Brian Parker
Brian Parker “The community is like a garden,” stated incumbent councillor Brian Parker when asked what made him put his name on the ballot for a third consecutive term. “Members of council have planted seeds and I would like to continue what we started and see the projects come to fruition. I want to be part of it and see it to the end.” Clean air and the friendliness of the community originally attracted him to the area, he shared. Wanting to see the township flourish, Mr. Parker, who has made his home in Billings Township since 2004, feels his community is a good place to live and retire. Mr. Parker would like to “establish a strategic township roads plan to address current requirements and shortfalls in an effort to produce a multi-year plan.” “Review of the current waterfront project in an effort to streamline initiatives and ensure we are still in step with the waterfront demands and pressures and modify accordingly” is a top priority for Mr. Parker. “We must insist on regulatory change for hydro costs, especially delivery rates, and push for provincial equalization standards to address current imbalance exhibited across the province of Ontario,” stated Mr. Parker. “The township,” he continued, “needs to look for ways and means to enhance current municipal support provided to both the library and museum boards, so that both of these important township entities continue to thrive and move progressively forward.” It is important that council supports Manitoulin’s Fish and Game Clubs in an effort to ensure that the Island’s lakes/rivers and lands provide continuous sustenance to the vital tourism industry and the people within it, noted Mr. Parker. “We need to “strive to enhance our township’s economic base by offering incentives and cutting red tape wherever possible to draw in new business ventures/programs,” he added. The village has a beautiful downtown core, shared Mr. Parker. “We need to bring it back to its original stature: one that is aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with the theme of existing stores and shops.” “Council needs to continue to provide support to the arts, economic development, and all other programs that help to move Billings Township in a progressively forward fashion,” he said. Mr. Parker believes council should investigate all possible means to reduce and control water system costs throughout Kagawong and ensure as far as possible that the new water purification system comes within budget. If elected, he would like to see the township “monitor and provide input towards the health and welfare of our lakes, water bodies, and Bridal Veil Falls.” Mr. Parker would also like to see the Township continue to formulate strategic plans that address municipal interest and concerns and be shovel ready in the event that provincial funding is made available on a short term basis. The township, shared Mr. Parker, needs to “strive to assist and support in any way possible our Island’s health care system.” Mr. Parker said he would provide a fair and balanced approach to township governance with no hidden or personal agendas should he be elected for a third term. Mr. Parker said he always tries to treat people fairly and equally, showing no favouritism, striving to make decisions at the council table that are best for the community and the people in it.
