Hugh English wants a council seat
Bringing a wealth of business experience to the table, Hugh English announced Friday he is running for council in the October municipal election.
He has lived in the community for more than 30 years, serving on various boards along the way.
“Those connections help,” said English, noting some of his strengths are being a good listener, possessing investigation skills and the inclination to ask tough questions.
In order to grow the community physically and economically, existing major business players need to have everything they need, said English. There may also be merit in attracting many small players in the business world rather than one big one.
“Make sure that the existing businesses and major players in town have everything they need. Keep those we have,” said English.
There is a huge benefit to councillors attending functions and events in the city to keep connected to the community and hear directly from people, said English. When decisions come before council having your finger on the pulse of the community can be very beneficial.
He feels there are benefits to having new faces on council to give a fresh take on things.
Although the word “transparency” has become a buzz word, that does not always reflect its true meaning, English says, it is important to keep the public informed on issues and decisions council makes. It helps to give them a better understanding of why a decision not to their liking was made.
The decline in revenues the city is grappling with could not have been avoided, he said.
“Nobody saw that coming,” said English.
He believes in the city’s “financially fit” initiative to address tough economic times but feels the lack of public consultation on recent changes to transit is regrettable.
“Consultation has to include your customers,” said English.
Reducing the public transit to just two routes on Saturdays and Sundays eliminates the option of transport for many people, he said. Transfers to other routes have to be dependable in terms of quickly making the connection. With winter approaching a passenger cannot afford to wait in the cold for the next bus 35 minutes later.
English believes a screen at each bus stop that would show when the next bus is due, in real time, would be a big improvement, too.