Melissa Peters
Melissa Peters Northeast Town Ward 2 incumbent Melissa Peters is running for re-election. A multi-generational Haweater, Ms. Peters was born in Little Current and returned to live and work in the community after attending Laurentian University. Ms. Peters juggles jobs with Canada Post, 10 Mile Point Trading Post and Laidley Stationery, along with her roles as vice president of the Manitoulin Community Fitness Board, chair of the Community Living Manitoulin Board and a member of CSAC (Community Services Advisory Committee). In addition to her most recent half term appointment to council, Ms. Peters served a full term on council from 2007-2010. “I am running for council again because I would like to make a positive difference in the community,” said Ms. Peters. “I have a lot to offer Ward 2 and the community as a whole.” “I like to think in my eight years on council I haven’t changed,” continued Ms. Peters. “I try to be consistent and I believe in treating all groups and individuals equally. I think that everyone is important in the community.” Ms. Peters said that both as a councillor and in life she is number focussed due to her university studies in math. “I am very conscious of the numbers and budget,” said Ms. Peters. “I have concerns, especially with this (outgoing) council. I’m not sure everyone is aware of what is happing with the budget. I feel I am one of the only councillors who knows what is going on financially with the town.” “In my ward especially, roads need to be updated such as Vankoughnet Street,” continued Ms. Peters. “It was finally on the budget this year, but because of the cuts, this got taken off the list. Numbers are important, but you also have to work to ensure services for everyone.” Ms. Peters said she doesn’t believe in a zero percent tax increase. “I don’t blame council, but I don’t agree overall,” said Ms. Peters. “I don’t think it’s right to cut budgets just so it makes council look good. Our residents are intelligent—they know expenses such as hydro are increasing and the town can’t just freeze increases. It’s going to catch up, in fact, it already has. There is nowhere else to cut. Last year, council cut every staff budget. For instance, public works was cut by $20,000, but people expect the same service. We need to take a more balanced approach to budget.” “I want people to know that I always try to be open and honest,” concluded Ms. Peters. “I will do my best to get answers for them, but I don’t believe in sugar coating. My bottom line is honesty and transparency. I try to be consistent and help everyone. Everyone in this municipality should have a voice and I want to hear from people to bring those voices, our resident’s ideas, to the council table.”
