I have consistently spoken out in support of farmers in our town, knowing their importance, and that they are in the minority and their position is not always heard.

• I support preserving farmland by keeping our “settlement” area contained. This will prevent urban sprawl and protect the rural character of our municipality. The best municipalities, in my opinion, are those with one or more vibrant, contained urban cores with food sources nearby.
• I have been troubled by the ease with which developers are able to appeal local land use decisions. I am working to ensure Kingsville has a strong, comprehensive Official Plan so we can make local decisions on land use that benefit our town. I do not agree with the use of made-in-Toronto directives like Minister’s Zoning Orders which strip municipalities of control over development and threaten farmland in towns like ours.
• I will defend our farms by ensuring competing land uses do not impede upon nor jeopardize farm practices.
• I will advocate for an annual Agricultural Advisory Round Table with members of our farming community, keeping your schedules in mind. I will continue to support regular consultation to ensure you are included in municipal decision-making.
• I will continue to support reduced tax rates for farming. This is only fair since traditional farming uses far fewer municipal services than any other land use.  
• I will seek changes to our zoning bylaw to treat rural and urban landowners equally when it comes to building secondary dwellings. Relieving farmers of the need to get a bylaw amendment to build secondary dwellings will allow them to keep family members on their land and support succession planning for family farms. 
• I will support zoning that balances preserving farmland with allowing farmers to take on other income-generating activities on their land.
• I will advocate for improved Internet access in our rural areas.

I have reviewed the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s guide for municipal councillors and agree wholeheartedly with it.