John Finlay
A retired high school teacher who now resides with his wife on Big Lake Dam Road, this is John Finlay’s first foray into municipal politics.
Mr. Finlay and his wife retired to Central Manitoulin seven years ago and also enjoy a cottage on the North Channel in the Northeast Town.
“I’m running for council (Ward 3) because they raised the taxes,” Mr. Finlay said matter-of-factly. “In 2013-14, the amount went up 13.8 percent, and that’s totally unacceptable. I’m not carrying any particular agenda other than we can’t be raising taxes like that.”
Mr. Finlay said that no other municipality raised taxes to such a degree and that, considering the makeup of the municipality with its mix of seniors and young families, it is simply unaffordable.
He told The Expositor that he is very much interested in the goings-on of his community and has twice run for the economic development committee for Central Manitoulin.
“I just hope people vote,” he added. “I would be delighted to lose with 70 percent of the electorate voting. The people of this country have to get political.”
If elected, Mr. Finlay promises to get even more involved in community life and hopes to bridge the gap between wards. While he realizes the amalgamation left some wounds, the community needs to be looked at as a whole, he said.
There are also things that should be discussed on an Island-wide level between municipalities, such as recycling and landfills.
Nothing is for free, and if taxpayers want something in their community, the money has to come from somewhere, he said, adding that he thinks that this point needs to be stressed to the residents of Central Manitoulin.
“That tax increase, that’s just unsustainable,” he said, going back to his original campaign point. “All of Manitoulin is a very senior population and we’re already getting killed by the federal and provincial governments; we can’t get killed by municipalities too.”
“I can’t promise I’m going to lower taxes, but I’m a voice on council—I’m honest, straightforward and outspoken.”
