Twenty Questions for all candidates

Quiz responses to a set list of inquiries for Oct. 26 election 

An identical format for questions is a great idea, so you could say Woodstock citizen Amy Fleming had a great idea. She compiled 20 questions for all Woodstock candidates to ponder and respond to, and each inquiry was based on municipal issues except the last question, which was a fun idea.

I set up or lead into my responses to this exercise in 2 varying reasons. In a public debate, a candidate could later say 'I had the tough questions' or 'I would have liked to talk about recreation'. This way, all council hopefuls have identical opportunities to discuss their top issues and thoughts.

Also, at a debate you must think often of your answer at that moment -- precise and prepared. This list of 20 Questions provided 2 weeks or ample time to chart answers and compile priorities.

I encourage you to visit Facebook for the answers by all 18 candidates (4 for mayor, 3 for deputy mayor / county, 2 for city / county, and 9 for city only). You do the decision making as you will be required to on Oct. 26 -- election day. Advance polls open by Oct. 10, and voting can be in-person and online this year.

My responses. Here goes:   

1.  What was your #1 motivating factor for running for Woodstock council?

Initially in 2018, I ran for election after delaying my intentions by 4 years due to the necessity of a hip operation. By 2018, I had accumulated significant background resume details from real estate, recreation, volunteering, and listening and learning, to know I was ready to serve the community at a higher level. Today, I’m preparing to add county council to my responsibilities due to on-going poor decisions at that tier of government – too many tax increases without seemingly proper concern for citizens.   

2. Knowing that you are only one vote out of a potential 7 votes, how do you plan to work with the other members of council to see why your vote is what’s best for Woodstock?

Compromise is the best word to use, but if other members of council vote incorrectly or pass an item that should have been a failed motion, then ‘council consensus’ rules the day. However – as an example – the City could lose a renovated outdoor pool because council felt spending on a downtown streetscape project was more important. The bucket of cash is not limitless.

3. Sometimes, issues arrive at council that challenge your personal feelings and beliefs. How will you put your personal views and beliefs aside or will you allow them to dictate your vote?

A council member represents everyone in the City of Woodstock. Our thought process, research, discussions with senior staff and final analysis answers the question of any personal concern. I’ve always had a strong background in recreation facilities, but that topic does not supersede others as asset management tops the list in actuality.

4. Interpersonal relationships and skills can really be tested, especially on contentious issues at the table or when you or others in the room just simply do not like each other. How do you plan to put personal feelings and relationships aside in order to make good decisions for the betterment of Woodstock and its constituents?

There isn’t anyone on City Council currently that I don’t like, but I certainly do not agree with the reasonings of each council member. Each was placed there by the electorate and deserve respect. Having said that, council members do not receive the respect we have earned always as I’ve been bullied way too much on social media.

5. For those returning to council chambers, what is one vote or decision you made within your current or previous terms that you wish you could take back and do again?

Council final decisions that were mistakes are aplenty, but personal votes? None. Do your homework, and rely on your knowledge and understanding, that there is just one tax payer. When our council was overturned by the County on the Lakeview subdivision plan, that was a significant County blunder, but I always voted against the proposal so I’m content.

6. For those returning to council chambers, what is the one motion or accomplishment during this term or previous terms that you are most proud of?

While some may disagree with me and that’s fine, being pro-active and refusing the notion or possibility of Woodstock hosting a safe consumption site for drug users. The regional board of health had passed at their level the premise of this service extended to Woodstock. Pre-testing drugs bought on the street requires someone to ‘check’ your drugs, and promotes drug use instead of rehab or weaning yourself off drugs such as methadone and suboxone (Both clean drugs / opioid). See also: Answer to 10.

7. Open communication and respectful dialogue are important components within politics. We are currently in an era where many people simply don’t possess the decorum or common sense to be respectful. How have you managed this in the past and how do you plan to improve communication between citizens and council?

I have been bullied far too often and usually it’s by people who do not understand that EVERY issue is multi-faceted on its own, and is further intertwined by the total community budget to limiting a tax increase. I would over-explain a subject like spokes on a bicycle wheel and hope it might be understood,

8. In your personal life and your professional life, outside of council, what are your greatest achievements and your biggest lessons to come out of your failures?

Extremely long list – raising two great smart young adults, inducted in sports wall of fame, 20 years on recreation advisory committee, 8 years on UTRCA board including vice chair in 2025, volunteering with many organizations and events, on-air live host of London Knights broadcasts for 12 years (homework, homework and more work and studying, and then caffeine) on Rogers, extremely proud of my 20 years as a Realtor for actually informing clients about all pros, cons and a thorough review of procedures, and respecting others.  

9. If you are successful in obtaining a position on Woodstock council, what will you bring to the table and what can constituents expect of you?

Sense and sensibility (Jane Austen). Passion and compassion. I’m actually someone who detests the usage of a string of adjectives and sell lines. Hard working, determined and extremely prepared council member always thinking about the big picture.

10. If you are successful in obtaining a position on Woodstock council, what is one goal or positive impact you wish to bring to the constituents during your term?

This may sound like at Catch-22, but a 24-7 homeless shelter that accomplishes what it needs to – directing people to Hart Hub, supplying everyone with respect and security and storage space, and watching every nickel and dime. The County spent way too much buying the Y and did an awful job with its ad-hoc search committee, and disappointed most when warden and CAO hid at the back of the room in the public meeting. Could the Y building be transformed instead into transitional housing (Lots of people require a permanent roof) instead of a homeless shelter? Certainly more emphasis should be certainly placed on assisting DASO and Ingamo services.

11. What are three key components or areas of focus you intend to bring forth to help keep the city progressing forward as our population grows?

Recreation centre to increase ice surface totals to 4 (in just 2 buildings, which will clarify one position posed by a bully). The complex should also include an aquatics space but not a subsidized daycare centre unless the County is wanting to operate one on their budget. 

Focus on asset management plan with top priority in roads (water and all services) and bridges, and upkeep of facilities. Asset Management Plan is extremely important even if population growth was at zero.

Keep a close eye on growth and its location. For example, Woodstock requires a shopping destination on the north side of the 17^th as all lands on south side of that thoroughfare are zoned residential in the master plan and is under construction now. Since our municipal boundary is the 17^th and since I would refuse cross-border servicing, we do require a modest boundary adjustment.

12. Public trust is sacred. How do you plan to build trust with constituents or maintain/rebuild the trust you may already have with constituents this upcoming term?

Consistency and correct decision making. I think my answers speak for themselves.

13. As a newcomer to Woodstock council, what is one decision that council has made over this current term or previous terms that you wish had been done differently?

I’m not a newcomer to council, but I will always be perplexed with how it was possible for the Dundas Streetscape to go forward – with or without its high price tag. It should have been a non-starter. It should have never happened, especially since the recorded vote on day one should have been 3-3 with 1 on council member declaring a conflict. That conflict was never declared.

14. As a newcomer to Woodstock council, what is one thing you plan to bring forth to council chambers this term? N/A

15. Training and continuing education is important in all roles. How do you plan to stay up to date on municipal governance, policies, procedures and practices?

Continue to immerse myself in every topic of municipal procedures and knowing how we arrived where we are and how to improve. I’m a history buff – and that’s an understatement. I look to the horizon and hope that the 7 people sitting at the horseshoe make correct decisions. Woodstock is lucky as it has extremely qualified senior staff in its various departments, which is a group always compiling an complete Orientation guide. You can learn by following local TV news (London and K-W), researching through available sources like Association of Municipalities of Ontario (etc) courses, ask the right questions, have an open mind, and know that provincial legislation will always evolve and not always for the better in my opinion as we look at conservation authorities, residential intensification, development charges and other areas.

16. Public life can be very demanding and difficult on one’s personal life and family? How do you currently or plan to mitigate those pressures on yourself and your family?

Toughest question yet. I have a daughter in university out of the area and a son in Grade 12. My marriage is my personal life. A councillor’s timetable can be trying as – for example – this term I have had museum advisory meetings at 5 p.m. and recreation advisory at 6 p.m. At the end of the day, all meetings are ‘work’ and must be part of the timetable and personal focus. Responsibilities of a city council member are much more strenuous then any candidate realizes.

17. What is one thing the constituents of Woodstock can expect from you if you are part of the 2026-2030 term of Woodstock council? Answered

18. What is one change you would like to see implemented in this city? Woodstock to have full control of its road projects so we don’t end up with poorly engineered traffic scenarios created by the County. Woodstock to have full control of its planning so that if our council says NO, it can’t over-turned by the County or by a provincial land tribunal.

19. What do you think is the best selling feature of Woodstock currently that would make a person, company or organization want to invest in Woodstock?

It’s often said: Crossroads of 401 and 403 is best selling feature. Woodstock is an automotive manufacturing hub and a transportation centre. Woodstock has terrific facilities for culture and recreation, great schools, and many wonderful neighbourhoods to call home. Woodstock is large enough to have all the necessary amenities – Theatre Woodstock, 7-plex movie theatre, and countless restaurants, services and shops.

20. What is one unknown fun fact about you?

I Robot by Alan Parsons Project

Love classic rock led by Alan Parsons Project, Moody Blues, Electric Light Orchestra, Supertramp, Yes and for Canadian content -- Klaatu

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Above is the identical prose emailed to questionnaire organizer.