Page 22 - SLPOA Spring 2014 Newsletter

SPRING 2014 NEWSLETTER SHARBOT LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

Mayor Central Frontenac – Janet Gutowski

SLPOA Spring 2014

Hopefully spring has arrived by the time this article reaches you. Yes spring .. time for renewal, revival. Time to
execute the plans made during long cold winter days and longer nights. For myself, in my role as mayor, spring
means the township switches from winter maintenance to activities like grading, patching, and culvert
replacement. Budgets passed, staff works through the list of approved projects. Tenders go out for road work
and major equipment purchases. It is critically important that Central Frontenac is transparent, open and
accountable with the public's money.
I am always happy to move on after the budget has been set. Once staff has been given their "marching
orders" through the budget, there are regular progress reports and I follow up to make sure that work is
proceeding but my real passion is to get back out to the community, find out what is needed and do whatever I
can to make Central Frontenac a better place. It's this passion for serving the community, combined with my
personal belief that I have a duty and responsibility to leave the world a better place, that has motivated me to
run for mayor once again in the upcoming October 27, 2014 Municipal Election. During my time as mayor,
SLPOA has expressed a keen interest in the municipality and I have great respect for the issues and concerns
which the association has brought forward. I invite you to review some of the key issues from my platform. I
believe you will find we have a great deal of common ground.
Environment: Like SLPOA, I am passionate about protecting the environment. I recognize that water is our life
and livelihood in Central Frontenac. I fully embrace the concept of "lake plans" and commend SLPOA for the
excellent document submitted to the township last year. During this term of council, we introduced a voluntary
septic inspection program and I supported the creation of a township task force that is studying broadening
septic inspection programs. I have delivered continuous improvement in the area of waste management,
introducing an annual Household Hazardous Waste Day and improving recycling programs. There are
tremendous pressures on our environment. We must be prepared to act.
Taxes: I have listened to the comments from the public including members of SLPOA about the issue of CF
taxes. I understand your concerns and have taken steps to ensure spending is controlled. Unfortunately
however rising costs continue to outstrip our income and the current tax base does not meet our needs. In
order for the township to become sustainable we must continue to find areas where we can save, be prepared
to act when grants become available and increase the tax base. I have made progress in all of these areas:
Savings: I am supportive of increased collaboration with our neighbouring townships and Frontenac County.
One example of this is that as of January 2014, Central Frontenac is utilizing county planning staff rather than
a consultant. This change will save an estimated $20-30,000 annually and improve service to applicants. Our
public works managers are reviewing opportunities for increased collaboration in Waste Management and
transportation management. With fewer than 27,000 people scattered throughout the entire county it is
imperative that we eliminate duplication of service where possible.

Grants: Central Frontenac has been approved for $3.8 million worth of provincial grants for road construction
within the last 8 months. This Provincial funding for the reconstruction of Wagerville Road is major coup. It will
free up money to complete other projects and improve response times for services such as grading. I am
confident our success is due in part to the work I did as a member of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus
while I served as Frontenac County Warden. Leadership and advocacy is critically important in order for us to
move forward. I am not shy about either.

Tax base: Community revitalization efforts have increased. Incentive programs have been introduced and they
are working. New businesses like Seed to Sausage are a good fit locally, providing tax revenue and jobs. The
Sharbot Lake Farmers Market, Mike Deans Superfood Store and enhancements to Oso Beach like the free
Wifi are bringing more people into town and creating positive spin off to other businesses. SLPOA has done

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