10 Questions
A Q&A with Rowan Caseley, mayor of Kensington
Editor’s Note: As 2017 was drawing to a close, the Journal Pioneer asked the same 10 questions to each of the mayors of Prince County’s six towns. Following is Kensington Mayor Rowan Caseley’s responses in the second of the six-part series.
LOOKING BACK 1 .What has been your community’s top achievement in 2017?
The town has achieved many things throughout 2017. While it is difficult to narrow it down to one top achievement, I would suggest one of the key highlights to be the development of the vacant lot located at the centre of the town and adjacent to the main intersection into a viable commercial business – Robin’s, Subway and Greco.
2 .Tell us one thing you learned in 2017
The importance of continually looking at the service levels provided by our town and the challenges of meeting resident needs and expectations while staying within the revenue streams of the town.
3 .What was your community’s biggest disappointment?
Our contract with CUPE for our unionized employees expired in April 2016. Staff have been negotiating since then, and as of the end the year 2017, we still do not have a contract in place.
4 .What milestone or achievement didn’t get the credit or recognition it deserved?
Town council and staff spent a considerable amount of time and effort evaluating the financial constraints of our town. As part of the deliberations, council approved the transfer of all town-owned streets to the province. This decision was not made lightly. It is the belief of council and staff that the provincial Department of Transportation can maintain and upgrade town streets more effectively and more economically resulting in better value for the taxpayers.
5 .What has been your personal highlight or achievement in the last 12 months?
I was very pleased to be a part of the municipal/provincial committee responsible for establishing and implementing a new Municipal Funding Agreement that will provide a more stable and predictable funding arrangement with the province. All municipalities will benefit from the province
increasing the total funding amount. As the town continues to grow we will benefit from these efforts as opposed to the previous method of a grant as determined solely at the discretion of the province.
LOOKING AHEAD 1 .What do you see as your community’s biggest challenge in 2018?
At the end of 2017, our Public Works supervisor retired after 30 years on the job. Anyone with that level of experience will always be difficult to replace, and I am sure going forward we will experience many situations where his skill set will be missed. Ralph has been transferring his knowledge over the past year to his replacement and we wish Ralph all the best in his retirement.
2 .What do you see as your community’s biggest opportunity in 2018?
With the provincial government’s desire to have fewer municipalities on P.E.I. and the need for all communities to become more financially stable, I think it will be important for all communities to attempt to find out what synergies can be found with our neighbours for elimination of duplication of service, joint utilization of current services, etc. I believe there is an opportunity to discuss these issues and ensure any movement forward is in the best interest of all residents. There are obviously significant challenges associated with amalgamation, shared services, etc. However in the interest of all Island taxpayers, I feel all community leaders owe it to their residents to, at minimum, entertain these discussions to determine the most appropriate way forward.
3 .If there were no roadblocks or red tape standing in its way, what is the one thing you would want to accomplish or see created for your community in 2018?
It is hard to pick one opportunity that would benefit Kensington and area but it would be great to see a redevelopment of the downtown core area with trees, streetlights and sidewalks. Another opportunity exists for the establishment of a new industrial park as our current park is full.
4 .Tell us the best thing about living in your community
Kensington grew by over seven per cent population from 2011 to 2016 and it has continued to grow. We are a town that has everything a person needs and wants, and are a short drive to Summerside and Charlottetown. We are a safe community, family-oriented and have schools from kindergarten to Grade 12. With the Confederation Trail running right through town and the rink and Fitplex located at Community Gardens, we provide lots of opportunity for health and fitness. Additionally we are fortunate to have a top-notch medical centre located in our Town Hall.
5 .There’s a municipal election coming up in 2018, are you planning to run?
In all honestly I am not sure I know what decision I will make in October 2018. I will have had nine years on council, four of those years as mayor. I have enjoyed my term and I will have to decide following discussions with my family whether I feel I can provide the leadership for another four years. I may decide it is time to step aside and allow new leadership to bring their perspective to town council.