The Cochrane Eagle is asking candidates an issue-based question each week leading up to the election that they will answer in their own words. If a candidate does not answer a question, we will include a bio box with a disclaimer saying the candidate did not respond. All candidates were given a limit of 185 words and questions will be edited to fit that length. Our third question is:
How do you plan to address the town’s growing traffic congestion?
The current council has managed to get on the list for the provincial government to commit to doing a clover leaf for the intersection at highways 1A and 22, which would greatly alleviate the current pressures of the traffic, construction could begin as early as Fall 2019, and is expected to take about two years to complete construction. My plan for this project is to lobby the provincial government, to ensure this project remains on the priority list. We are all aware that 2019 is scheduled for another provincial election.
We also know that this project has been on the provincial government’s list in the past, and mysteriously fell off the list of priorities.
My lobbying plans would include the members of the community writing letters and emails to the local MLA and Transportation Minister on a regular basis.
As well, ensuring that businesses lobbying groups like the Chamber of Commerce, would have the opportunity to meet with provincial leaders and lobby on our behalf as well. My plan is to ensure that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and I plan on ensuring we remain the squeaky wheel.
