SERIES: Penetanguishene councillor says residents have 'some fantastic ideas' for waterfront

SERIES: Penetanguishene councillor says residents have 'some fantastic ideas' for waterfront

'The hardest part of this pandemic is the lack of face-to-face conversation.' Brian Cummings says. 'Emails and Zoom meetings are so sterile and can be confusing, misinterpreted and less engaging'

Coun. Brian Cummings pictured at a regular council meeting held before the pandemic.Mehreen Shahid/MidlandToday

Editor's Note: We asked Penetanguishene council members for their take on the first two years of their mandate as well as how they see the future unfolding. A few didn't respond, but we're delighted to offer you some insight from those who did. Today, we hear from Penetanguishene councillor Brian Cummings.

Question 1. What are you most proud of, personally as a councillor, that you/council have been able to accomplish in the first half of your mandate?

I think the one project that I was proud to be a part of was the strategic plan. It's nice to know that the municipality has a plan to move forward and not to just exist.

Question 2. What is your biggest disappointment as it relates to a council decision/direction or issue?

I am disappointed with some of the approvals that were given by council in the budget, to groups through community grants or development funds. Other worthy groups who qualified under our policy, could have been awarded these funds .

Question 3. Nobody saw the pandemic coming. Specifically, as a councillor, what is the biggest challenge the pandemic has created and how have you tried to tackle that challenge?

The hardest part of this pandemic is the lack of face-to-face conversation. Emails and Zoom meetings are so sterile and can be confusing, misinterpreted, and less engaging.

Question 4. What is your vision for the town's waterfront? Or are you happy with the way things are now?

I sit on the planning committee for the dock area of the waterfront. I am excited to hear the public input on the waterfront. Some fantastic ideas from our residents.There needs to be a new branding for our waterfront and hopefully this plan will help us with the vision.

Question 5. Are you doing enough as a council to be transparent, to encourage public input and to listen? How so? How could that be improved during the second half of your mandate?

I believe our council is a collaborative and reasonable group. We try hard to be transparent through all our actions. Communication is still at the top of the list for me. I think we could do a better job.

Question 6. What is the biggest challenge council faces in the second half of its mandate (ie. Staff retirements, promised tax freeze, capacity) and what are your top priorities?

The biggest challenge we face as a council, is how and what we can do to help our residents, whether it be businesses or retirees, to recover from this pandemic. It will not suddenly disappear in the next year or so, so how do we support our taxpayer.

Question 7: Lastly, do you intend to seek re-election? Why or why not?

I think it is too soon to answer this question. I like what I am doing now, who knows what will happen in the next two years.