Municipal District of St. Stephen Ward 1 Candidate: Justin Wesselink
1. As candidates, what would be your key priorities over the next four years in your community?
If elected, my most important priority will be addressing the safety issues that are plaguing our down. I believe that this will be the greatest challenge that council will have to face in the next four years. My next area of concern will be to amend or repeal by-law Z-4. This regulation defines specific zones and sets standards, restricting agricultural activities, preventing food production, and can place excessive control on what can be done with rural and private properties. Additionally I’d like to work on establishing a privately owned, large animal veterinary office that will service St Stephen and surrounding communities. With provincial services being cut, our local farmers, homesteaders, and large animal owners have been put in a vary tough situation. Animal welfare is a major concern and a veterinarian service is needed to keep their animals healthy, safe and to keep local farms operating.
2. How would you achieve those priorities within your mandate?
As your elected rural ward councillor, achieving my priorities within my mandate will require structured policy making, goal alignment with budget cycles and building working relationships with council colleagues, staff, local businesses and community organizations, who’s goals align with my priorities. Creating a SMART, strategic, long term plan that has Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time related goals, will be the key to ensuring the success and transparency of the proposed changes. Keeping focus on budget, time, communication and jurisdiction, most of these changes will require careful consideration before implementation. These changes may include shelter relocation, interm housing, future assistance programs, by-law amendments, grants, incentives, zoning changes, each having their own considerations and need careful attention and definition.
3. How will you ensure transparency and accountability in council decisions and communication with residents?
Transparency and accountability require an approach that goes beyond the statutory requirements to engage residents in decision-making, financial oversight, and open communication. This includes using digital tools for “real-time” updates, growing an “open by default” standard, making sure that decision making processes are accessible to the public. Transparency can be achieved through proactive information sharing, continuing to live stream and record meetings, document voting records, having a mandatory lobbyist registry, and limit closed door meetings. Accountability is maintained through a strong code of conduct, regular financial reporting, frequent performance audits, and establishing public complaint processes. Frequent concern follow-ups, better explaining “why” when making difficult decisions, admitting and rectifying mistakes where present will demonstrate accountability. Keeping open communication with regular updates, using multiple platforms to actively seek input, and, meeting people in the community, will allow residents to be better heard.
4. What is your approach to managing growth and development while preserving the character of the community?
Proactive land use planning, community character preservation, responsibly managing growth, community engagement, and financial sustainability, are strategies that when applied properly, can add value without losing the uniqueness of St Stephen, that we have all grown to love. Amending zoning bylaws, utilizing community improvement plans, and establishing growth boundaries will help restore and preserve our small town feel. Heritage conservation, green infrastructure requirements, form based codes, and amplifying local landmarks, will preserve our towns unique character. Once again community engagement is key. Growth can only proceed when current infrastructure allows, and current residents, especially those who have been here long term, have their opinions and concerns considered, when developments are being implemented.
5. What is your position on property taxes, and how would you balance affordability with maintaining services?
My position on property tax is very simple. IF I have to pay it, I want to know exactly where it is going. Balancing affordability while maintaining services is one of council’s main responsibilities. Fiscal management, budgeting, service optimization, innovation, partnerships, revenue diversification, and strategic land use can all be used to protect residents from excessive tax burdens, while maintaining a high quality of life. Conducting regular service reviews, service based budgeting, group purchasing, and grant funding will be helpful in providing additional funds to the treasury. This will help in identifying service inefficiencies, allowing us to correct problems without burdening the taxpayers.
6. Why are you the best candidate to represent your ward, and what experience do you bring to the role?
I am an optimal candidate because I’m a father, farmer, entrepreneur, and rural property owner. I moved my family here to put down roots, and raise my kids in a small town, farming lifestyle, the same I had growing up. I’ve experienced the tightening agricultural regulations and bureaucratic red tape that is killing small farms and businesses. As a licenced mechanic, truck driver, construction worker, entrepreneur, farmer and most importantly, father, I believe I have a real connection to everyone who understands that hard work pays off. It’s that hard working ethic, and determination that I’m bringing back to the table. I don’t have any previous political experience, rather my experience is interacting with people, understanding what it takes to get the job done, and adapting quickly to changing situations. That’s why I believe I am a strong candidate for the rural ward.
Each candidate was provided with the same six questions and equal limits on response length and time. Candidates who did not have publicly available contact information through Elections New Brunswick were required to contact The Courier in accordance with its Municipal Election Coverage Fairness Policy. Candidates who did not respond or declined to participate are noted. Failure to participate will not result in additional coverage elsewhere in the newspaper.
