Ward 4
Tony Ferro
Tony Ferro of Bay Estates has decided to once again show the flag for residents of Ward 4 in the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands. A former Ward 4 councillor, Mr. Ferro has maintained his avid interest in the workings of his municipality, joining the Taxpayers’ Association during his time away from council. “I think we need newer voices on council, someone who can speak for the citizens of the community, especially our seniors,” he said. “Forty-five percent of seniors are on fixed incomes and they don’t really have a voice.” He said the cost of living is “going through the roof” while monthly earnings from the Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age Security are not enough to cover expenses, including municipal fees. “I hear it time and again,” he said. Mr. Ferro noted transparency, fiscal responsibility, taxes and curbing spending as some of his main goals if elected to council this term. Enticing Island youth to stay in the municipality to live and work is another priority outlined by Mr. Ferro. “Our young people, no wonder they’re all leaving—they can’t afford it.” “I know people like to keep things status quo, but we should invite industry in,” he added, giving the example of encouraging contractors to create more assisted living spaces with, for example, a five-year tax break from the municipality. In his own ward, he guesses that between 65 and 70 percent of the population is comprised of senior citizens. Looking at the municipality as whole, Mr. Ferro said “urban renewal” is needed in the downtown core of Little Current. “We have to move on, we can’t stay in the past.” When it comes to spending, Mr. Ferro said the municipality needs to curb the urge. “People don’t want to offend anyone over there (the council chambers), but sometimes you have to say no,” he said. While he acknowledged the current council’s donation budget, it is his belief that a budget should not be met, but should be beat. “I was always taught that if you don’t have the money, you wait until you do,” he said. “They’re doing the best they can with what they’ve got,” he added, “but this council hates to say no.” “We can’t change the past, but we can change the future,” he concluded.
