Responses from Candidates for Ward 3 – Wellington

RSVPs

With the aim of increasing voter turnout in the upcoming municipal election, candidates for Mayor and Ward Councilor in Prince Edward County were invited to share their thoughts on a wide range of issues once a week.

Responses from candidates for Ward 3 – Wellington are here:

Responses to Invitation 8
Accountability & transparency
Responses to Invitation 7
Responses to Invitation 6
Responses to Invitation 5
Responses to Invitation 4
Responses to Invitation 3
Responses to Invitation 2
Responses to Invitation 1

Respondents

	Invitations
Candidates for Ward 3 – Wellington (1 office)	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Jennifer COBB
Corey ENGELSDORFER
Heather NORLOCK

Responses to Invitation 8

Candidates received Invitation 8 on October 5, 2022 and were asked to forward their responses by October 17, 2022. Candidates who wanted their responses to be published before advance voting started were to forward them by October 12, 2022. Candidate responses were published here and on Facebook beginning October 13, 2022.

Jennifer Cobb

1. Please share how you would enhance Council’s approach to public engagement.

Wellington has a voter turn-out of over 60 percent. It is higher than County average, and higher than Provincial average, for voter turn-out.

I believe that these statistics indicate the high level of engagement in the Wellington/Ward 3 area. I attribute this to the higher than provincial median age in Wellington. Voters here are people who have lived long, productive lives, and understand the necessity of civic engagement.

Recognized as one of the “Most Patriotic Communities” in Canada a few years ago, Wellington also has a wide range of active service clubs, high volume of volunteers and engaged events widely attended by the community.

Voter engagement can be enhanced in Wellington/Ward 3 through in-person meetings. As a candidate for the office of Councillor for Ward 3, I have chosen to go door-to-door. Our demographic is somewhat older overall than the social media demographic. I believe that many people still prefer to meet “in real life”. Organizing regular coffee gatherings with residents to hear what is working, what isn’t working, what needs attention and what is prospering would enable the Councillor to stay connected to community issues, themes, successes and gains, NOT just problems.

If Council became more community centred approach, and invited participation more widely, I think they would have many people who like to participate, not just in complaining, or identifying problems, but recognizing good work in our community, stellar volunteerism, community driven successes and other good news stories.

Council could adopt a community centred approach which removes barriers to participation – not hold meetings during the day when workers cannot attend, not engage in marathon meetings which are not suitable for anyone living with a disability, and promote attendance by offering food, and transportation supports.

Council could also engage in real community based research, NOT just “Have your say” which is limited to computer literate people who have internet access and own computers. Such community based approaches would be held in the communities, would acknowledge people as “experts” in their home communities, and be present in a “listen and learn” capacity, not a “we know how to do it, and this is how it will be done”.

2. Please share why you’re running and why voters should support you in the municipal election.

I am skilled, accessible and committed to my community. I bring extensive governance training and proven practice to the table. I have a long background in governance within a multi-stakeholder, unionized environment. I have training in Public Sector Accounting Practices, and extensive experience in both the internal and external audit process. These skills will contribute to a climate of transparency, clarity and consistency at Council.

I live, work, play and shop in Wellington and I am running against two people who do not live in the village. How could they really represent Wellingtonians? I know many people from many sectors of the Wellington community, and will build upon many established relationships.

I am a part-time employee and self-employed person who has an economy of time which will afford me committed participation at Council. I have the time and energy to fulfill my desire to serve my community.

I am running for Council to try to bring a stronger practice of representation to Wellington. I have strong research skills, and am constantly learning. These skills are needed to help residents understand the municipal issues they are facing, and to help resident be heard in the Council decision making process.

I understand the need to know who does what, and what level of decision making each person/role enjoys. Comprehending the scope of the position of Councillor, what the decision making capacity and authority are, and creating communication loops within the community I represent will enable me to advocate for “Wellington based” solutions to Wellington problems.

I also seek to bring some diversity to Council, and as a female, sole head of household, living with a disability I have the experience to challenge able-ism, economic exclusion and sexism if/when it arises at Council.

Many of you know me and know that whatever I do, I do it well. Whether in my Library job, my Pilates, Yoga or Functional Fitness classes, as a wedding officiant or as a widely published author, I am diligent, precise, prepared, knowledgeable, and treat people with respect. I am a helper, and a doer.

Corey Engelsdorfer

1. Please share how you would enhance Council’s approach to public engagement.

I believe it all hinges on making residents feel like their voices and opinions are heard. Often, public consultation is just a check box that needs to be ticked off. We need to engage more on a group and one to one level. I would suggest events throughout the year to do so. Events where all of council can attend and be open and transparent.

2. Please share why you’re running and why voters should support you in the municipal election.

Wellington is at a crossroads. The village is at the cusp of unprecedented growth. In the near future we may see over 1,000 new homes. In anticipation, we are building an expensive new water tower and waterworks facility. As a long-time resident and business owner who is raising a young family, I have a vested interest in ensuring not only Wellington, but the County as a whole remains a sustainable, healthy and livable community. I will be the one to advocate for Wellington at Shire Hall.

Over the past 12 years working at The Times, I have followed our municipal government closely. I read the reports. I write the stories. I watch the meetings and I am well-versed on current and past issues. I am Wellington’s choice for sensible and level headed decision making.

I am passionate about Wellington. I grew up in the village and my day to day life still circles around Wellington. I am an active member and past chair of the Wellington Recreation Committee and also play a large part in Pumpkinfest. I am a member of the Wellington Beach Taskforce Team where we are currently working to address and resolve a multitude of short term and long term issues, and the impact of the Wellington waterfront on the community and local businesses.

One key issue that relate to Wellington includes urban sprawl and development north of the village. Growth is coming. I will work to ensure the pace of this growth is managed and the design of the communities fit with the existing village. I will also advocate that the Secondary Plan be enforced and that Belleville Road not turn into a maze of stripmalls, pulling commercial out of downtown.

Water rates are becoming more unaffordable for residents. Your bills are already among the highest in Ontario. Now Shire Hall is planning to spend $100 million to expand Wellington’s waterworks. It’s time for fair and honest representation at Shire Hall for waterworks ratepayers. I will advocate for a waterworks commission that will look at water and sewer rates separately from council in a more transparent setting.

Tourism in the County is down this season. It now appears that some of the reactionary measures that were put in place after two busy COVID summers were overreaching. Visitors have been driven away through “us and them” fines. Locals are receiving fines due to a program that wasn’t thought through. The tourism sector has had its share of growing pains. It is time to strike a fair balance between visitors and locals.

The local history, heritage and culture of the County should be preserved for future generations to enjoy. This can be done by working closely with the Heritage Advisory Committee.

Working closely with organizations such as Quinte Conservation, the County should continually review and update policies and bylaws and enforce keeping our community safe and beautiful.

We should also work towards creating natural and sustainable open spaces and habitats within the any new subdivision. Whether for recreation or habitat, these spaces contribute to the structure of our community and must be preserved and protected. Active links for pedestrians and cyclists from any new developments should also be mandatory, as well as a tree replacement plan.

In the Official Plan, having natural core areas non-developable was a good start. I would have liked to see natural core linkages also protected at the same standard.

Wellington’s Secondary Plan highlights the village forest. It contributes greatly to quality of life in Wellington and helps portray the community as a healthy, green, and attractive place for both residents and visitors. The village forest is a vital part of the natural environment as it improves air and water quality, provides shade and reduces energy consumption.

A little about me

I was born and raised in Wellington. I attended Pinecrest Elementary School in Bloomfield, and from there attended PECI in Picton. In 2004 I left the County to attend Durham College in Oshawa. I enrolled in their Graphic Design program. In 2007, I graduated and secured a placement at Formula Media Group, a division of Torstar. There, I worked on publications such as Carguide, World of Wheels, Boatguide, Canadian AutoWorld, West of the City and the Hamilton Spectator Wheels section. In 2010 I moved back to the County and accepted a position at The Times. In May of 2017 I purchased The Times from Rick Conroy and continue to publish it weekly each Wednesday. I have 3 kids – Amelia (8), Emmett (6) and Malcolm (11 months). I am engaged to Katie, and we are getting married next summer in the County.

Heather Norlock

1. Please share how you would enhance Council’s approach to public engagement.

Promoting the Have Your Say Platform on social media more, questionnaires concerning issues within PEC, more town hall discussions involving community members, building a relationship with all members of the community, perhaps “Have Your Say” drop boxes at the local libraries. Being visible in the community to speak with all residents.

2. Please share why you’re running and why voters should support you in the municipal election.

I grew up in Wellington, living in 6 houses in Ashgill Gardens, and one on Niles St. before moving to my forever home on County Road 2. Completing Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 8 at CML Snider, and completing my 4 years of high school at PECI. Prince Edward County has been my life-long home. I plan to stay in Prince Edward County for the rest of my life. I hope to one day raise a family here, and have my future children attend CML Snider.

I want to help make positive changes for today, and for the future of Prince Edward County. I am smart, I work hard, I am dedicated, and I will pour my heart into this. I’m hungry to learn more and I’m not afraid to do the extra work.

I am in my final year of schooling, studying Civil Engineering, this knowledge and experience will help me to make informed decisions and educated input regarding water, wastewater, development, roads and planning. As a young female, with progressive views I feel my voice would benefit council. I am an advocate and supporter of equity and diversity and will continue to learn and grow with our community.

I have deep appreciation and love for all of Prince Edward County, but my roots are in Wellington. As a young professional I want to encourage, support and advocate for young professionals and young families moving to Wellington. Promote more open discussions regarding affordable living and first-time home buying. I want to advocate for the youth being able to afford to live in their hometown and raise their families here, as I believe the County needs this for the future.

I want to promote the growth of small businesses in our community and to encourage entrepreneurs to open/continue with small businesses in PEC.

I want to focus on encouraging doctors to come to Prince Edward County, and advocate for a walk-in clinic.

I want to address property tax issues, high water bills, affordable housing, streamlining municipal processes, managing tourism, and transparency.

I am looking to maintain the small-town feel of Wellington and encourage responsible development for everyone.

Over my 27 years living in Prince Edward County, I have seen rapid growth and change, I would like to be an active partner in the community to manage any further growth and change.

I, Heather Norlock, am asking for your support. I want to advocate for our community. I have no hidden agenda, I am an advocate for complete transparency. I am an open book. I am a woman who loves her hometown and wants to be there for her community.

There is a critical absence of youth voice in Prince Edward County. Don’t be part of the disconnect. Invest in young voices.

Accountability & transparency

Three Invitations asked candidates to rate six proposals to enhance Council’s accountability and transparency:

Invitation 4 – Additional conflicts of interest (2 proposals)
Invitation 5 – Transparency and privacy (3 proposals)
Invitation 7 – Recorded votes (1 proposal)

We have categorized candidates’ ratings of these proposals [Not in favour | Neither | In favour] below. Candidates were asked to explain their ratings and we encourage everyone to consider them too.

Table 1. Candidates’ ratings of proposals to enhance Council’s accountability and transparency.
Jennifer COBB
Proposition	Not in favour	Neither	In favour
1. A Council Code of Conduct that addresses non-pecuniary conflicts of interests.
2. A Council Code of Conduct that addresses the pecuniary conflicts of interests of a family member who is not a parent, spouse or child.
3. A public register of requests for County records.
4. The routine disclosure of County records.
5. The active dissemination of County records.
6. A Procedure By-law that requires that all members’ votes on motions be recorded.
Corey ENGELSDORFER
Proposition	Not in favour	Neither	In favour
1. A Council Code of Conduct that addresses non-pecuniary conflicts of interests.
2. A Council Code of Conduct that addresses the pecuniary conflicts of interests of a family member who is not a parent, spouse or child.
3. A public register of requests for County records.
4. The routine disclosure of County records.
5. The active dissemination of County records.
6. A Procedure By-law that requires that all members’ votes on motions be recorded.
Heather NORLOCK
Proposition	Not in favour	Neither	In favour
1. A Council Code of Conduct that addresses non-pecuniary conflicts of interests.
2. A Council Code of Conduct that addresses the pecuniary conflicts of interests of a family member who is not a parent, spouse or child.
3. A public register of requests for County records.
4. The routine disclosure of County records.
5. The active dissemination of County records.
6. A Procedure By-law that requires that all members’ votes on motions be recorded.

Responses to Invitation 7

Candidates received Invitation 7 on October 3, 2022 and were asked to forward their responses by October 11, 2022. Candidate responses were published here and on Facebook on October 12, 2022.

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb
Corey Engelsdorfer
Heather Norlock

Jennifer Cobb

1. For any one of [the nine themes covered in the 2022 VitalSigns Report], please outline a course of action that Council should consider to reinforce successes and/or address challenges identified in the 2022 VitalSigns Report.

Environment.
The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward brought forward a motion declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019. The motion was quite general, and lacked finite information, action or steps. We need to move beyond the “name and frame” phase, and set a finite plan of action.

I would like to see the Environmental Advisory Committee widen its membership, undertake an environmental assets and challenges inventory, and bring forward a plan of action to protect, preserve, conserve, restore and promote environmental health. Such a plan would need to include SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based.

Through partnership with Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health, the County Council could begin to make “health” a priority in all of our policies. This would require, and enact, a holistic policy perspective that acknowledges the interrelated nature of many of our “issues”, including climate change.

With a more holistic perspective, we could begin to envision what a healthy community looks like, and set goals, steps and measurements toward becoming a “healthy community”.

A healthy community is one in which the health of individuals, communities, infrastructure and systems, the environment and climate are all seen as important, and valuable.

Greater collaboration, and input, could be invited from local organizations and initiatives including: the Prince Edward Stewardship Council, PEC Field Naturalists, Tree the County, the Environmental Sustainability group, THRIVE.PEC, and Healthy Communities.

2. Please rate your level of agreement (Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neither disagree or agree | Agree | Strongly agree) with the following proposal: “Council should adopt a Procedure By-law that requires that all members’ votes on motions be recorded.”

Disagree.

3. Please explain your rating.

My experience at Hasting and Prince Edward District School Board has helped me understand that time and energy is best invested in comprehensive Governance training for Council members. When individuals understand Governance, and the complexity of their role, and when the Mayor understands the position as one of “facilitating discussion and good decision making”, then the Mayor and Council should be operating for the good of the “county” and community.

When individuals call for a “recorded vote” it is often done in a way that is angry, shaming, and comes from a “I am right and you are wrong … and I want everyone to know that” perspective. This better than/worse than divisive perspective doesn’t fit with a collaborative, cohesive governance model. Let’s spend our time, energy and money on building governance skills, facilitating lively discussion, and all Council members operating from a “what’s best for the County (not just me individually)” perspective.

4. Please share examples of how you’ve been trying to learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion. What have been the biggest changes in your thinking? How are you applying what you’ve learned in your work in the County?

How I’ve been trying to learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion
Taking courses to educate myself on Anti-Indigenous Racism, Anti-Black Racism, Supporting Gender Identity and Gender Choice, Plain Language/Inclusive Language, Understanding the origins of Bias, Letting go of power over structures.

What have been the biggest changes in your thinking?
I have slowly moved from thinking I know what is right, to recognizing that I have formed those opinions from a limited perspective which doesn’t include all perspectives. I have come to understand that “power over” dynamics prohibit full inclusion, and have tried to examine my thoughts, words, actions and ways of being to recognize where I operate from assumptions, from a basis of power-over others, or from an assumption of power or superiority. The biggest challenge is always in recognizing the behaviour, and then inviting conversations which help to reframe the limited assumptions I may have been operating from.

How are you applying what you’ve learned in your work in the County?
I continue to do my personal work to untangle the web of lies I have been raised in. I also try to examine my personal bias and learn new and more inclusive ways of thinking, acting and speaking. My personal work is my responsibility. I need to root out power-over assumptions in my thinking. And be accountable and responsible for my behaviour. I also choose to be open and responsive to hearing from others who experience me as operating from a “power-over” perspective, and let go of being defensive, in order to move more into “empowered” and solution-based inclusion.

Corey Engelsdorfer

Sustainable community.
I believe it is truly important for The County to be a healthy and sustainable community. If we can work towards this, it will help alleviate many of the other issues that the Vital Signs report mentions. We need to facilitate meaningful engagement with our residents and community on planning and land use decisions. Have Your Say is a useful tool, but too many decisions are being made based on little response. We also need to provide more housing choices. I would like to see a mix of housing in all future subdivisions. The plan for Fields of Wellington is a great one, where there are townhomes, detached homes and homes with apartments over the garage. These homes should also have focus on green initiatives. This will also attract young families who bring jobs with them. People move here for the sense of place and often start new tourism-related businesses. With more residents comes the role of more transportation options. It is important that any new development provide pedestrian and cycling links to town. This also helps promote a clean and safe environment for all.

Disagree.

3. Please explain your rating.

A recorded vote can be called for by a member of council. I believe this is enough protection. If a recorded vote is called for every motion, meetings will be long and drawn out, causing for lack of attention given to certain issues.

To me, DEI means welcoming and accepting the participation and thoughts of different groups of individuals. It also means equal access to opportunities and resources to all. As a cis white male I am aware that opportunities are afforded to me in a way they might not be to others. I believe it begins entirely with self awareness and also taking the time to listen and learn.I also think understanding my privilege and bias is essential. This way I can make changes in my thinking and behavior. I was also held to account two years ago when as Publisher of The Times, I mistakenly allowed an anti-trans ad to run. We live in a community that is welcoming to all, and I took the time to listen and learn. I attended the rally against The Times and was able to allow The Times to be a platform for giving those groups a voice when they often do not get one.

I continue to learn each day.

Heather Norlock

Sustainable community.
The report reads that the decline in the youth age group has flattened for the first time in 10 years, while the workforce age population continues to decrease. We need to keep our youth in Prince Edward County and encourage more youth to come to Prince Edward County. To do this we must address the housing crisis, cost of living in PEC, lack of child care and living wages.

Strongly agree.

3. Please explain your rating.

I believe all votes should be recordered. This provides an open and transparent council.

As a young female with progressive views, I continue to educate myself through local organizations that uplift 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices. I advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in my everyday life, as well as take proactive measures to creating safe spaces for everyone. In my life I have also unlearned aspects to create a better space for diverse thinking.

Responses to Invitation 6

Candidates received Invitation 6 on September 23, 2022 and were asked to forward their responses by October 3, 2022. Candidate responses were published here and on Facebook on October 5, 2022.

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb

1. Please rate your overall satisfaction with each of the following service categories:

Service category	Very dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Neither	Satisfied	Very satisfied
General government
Protection services
Transportation services
Environmental services
Health services
Social and family services
Social housing
Recreation and cultural services
Planning and development services

2. Please explain two of your ratings.

Planning and development services
Prince Edward County is in the midst of a land grab and development frenzy, and yet list a very low revenue coming from Planning and Development, while indicating a significant level of expense.

I am Very Dissatisfied that the practice of selling the County has been so short sighted. I would like to see much larger revenues coming from Planning and Development, representing the Corporation of the County of Prince Edward charging developers much higher fees for the development of subdivisions and large scale developments. When they grant development applications for large scale projects, they need to include in the planning and development fees, the cost of needed infrastructure development (water, sewers, roads, doctors etc) to accommodate the added population that the development will bring.

By attaching a high price tag to the ‘privilege’ of large scale development, the municipality could slow the mad frenzy, and create a larger income stream which could more realistically support needed infrastructure development.

Environmental services
I find it fascinating that the majority of the cost for Environmental services is covered by the revenue. This means that the households who are on water and sanitary sewer hook up are the ones who pay for the majority of environmental services in Prince Edward County, despite the fact that water/sewer treatment facilities are County infrastructure and assets.

Our Council, the majority of whom live on properties which utilize a well and septic tank system, have made the decision to saddle ‘users’ with the costs of water and sewer treatment. Compared to other line items in the spread sheet, Environmental Service has the lowest Revenue to Expense ratio.

I am also disturbed to see that expenses have stayed about the same over the three years, but revenues have gone up. This against a backdrop of many residents not being able to afford water/sewer, and the need for the County Community Foundation to assist so many people with their Municipal Financial Relief Grant.

Corey Engelsdorfer

1. Please rate your overall satisfaction with each of the following service categories:

Service category	Very dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Neither	Satisfied	Very satisfied
General government
Protection services
Transportation services
Environmental services
Health services
Social and family services
Social housing
Recreation and cultural services
Planning and development services

2. Please explain two of your ratings.

Protection services
This is a big bill for the County and taxpayers to pay. In the summer months, our officer count and cost goes up because of the Provincial Park. Ideally, I would like to see the Provincial Park fund a portion of the cost of Protection Services.

Environmental services
Again, a very large cost for waste and recycling disposal. It might be time to look at a localized collection service instead of a door to door approach. With such a rural landscape, the cost is excessive to provide a door to door service, especially for recycling.

Heather Norlock

1. Please rate your overall satisfaction with each of the following service categories:

Service category	Very dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Neither	Satisfied	Very satisfied
General government
Protection services
Transportation services
Environmental services
Health services
Social and family services
Social housing
Recreation and cultural services
Planning and development services

2. Please explain two of your ratings.

Health services
I am very disappointed in health service that are provided for county residents, with the number of family doctors retiring and it feels like no encouragement or effort has been put into finding more family doctors, or the encouragement of developing a walk-in clinic for all of Prince Edward County residents with no family doctor. All approvals for new developments when we current residents cannot find doctors.

Planning and development services
There is a disconnect in county departments, and feel it is almost impossible to get anything done in a timely fashion whether it be severing or building a new home. The process is incredibly expensive, long, drawn out. There is no consistency. Changing zoning of people’s property with no notice. Personally, I feel the current council have only benefit themselves and not the public.

Responses to Invitation 5

Candidates received Invitation 5 on September 20, 2022 and were asked to forward their responses by September 26, 2022. Candidate responses were published here and on Facebook on September 28, 2022.

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb
Corey Engelsdorfer

Jennifer Cobb

1. Please rate your level of agreement (Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neither disagree or agree | Agree | Strongly agree) with the following:

“Council should adopt a Strategic Initiative to respond to [the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s] Calls to Action 43, 47 and 57.”

Agree.

2. Please explain your rating.

We need to have a consistent and comprehensive set of Human Rights that apply to all Canadians. The Calls to Action should be implemented by all levels of government, PLUS Anti-Indigenous Racism training should be a requirement of all people who hold public office. We need to collectively, publicly and consciously begin to change the intrenched racism within Canadian Society.

3. Please rate your level of agreement (Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neither disagree or agree | Agree | Strongly agree) with the following statements:

“The cost of maintaining a public register of requests for County records would likely outweigh its benefits.”
Strongly disagree.

“The cost of the routine disclosure of County records would likely outweigh its benefits.”
Strongly disagree.

“The cost of the active dissemination of County records would likely outweigh its benefits.”
Strongly disagree.

4. For any one of your ratings above, please describe your analysis of the different costs and benefits that lead to your conclusion (max. 500 words).

I am shocked that the County doesn’t have a registry, nor an Ombudsperson to resolve complaints. All public governance bodies that I know of, have a registry.

As public officials, the work of the County should be a matter of public record. We have a long history of ‘old boys’ networks’ making back-room deals. This is not democracy, and under Public Sector Accounting Practices, is illegal.

We need to be fully accountable for public funds. That means having a registry should be a requirement – it proves accountability, and demonstrates that there is nothing to hide.

When we can learn from our mistakes, we can improve. When we make our records open, transparent and accessible to all citizens, we are able to better identify those who are not following PSAP Procurement Guidelines, or are in violation of other municipal, provincial or federal laws. This further enables the County to weed out any violation of the laws which equally apply to us all.

Corey Engelsdorfer

1. Please rate your level of agreement (Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neither disagree or agree | Agree | Strongly agree) with the following:

“Council should adopt a Strategic Initiative to respond to [the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s] Calls to Action 43, 47 and 57.”

Agree.

2. Please explain your rating.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation should be a moment for everyone including leaders in every government to reflect upon and recognize the trauma of the Residential School system. There must be a change in the way systems continue to operate and negatively impact Indigenous Peoples, and ultimately one that doesn’t fail to create equal opportunities for all.

3. Please rate your level of agreement (Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neither disagree or agree | Agree | Strongly agree) with the following statements:

“The cost of maintaining a public register of requests for County records would likely outweigh its benefits.”
Disagree.

“The cost of the routine disclosure of County records would likely outweigh its benefits.”
Disagree.

“The cost of the active dissemination of County records would likely outweigh its benefits.”
Disagree.

4. For any one of your ratings above, please describe your analysis of the different costs and benefits that lead to your conclusion (max. 500 words).

As the publisher of a local newspaper, I believe all documents should be easily accessible for the general public. County ratepayers have a right to know how their money is spent. I view ratepayers as shareholders in the corporation.

Openness and Transparency equals Accountability. The essential purpose of access to information is to support the democratic process: When municipal government proactively provides routine access to government held information, it creates accountability.

As far as cost benefit analysis, I am not sure I am qualified to comment. A by law would need to be made for fees and charges.

Heather Norlock

1. Please rate your level of agreement (Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neither disagree or agree | Agree | Strongly agree) with the following:

“Council should adopt a Strategic Initiative to respond to [the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s] Calls to Action 43, 47 and 57.”

Strongly agree.

2. Please explain your rating.

It is very important we continue to do better and better. We must educate, continue to learn, and do our part. It is very important, and it is what every municipality should be doing.

3. Please rate your level of agreement (Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neither disagree or agree | Agree | Strongly agree) with the following statements:

“The cost of maintaining a public register of requests for County records would likely outweigh its benefits.”
Strongly disagree.

“The cost of the routine disclosure of County records would likely outweigh its benefits.”
Strongly disagree.

“The cost of the active dissemination of County records would likely outweigh its benefits.”
Strongly disagree.

4. For any one of your ratings above, please describe your analysis of the different costs and benefits that lead to your conclusion (max. 500 words).

It is important to be transparent while still protecting privacy. I would need more information of estimates for the costs of active dissemination of County records in order to speak on this properly, but I do believe this is important and would appreciated by the community. We need to be transparent and honest with the community.

Responses to Invitation 4

Candidates received Invitation 4 on September 14, 2022 and were asked to forward their responses by September 19, 2022. Candidate responses were published here and on Facebook on September 20, 2022.

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb
Corey Engelsdorfer
Heather Norlock

Jennifer Cobb

1. Please identify and describe the general nature of any conflict of pecuniary interest – real or apparent, direct or indirect – that you would foresee needing to declare, given the sort of conflicts that have been disclosed by your predecessors in 2020-2022. [We later clarified the reference to 2020-2022 here. As the preamble re: “Pecuniary Conflicts of Interest” notes, these three years are the ones reported in the County’s online Annual Registries of members’ disclosoure of conflicts of interest.]

None.

2A & 3. Please indicate your agreement with the following statement: “The County should adopt a Council Code of Conduct that addresses non-pecuniary conflicts of interests.” Please elaborate.

Strongly agree.

As an elected Public School Board Trustee for 12 years, the Trustee Code of Conduct has been a finite resource which has guided voting on a variety of issues. When there is a detailed, established Code of Conduct, it becomes de-personalized, so one Trustee (or Councillor) doesn’t have to ‘call out’ another. It is just another professional tool used for conducting business in an open, transparent and fair manner.

2B & 4. Please indicate your agreement with the following statement: “The County should adopt a Council Code of Conduct that addresses the pecuniary conflicts of interests of a family member who is not a parent, spouse or child.” Please elaborate.

Strongly agree.

We have many long term, extended families who have been established in the County for a long time. To place family interests over County interests should be a violation of the Councillor Code of Conduct, and so I support the definition of family to include relations beyond immediate family, to include extended family as well.

5. In the voter’s own words, please identify the most difficult-to-answer question that you’ve been asked in your campaign.

The most difficult questions I continually am asked to answer (for which I have no answer) is: Why are two people who don’t even live in Wellington/Ward 3 running to represent Wellington/Ward 3?

6. Please explain why this question was the most difficult-to-answer.

It is difficult to answer because I don’t have an answer to this. I believe that residence in the Ward should be a requirement for candidacy.

7. On October 21, 2020, Council voted unanimously to deny a rezoning application from Picton Terminals to bring in container and cruise ships. If presented with a similar vote today, how would you vote (deny or approve)? Why?

I would deny this request. The entire County already has a huge backlog of issues that haven’t been fully researched. We don’t understand the long term environmental and social effects of most of what is currently defined as an ‘issue’. Until we can develop a slow-moving, cohesive, and soundly planned out development plan for the entire County, we need to halt decisions which could potentially have a disastrous effect on the County, in part or whole, and its natural resources and environment.

Corey Engelsdorfer

Advertising: As owner of The Times, there could be a pecuniary interest when it comes to advertising. If council has any say on County advertising and where it gets placed and how often, I would have to declare an interest as I would profit from it.

This one might be more of a reach, but there could be a conflict of interested on advertising from developers. If a developer advertises with The Times, it could be seen as a way to make me vote a certain way. The County has an Integrity Commissioner who I would be able to work with on deciding whether a conflict of interest should be declared.

2A & 3. Please indicate your agreement with the following statement: “The County should adopt a Council Code of Conduct that addresses non-pecuniary conflicts of interests.” Please elaborate.

Agree.

It’s hard to argue against a more transparent government, and this would be a big step towards that.

Agree.

I believe council members should not participate in activities that grant, or appear to grant, any special consideration or advantage to a family member which is not available to every other individual. I could see this being an issue with County tenders, employment, or the Grant process.

5. In the voter’s own words, please identify the most difficult-to-answer question that you’ve been asked in your campaign.

It’s been both a question and a comment: How do we stop future development?
And we don’t want anymore development in Wellington.

6. Please explain why this question was the most difficult-to-answer.

It’s hard to answer because the reality is we need development, but it is hard to convince a resident who doesn’t want it.

One key issue that relates to Wellington includes urban sprawl and development north of the village. Growth is coming. I will work to ensure the pace of this growth is managed and the design of the communities fit with the existing village. I will also advocate that the Secondary Plan be enforced and that Belleville Road not turn into a maze of stripmalls, pulling commercial out of downtown.

Deny. The environmental impacts far outweigh the tourism benefit.

Heather Norlock

If I understand the question correctly, I do not see myself needing to declare any conflicts of interest. Should a family member come to council with something that would qualify I would act with honesty and transparency.

2A & 3. Please indicate your agreement with the following statement: “The County should adopt a Council Code of Conduct that addresses non-pecuniary conflicts of interests.” Please elaborate.

Strongly agree.

The councillor should always advocate on the best interest of the ward as a whole. Any conflict of interest should be told to maintain transparency.

Strongly agree.

Filling out a form to advise all on the conflict of interest would be necessary.

5. In the voter’s own words, please identify the most difficult-to-answer question that you’ve been asked in your campaign.

As of right now I have not received a question I could not answer. Some have taken further research and to develop a full understanding, but I have always made sure to come back with an answer.

6. Please explain why this question was the most difficult-to-answer.

N/A.

I would deny, as I believe more studies would need to be done on the Marina and surrounding areas, including aquatic and environmental. I would want to see data from studies of neighbours, nearby businesses, and other users to determine public opinion.

Responses to Invitation 3

Candidates received Invitation 3 on September 7, 2022 and were asked to forward their responses by September 12, 2022. Candidate responses were published here and on Facebook on September 14, 2022.

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb
Corey Engelsdorfer
Heather Norlock

Jennifer Cobb

1. Please rate your overall satisfaction with each of the following strategic initiatives:

Strategic Initiative	Very dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Neither	Satisfied	Very satisfied
By-law and policy review
Downtown revitalization
Healthcare initiatives
Municipal Accommodation Tax
PEC Affordable Housing Corp.
Short-Term Accommodations
Tourism management
Understanding Growth and Water/wastewater infrastructure

2. Please explain two of your ratings.

Short-Term Accommodations
I find it infuriating that Council spent money on a consultant who brought a variety of best practices from similar sized communities to ours regarding their management of STA’s forward, but then elected to ignore the advice of the consultant. It often appears that whoever speaks the loudest, and most forcefully, can sway Council’s decisions.

PEC Affordable Housing Corp.
We have had a desperate lack of affordable housing for many years, and yet the initiative is slow moving and hasn’t made any progress. The old arena in Wellington has sat derelict for a decade, and should have been turned into affordable housing years ago.

3. Please outline one County-wide strategic initiative that is missing from the above and should be adopted by Council.

Environment
We should have a far more comprehensive environmental initiative. Our tree canopy is dwindling, we have faced regular and persistent flooding, and have experienced a variety of climate related storms and damage.

Climate change is something that affects us all, not just we humans, but our land, our water, our homes, our agricultural sector, animals and our communities.

We need to have an overarching theme that cohesively guides our identity, policies, procedures, and practices. If we were to become a ‘Green’ community, or an ‘Environmental’ community, it would affect how we do planning and development, guide our tourism practices, improve our waste management practices, and entirely change how we promote the County. An ‘Environmental’ County is not one to be consumed, but to be preserved; not developed but enhanced; not ruined but protected.

With a widespread Environmental policy, we would limit the proliferation of signage, slow down traffic, promote walking, hiking, cycling and paddling; preserve our healthy communities, neighbourhoods and villages; and promote something that benefits us all. Environmentally sound practices could guide every one of the previously mentioned Strategic Initiatives, and be the theme that unites the work of Council across the expanse of these varied issues, promoting a livible community not just now, but long into the future.

An environmental County promotes our natural assets – parks, wetlands, the great Lake Ontario, West Lake and East Lake, and targets environmental tourism and tourists.

As one of the most ecologically diverse areas in all of Ontario, we have a great wealth of beauty, nature, diversity and wonder to share. Let us adopt an official ‘environmental’ status and let it guide how we do business in every other area, moving from knee jerk actions to a coordinated philosophy of ecological preservation and environmental sensitivity, which could guide us reliably and beautifully into the future.

Corey Engelsdorfer

1. Please rate your overall satisfaction with each of the following strategic initiatives:

Strategic Initiative	Very dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Neither	Satisfied	Very satisfied
By-law and policy review
Downtown revitalization
Healthcare initiatives
Municipal Accommodation Tax
PEC Affordable Housing Corp.
Short-Term Accommodations
Tourism management
Understanding Growth and Water/wastewater infrastructure

2. Please explain two of your ratings.

Tourism Management
I feel that some management was needed, but I do think that what was put in place was a bit of an overreach. The County was struggling after a crazy COVID summer in 2020. I feel council reacted, and a bit harshly. This summer has shown that tourism has slowed quite a bit allowing for a return to normal. I think a lot of the policy that was put in place was not needed. Especially the $400 fines for non-residents, or the Wellington Beach Pass. I am not a huge fan of playing the “us” vs “them” game.

Growth and Waterworks
We talk about it a lot in the pages of The Times. We have known that the County, specifically Wellington has been expecting growth for decades. It wasn’t planned for properly, and we are now going down the path of spending $100,000,000 on new waterworks features without a guarantee of the growth coming to fruition. There are apparentl up front financing agreements but the public and ratepayers haven’t seen them. I worry that if the growth doesn’t come, then waterworks users will be stuck footing the bill.

3. Please outline one County-wide strategic initiative that is missing from the above and should be adopted by Council.

Transparent Government
I believe one of the most common strategic initiatives should be a Transparent Government.

Heather Norlock

1. Please rate your overall satisfaction with each of the following strategic initiatives:

Strategic Initiative	Very dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Neither	Satisfied	Very satisfied
By-law and policy review
Downtown revitalization
Healthcare initiatives
Municipal Accommodation Tax
PEC Affordable Housing Corp.
Short-Term Accommodations
Tourism management
Understanding Growth and Water/wastewater infrastructure

2. Please explain two of your ratings.

Healthcare initiatives
PEC is in desperate need of doctors, there needs to be immediate effort in finding doctors enticing them to stay here.

PEC Affordable Housing Corp.
After attending the affordable housing meeting, I believe we are moving in the right direction.

3. Please outline one County-wide strategic initiative that is missing from the above and should be adopted by Council.

Roads
A County-wide strategic initiative that should be adopted by Council is road studies.

Responses to Invitation 2

Candidates received Invitation 2 on August 31, 2022 and were asked to forward their responses by September 6, 2022. Candidate responses were published here and on Facebook on September 7, 2022.

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb
Corey Engelsdorfer

Jennifer Cobb

1. Please identify two internal and one external committee or board listed above whose areas of municipal responsibility would showcase your skills and interests in municipal government.

Audit Committee
Heritage Advisory Committee
Quinte Conservation Executive Board

2. For these three committees or boards, please highlight your skills and experience (work, volunteer, life) in those areas of municipal responsibility.
3. For these three committees or boards, please describe the impact you’d hope to make in those areas of municipal responsibility.

Audit Committee
I have been a member of HPEDSB’s Audit Committee for 9 years, and its Chair for the past 5 years. I have received training in, and learned a lot about, Public Sector Accounting Practices, Audit Committee liability, fiduciary responsibility, and how to read an Audited statement in order to present financial information in a transparent manner so that all stakeholders can understand it.

The impact I would hope to have is to increase my constituents understanding of the Corporation’s financial situation, and help them to feel assured that public funds are being used responsibly and to the best of Council’s ability.

Heritage Advisory Committee
As a long-time resident on Main Street in Wellington I live in the proposed Heritage Designation District. As a self employed person I have used the historic Wellington Town Hall for 17 years to offer classes on a weekly basis. I currently hold classes in the newly renovated Wellington Heritage Museum.

As a long term member of the Wellington Recreation Committee, and a member of the Friends of Wellington Town Hall Committee, I understand the difficulty and expense involved in the maintenance of our historic asset properties. And, I have seen the tides of change in Wellington, and understand that history helps to determine our future.

The impact I would hope to have on the Heritage Advisory Committee is to carry multiple stakeholder voices, needs and opinions forward to the Committee so that it is as fully informed as possible when making decisions which affect Wellington residents, residences, businesses and public assets, and to attest to the success of investing in our public assets, which are heritage properties, and increasing their financial viability as community resources, gathering places and community icons.

Quinte Conservation Executive Board
I am a lifelong outdoors woman, a ‘leave no trace’ back-country camper, hiker, paddler and adventurer. I have enjoyed a multitude of Quinte Conservation properties, and as an environmentalist, I have a vested interest in preserving and maintaining these natural spaces.

I have been a member, supporter or fundraiser of: Friends of Hillier Beaches and Dunes, South Shore Joint Initiative, the Millennium Trail Committee, Eastern Ontario Trails Association and Outdoor Adventurers Club.

The impact I would hope to have on the Quinte Conservation Executive Board is to add to the diverse voices, experiences and skills on the Executive. As a County resident I would carry the voices and concerns of County residents into that forum, and contribute to the conversation on conservation.

4. How would you account for these rates of voter turnout in the County in recent municipal elections?

I believe that not feeling heard, not being adequately informed, not having clear, complete and transparent information, and not feeling valued, has produce a great level of disconnection from the electoral process. Many people express a frustration with the limited sphere of choice in candidates, and that they have felt ‘what’s the use’, ‘none of these people represent me, or my politics’. There is also a general feeling of ‘they say one thing to get into office, then they change their tune’.

Here in Wellington, Ward 3, our demographics are somewhat different from other parts of the County. We are a community with more elders, people who have lots of experience. Many of them are retired, and have are active, interested and involved in the community. Community involvement often fosters a sense of community pride, and this translates to increased voter rates.

5. Please relate an occasion when you (nearly) decided not to vote in an election.

While I have never neglected my responsibility to vote, I have on many occasions wondered if there was a candidate who would actually act as my ‘elected representative’. Too often I have found that candidates seek to gain office, but then fail to actually ‘represent’ their constituents. It has many times left me feeling jaded both by candidates and the so-called ‘representational’ government system. I have heard this sentiment reflected by many people who also feel they are not being ‘represented’. In part, this is why I have declared my intention to stand for Council. I seek to be a conduit of open and transparent communication between the Corporation of the County of Prince Edward, and the Wellington, Ward 3 constituents. By engaging open, transparent and consistent communication, I seek to enable more constituents to feel engaged, heard and involved in municipal government.

6. How would you propose to work with other candidates to increase voter turnout in the County in the upcoming municipal election?

I have reached out to other candidates and offered to share everything I know about campaigning with them. I have had three fruitful sessions with other candidates, and feel a spirit of collaboration and communication has been forged.

Encouraging other candidates to campaign door-to-door is encouraging them to more directly meet, speak and listen to, their potential constituents. This practice encourages increased voter turn out by creating engaged and informed voters.

In addition to the three candidates I have met with, I have reached out to two more, and offered whatever help I can provide. It is important to me to encourage greater diversity in candidates.

Corey Engelsdorfer

1. Please identify two internal and one external committee or board listed above whose areas of municipal responsibility would showcase your skills and interests in municipal government.

Heritage Advisory Committee
Community & Economic Development Commission
Quinte Waste Solutions

2. For these three committees or boards, please highlight your skills and experience (work, volunteer, life) in those areas of municipal responsibility.

The only true experience I have on these are from following the meetings and writing about them in The Times.

3. For these three committees or boards, please describe the impact you’d hope to make in those areas of municipal responsibility.

Heritage Advisory Committee
As a lifelong County resident, I am very interested in preserving our natural heritage.

Community & Economic Development Commission
As a business owner in the County, I have a vested interest in the economic development of the community. I believe it is a positive to have business owners on this committee.

Quinte Waste Solutions
From following trash bash the past few years, it is clear we have an issue with garbage and recycling ending up on our roadsides. I think there is opportunity for public awareness, as well as pilot programs that could be run to help with this issue.

4. How would you account for these rates of voter turnout in the County in recent municipal elections?

A few reasons:

I believe a lot of eligible voters believe their vote won’t make a difference. I have heard “they just do what they want too anyway” an awful lot.
I believe there are some that aren’t interested in municipal politics. They live their daily lives, and pay their tax bills and water bills. It’s just a part of life to them. I relate this to publishing The Times. We cover a lot of municipal issues but often receive little response.
Easy access to voting. As a person with a young family, life can sometimes be hectic. I think it might be a benefit to make voting easier (online).

5. Please relate an occasion when you (nearly) decided not to vote in an election.

In the recent Provincial Election. It was already a hectic day and we had to get two young kids and a baby ready, packed and in the car, and then entertain them while we voted. When we arrived to our polling station we were told we were at the incorrect one and had to visit two more before finally finding the correct location. It was a somewhat stressful outing.

6. How would you propose to work with other candidates to increase voter turnout in the County in the upcoming municipal election?

I believe there needs to be better engagement. Reminding eligible voters that they can vote and that their vote does make a difference while campaigning.

Responses to Invitation 1

Candidates received Invitation 1 on August 24, 2022 and were asked to share their thoughts by August 29, 2022. Candidate responses were published here and on Facebook on August 31, 2022.

Respondents

Corey Engelsdorfer
Heather Norlock

Corey Engelsdorfer

1. How long have you resided in the County?

I was born in 1986 and lived in Wellington from then until 2004, when I left for college but would still return each summer for employment. I graduated from Durham College in 2007 and took a job in Oakville with Metroland from 2007-2010. After that time I moved back to the County and have lived here since.

1b. (Additional question for candidates for Ward Councilor only): How long have you resided in the Ward in which you are running to be Councilor?

I lived in Wellington Ward until July of 2020. I currently reside in Ameliasburgh Ward, but my business office and day-to-day life revolves around Wellington. My kids also attend school at CML Snider in Wellington.

2. Please identify your membership on Council, committee, commission, board, or other body associated with the municipal government in the County during the current term of Council (Fall 2018 – present).

Past Chair of the Wellington Recreation Committee. Current Vice Chair of The Wellington Recreation Committee. Member of the Wellington Waterfront Task Team.

3. Please identify your membership on Council, committee, commission, board, or other body associated with the municipal government in the County during the previous term of Council (Fall 2014 – Fall 2018).

None.

4. Please identify your membership or volunteering in a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization associated with the County during the current term of Council (November 2018 – present).

None.

5. How do you understand talk of tension between “old” and “new” residents in the County?

I am not quite sure what qualifies someone as an old resident and a new resident. Spending time on issues of old and new residents only draws away from the issues that affect each and every taxpayer in the County.

Please indicate your agreement with the following statements:

6a. Tension between “old” and “new” residents in the County influences Council’s agenda. [Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neither disagree or agree | Agree | Strongly agree]

6b. Tension between “old” and “new” residents in the County influences Council’s decisions. [Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neither disagree or agree | Agree | Strongly agree]

Unfortunately, I can’t make an assumption whether this did influence the decisions of council.

7. Please identify any role you see yourself in addressing any tension between “old” and “new” residents in the County.

I found this question quite polarizing and divisive. I believe Prince Edward County should foster an environment for all, whether they be “new” residents or “old” residents. I often explain to folks that the County wouldn’t have the economy or tax base it currently has without new residents. There are plenty of smaller town across Ontario who didn’t market themselves and accept change, and they are ghost towns now. Is that what some really want for the County?

Heather Norlock

1. How long have you resided in the County?

I have lived in the County my entire life.

1b. (Additional question for candidates for Ward Councilor only): How long have you resided in the Ward in which you are running to be Councilor?

I lived in Wellington my entire childhood. I moved just North of Wellington on County Road 2 many years ago and am now in the process of buying my family home from my mom so that I can stay here forever.

I am running for Wellington Ward Councillor.

None.

4. Please identify your membership or volunteering in a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization associated with the County during the current term of Council (November 2018 – present).

None.

5. How do you understand talk of tension between “old” and “new” residents in the County?

If I understand this question correctly, I do understand the tension as we have seen such dramatic growth over the last few years. This has become overwhelming for some lifetime residents. Many locals feel they can no longer live here anymore due to changes.

Please indicate your agreement with the following statements:

6a. Tension between “old” and “new” residents in the County influences Council’s agenda. [Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neither disagree or agree | Agree | Strongly agree]

6b. Tension between “old” and “new” residents in the County influences Council’s decisions. [Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neither disagree or agree | Agree | Strongly agree]

7. Please identify any role you see yourself in addressing any tension between “old” and “new” residents in the County.

As a lifetime local resident, I would act as a mediator between the concerns of “old” and “new” residents. I would educate all parties and try to validate all feelings and try to come up with a full understanding of all sides, in the hope to create a workable relationship with mutual respect.

Responses from Candidates for Ward 3 – Wellington

RSVPs

Respondents

Responses to Invitation 8

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb

Corey Engelsdorfer

Heather Norlock

Accountability & transparency

Responses to Invitation 7

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb

Corey Engelsdorfer

Heather Norlock

Responses to Invitation 6

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb

Corey Engelsdorfer

Heather Norlock

Responses to Invitation 5

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb

Corey Engelsdorfer

Heather Norlock

Responses to Invitation 4

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb

Corey Engelsdorfer

Heather Norlock

Responses to Invitation 3

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb

Corey Engelsdorfer

Heather Norlock

Responses to Invitation 2

Respondents

Jennifer Cobb

Corey Engelsdorfer

Responses to Invitation 1

Respondents

Corey Engelsdorfer

Heather Norlock

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