Adam McDonald
Adam McDonald is running for a third term on Central Manitoulin council. At age 50, Mr. McDonald has already served on council twice, once during amalgamation when he represented Carnarvon (Ward 2), and then again for the last four year term, again representing Ward 2 where he was born and raised.
“I am currently the youngest person on council and I’m also the youngest person running,” said Mr. McDonald. “I think I represent the younger people of the municipality and help bring their voice to the table.”
“Central Manitoulin is one of the fastest growing areas on Manitoulin and while the needs of our retirees are vital, I also think developing recreational infrastructure for families and youth are important as we continue to expand.”
As chair of the roads committee during council’s last term, Mr. McDonald said that capital projects, roadwork and the landfill are a focus of his.
He said he feels continued support of capital projects and building infrastructure are important, but so is monitoring spending.
“We have a lot of capital projects on the go, which are important, but anyone who knows me knows I’m frugal when it comes to council,” said Mr. McDonald. “I bring experience to the council table with budgeting and control of spending. There are a some things financially that council doesn’t have control over such as DSB (District Services Board) and policing costs, but at a local level there are still controls.”
Born and raised in Carnarvon, Mr. McDonald balances his time between farming and being a paramedic. He is also the proud father of two, a son and a daughter.
If reelected, he would like council to review the ward system.
“I tried with the present council, but they didn’t support revisiting it,” explained Mr. McDonald. “There have been a few things that have been implemented in some of the wards that the wards themselves didn’t support. This just didn’t seem right and I want to review the current system.”
Mr. McDonald says his strongest attributes are his experience, age and his approachability.
“I have an open door policy,” he shared. “I am here to listen to anyone and their ideas or concerns. I want to try and work with people to continue to grow our municipality.”
He also feels his agricultural background is an asset, helping him to relate to a more diverse group of ratepayers.
“I have the rural background, so I understand the issues surrounding the agricultural community,” Mr. McDonald added.
“As well, I think council needs to continue to support local businesses and ventures,” Mr. McDonald concluded, commenting that balancing the needs of everyone in the municipality is his goal to foster a strong community.
