have marvelled at the level of thoughtful
and passionate responses I have heard. But for me what is
missing is the raw data to back up the claims on either side
of the argument. Such pronouncements as higher taxes and
less representation in one camp of the debate and more clout
with senior levels of government and more streamlined
service delivery on the other are simply unfounded in my
estimation. There is just no hard information to back up
such unproven claims on either side of the issue.
So where does that leave me on the question of a merger?
Yes to the question on the ballot. Then we can roll up our
sleeves and do the work necessary to really understand what
the benefits and drawbacks of a merger might be. With that
information we can all have an informed opinion on how to
move forward in the 2014 election. An opinion based on real
data, not just emotions. There will certainly have to
be compelling documented evidence showing the need for a
change in our governance model before a merger is
considered."
Additional information:
http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=2579
Question on Ballot - Fluoride
“Should
the Region of Waterloo fluoridate your municipal water?
Yes or No.”
Mark's response:
"I have watched with interest the fluoride debates that
are leading up to the question on the ballot of Oct 25th
municipal election in Waterloo.
It seems to me that the experts on both sides of the
issue have provided scientific studies that contradict one
another that have resulted in a lot of confusion on the
matter. I have read much of the material presented by each
side of the issue. I have looked for credibility gaps among
the presenters and advocates of each side and listened for
moments of clarity hidden in all the rhetoric.
For me the way to vote on the issue comes not from the
contradictory evidence presented but from my own life
experience. My children were born and raised in Waterloo
and are now grown adults with children of their own. In all
that time they were very healthy and had no cavities. My
dentist attributes this to good hygiene habits and
fluoridated water. My personal experience and the health of
my family will be my guide on this issue as I vote to retain
fluoride in our drinking water supply."
Additional information:
http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=2569
