Randy Hope

When we look at reducing any budget line, every single cut directly impacts someone in our communities. Council needs to make sure administration clearly presents both sides of that choice before any decision is made. In my first budget, if a specific line item is reduced to save dollars, we need to publish the exact cost saving alongside the direct service consequence to the public. What’s important is that council and residents can see the full picture—what we save, what service is reduced, and how that decision affects the people using it across Chatham-Kent.

To talk about job creation, council needs a clear starting point before we can measure real progress. To set a four-year target for durable, good-paying jobs, council and administration must first establish our exact baseline numbers as of the start of this term. What’s important is working with local business leaders and economic development to focus on long-term employment rather than short-term gains. But most importantly, residents need to see regular reports showing how our investment is delivering those sustainable local jobs in communities across Chatham-Kent.

When we talk about ranking our roads, every community naturally feels their local street should be the top priority. Council needs to make sure our capital planning process balances structural condition, safety, traffic volume, rural equity, and the long-term cost of deferring maintenance. Administration needs to bring forward a clear weighting matrix so council can evaluate projects side by side. What’s important is that rural roads and urban streets are judged fairly, and residents can see exactly why one project moves forward while another is scheduled for a later budget.

On housing, council cannot afford to debate ideas that lack clear execution. The first housing decision brought to the table must be one where municipal administration has full lawful authority, identified funding, a designated owner, and a specific measurable result. We need to make sure municipal staff and housing partners are working together from day one on actionable builds. But most importantly, residents need to see shovel-ready projects move forward quickly to address the housing pressures facing families across Chatham-Kent.

A major project starts with a vote, but residents often lose sight of progress once the work gets underway. Council needs to make sure administration publishes key project fields on the municipal website—including original scope, current status, approved budget, actual spent to date, and targeted completion date. What’s important is updating these public fields on a strict monthly schedule. But most importantly, when a schedule or cost changes, administration must explain why so residents can track every project across Chatham-Kent from start to finish.

When considering strong-mayor provisions, every municipal action must strictly align with provincial legislation. Council and administration need to review any proposed measure against actual statutory powers defined under the Municipal Act. What’s important is maintaining clear communication between the mayor’s office, council, and the public so everyone understands how decisions are made. We need to make sure we operate with complete legal compliance and transparency, so residents see that municipal authority is always used responsibly to advance the priorities of Chatham-Kent.