Tom Spry
Tom Spry Retiring recently after 22 years as the Northeast Town’s chief building official, Tom Spry is now running for council as a Ward 2 representative. The father of four is a Haweater, born in Mindemoya, who moved to Little Current 22 years ago from southern Ontario. “After working for the town for so many years, I saw how council works and I thought I could contribute,” explained Mr. Spry of his decision to run for council. “I have a lot of life experience, both through my career as a police officer for 20 years with Waterloo Regional and through working for the town. I understand the town from both sides—as a manager and as a resident and I think I can provide a fresh perspective.” “I think the next four years are going to be challenging for both the town and council,” said Mr. Spry. “The provincial government has no money for municipalities, so we are really on our own. As a council we need to promote increasing our tax base through encouraging building, new businesses and small manufacturers.” Mr. Spry said that the Northeast Town should encourage small manufacturers to the municipality through promoting the existing supporting infrastructure like Manitoulin Transport. “I would also like to see more time and effort go into programming for our seniors, especially programming that encourages seniors to get active and stay active,” continued Mr. Spry. “It’s important for seniors both physically and mentally. I would like our town staff to contact other municipalities and see what programs are working for them and then we can adapt them to suit our seniors.” Another issue Mr. Spry would like to address if elected to council is the sidewalks in Little Current. “I walk every day and I see a lot of people in the winter walking on the road because the sidewalks aren’t clean enough,” said Mr. Spry. “If the current equipment isn’t doing the job then we need to get something that will.” “My whole theory about council is that we need to be fiscally responsible, while also focussing on the people,” Mr. Spry said. “Our full time residents are important—they are the ones that pay the bills and keep the town going by supporting local businesses 12 months of the year.” Mr. Spry concluded by saying that he wants the best for Ward 2 residents, and the Northeast Town as a whole.
