Hugh Moggy
Hugh Moggy of Manitowaning has 34 years of municipal politics under his belt, and he’s hoping to add another four years to that list of accomplishments by taking a seat as councillor in the upcoming Assiginack elections.
Mr. Moggy said he has always been very involved in his community, starting at a young age, and continues to volunteer his time regularly.
He is currently the chair of the Hilly Grove Cemetery Board, a member of the museum board, a member of the board of directors of the Owen Sound Transportation Company, helps to staff the information booth aboard the Chi-Cheemaun with his wife Marilyn (who coordinates the service) as part of the Volunteer Navy and is a director of Manitowaning’s Agriculture Society and treasurer of the Assiginack Horticulture Society.
“I love my community and I want to see it prosper and grow and be a healthy place to live,” Mr. Moggy said. “Assiginack is a great place”
He called himself “financially responsible” and said, if elected, he hopes to see the work with the community’s roads continue, including the blacktopping of all Manitowaning’s roads, as well as more sidewalk creation and maintenance in Manitowaning. Continuing to see the lifespan of the landfill extended is also important to Mr. Moggy.
“I would also like to work with the volunteer fire department to upgrade their facilities and equipment,” he added.
“I would also like to obtain provincial and federal funding for Burns Wharf Theatre and the waterfront,” Mr. Moggy said. He said he supports the restoration of the Burns Wharf Theatre to bring it up to code-needed in order to safely operate the Burns Wharf Theatre Players-but with provincial and federal dollars.
“I’d hate to see the building demolished and rebuilt,” he said, adding that he may be biased as he worked there for a number of years.
Burns Wharf Theatre “is good for the community and the whole of Manitoulin,” Mr. Moggy added, noting that arts and culture are important for the health of a community.
Mr. Moggy is also part of an ad hoc committee struck to look at the development of an approximately 12-unit affordable seniors housing complex.
Economic development is also key to Assiginack’s future in terms of job creation and (MPAC) assessment growth. As Mr. Moggy explained, an increase in assessments is needed in order to be in line with municipal tax increases, otherwise they become unaffordable for residents.
“I have the time and I think I can contribute and just want to see the community grow and prosper,” he continued. “I feel I’m very approachable and am concerned about everyone. I know you can’t solve all the problems.” He added that it’s important that constituents are in majority agreement with council before a project moves ahead. Mr. Moggy said he feels that taxpayers are not completely aware of how their taxdollars are being spent and would like to see that changed, perhaps in the form of a public meeting for large projects where questions can be asked.
