Alberton mayor reviews 2017
A Q&A with Mike Murphy, mayor of Alberton
Mike Murphy says 2017 had its accomplishments and disappointments, from purchasing a large portion of land for future development to continuing situation with Westech. Murphy has plans for 2018 and looking to the future plans to run again in the next election.
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 Alberton Mayor Mike Murphy’s responses in the third of the sixpart series.
LOOKING BACK 1 .What has been your community’s top achievement in 2017?
The purchase of almost 30 acres of industrial land for future development was a major achievement. Also, the sewer lift station at the entrance to town was replaced with funding from Clean Water Waste Water.
2 .Tell us one thing you learned in 2017
I learned about the major changes coming under the new Municipalities Act.
3 .What was your community’s biggest disappointment?
Storm water upgrades including larger culverts were completed in 2016 by the provincial government, but I was disappointed that the storm water upgrades were not completed on Church Street as promised by the government the previous year. Another big disappointment was that in spite of meetings with government officials the issue of Westech and the smell of the product that is stock piled is still an issue.
4 .What milestone or achievement didn’t get the credit or recognition it deserved?
An achievement that didn’t get credit was the relocation of the library to the Stone Station as well as the town taking over additional responsibilities and expenses.
5 .What has been your personal highlight or achievement in the last 12 months?
A personal highlight includes the motion to refund the municipal portion of the property taxes for seven years for any new residential construction within the Emma Drive subdivision effective immediately. Construction is to be started within 12-18 months of purchase of the lot was a major achievement and incentive to encourage new development.
LOOKING AHEAD 1 .What do you see as your community’s biggest challenge in 2018?
Implementing the bylaws and changes required under the new Municipalities Act.
2 .What do you see as your community’s biggest opportunity in 2018?
The community’s biggest opportunity is to bring new development and economic growth including industrial, commercial and residential.
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?
I would like to see Jacques Cartier Memorial Arena turned into a sports complex including the addition of an upper level to the arena.
4 .Tell us the best thing about living in your community
The town has a lot offer including a bowling alley, many churches, elementary school, arena, curling club, largest gym in West Prince, hospital, manor, seniors residences and lots of sidewalks, ball field, Confederation Trail as well as stores and offices.
5 .There’s a municipal election coming up in 2018, are you planning to run?
Yes I am.