Major Issues
These are some of the many issues of concern in Pickering and Durham.
Urban Sprawl – There’s nothing wrong with growth, as long as it is done sustainably and not built on precious, disappearing farm land. Unfortunately, almost all urban sprawl is being built upon green fields, and even being planned for whitebelt lands, which were not supposed to be used until after 2031.
North-East Greenwood Lands
Federal Lands
Seaton Lands
York Sewage
Durham Incinerator
Taxes – Councillors will tell you that Pickering manages its tax dollars well. Of course, taxpayers ask themselves, what value am I getting for the high rates of taxation? Can no waste be found in the budget? Even projects that could be delayed? What about alternate funding options?
“Developer Free” Candidate – Again in this municipal/regional election a few candidates refused to accept campaign funding (donations of money) from Land Developers. This would seem obvious to residents. Much has been written to explain why this practise should stop. York University political science professor Robert MacDermid has written extensively on this subject.
Durham Chair – There have been great criticisms and frustrations with Chair Anderson’s attitude and actions. Some have called him a bully, and others just say that he behaves without concern for Your Voice.
Incinerator – Despite vast and continuous protests from residents across Durham Region, there was not any responsible consideration of the many concerns (especially health) regarding burning the garbage. Yes, incineration is touted as a wonderful way to make trash disappear. However the reality is very different.
Video in Council – Not everyone has access to Rogers cable TV, nor can they regularly attend Council meetings. The public should be able to video tape all that occurs at Pickering Council meetings and see what really transpires when almost all voters are not watching.
