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Wednesday, October 13, 2010 Orono Weekly Times - 7 MAYORS Continued from page 5 ings a year, Adams said he would be committed to ensuring that Clarington is getting value from its ownership in Veridian Corporation. He would do this by ensuring that appointments to the board have appropriate qualifications, performance standards and objectives. If elected Adams said he will put reconsideration motions on the host community agreement and the incinerator. "Your elected officials must demonstrate transparency and strategic decision making with these complex decisions," he stated. The proposed incinerator will be a deterrent for attracting the higher class of industrial and commercial development that Clarington deserves and needs, according to Adams. "The municipality must implement a strategic business policy that opens Clarington for success," Adams stated. "A master plan that includes executive housing and a complement of community services, arts and culture is also essential, according to Adams. For green initiatives, Adams is proposing greater waste diversion, increased compost and recyclable receptacles throughout Clarington including at special events. Adams would like to see more walking and biking paths linking urban and agricultural communities and the waterfront. The best book Adams read last year was, The Audacity to Win by Daniel Plouffe. ADRIAN FOSTER Adrian Foster served two terms as the Local Councillor for Ward 1 prior to nominating himself as a candidate for the Mayor's job. Foster says, "We need a mayor who will represent and champion Clarington's needs and wishes at Durham Region." This is why he wants to lead Clarington as its mayor in the next term of office. "I have been very frustrated with the style of leadership we have seen in the last four years," Foster stated, believing "we need a change for the good of our community." The three most important issues facing Clarington today are taxes, engagement and economic development, according to Foster. "I'll push harder for infrastructure projects and for serviced lands," he said. 'I'll be sure that a unified voice for Clarington is heard." Prior to seeking elected office, Foster was a Scout leader, a committee chair in his church, and a member of various local business and community groups. To stop the escalation of salaries and benefits of municipal staff, Foster says he would like to initiate "best practices" reviews. He would also like to consult with the public on the non-essential services the Municipality provides, to make sure public money is spent the way the public wants. The $12,000 per year compensation paid by Veridian Connections to its board members was based on work done by a committee made up mostly of non-municipally elected board members, according to Foster. "Committee members determined the compensation was 'middle of the road,'" Foster said, "compared to other boards and based on requirements of board members." Foster feels it is unfair to pay politicians less than non political board members. Foster's strategy to attract new business to Clarington and the Region would be to get back to better consultation with the Clarington Board of Trade, the agency created by the municipality and contracted to perform the economic development function for Clarington. While an active opponent of the incinerator for the past four years, Foster said he would hold off making a decision to support or oppose wind farms until after the proper studies have been completed. As a green initiative, the municipality and the region have to look at ways to get waste diversion in the industrial/commercial/institutional sector, according to Foster. People who go above and beyond in the three R's should be recognized, according to Foster. The best book Foster read last year was Pierre Burton's Prisoners of the North. JEREMY WOODCOCK Jeremy Woodcock has entered the municipal election campaign for the first time. Woodcock said he wants to lead Clarington in the next term to stop Covanta, the US firm selected by the Region to build and operate the proposed York/Durham incinerator. Other important issues for Woodcock are the local economy and improving the quality of life for everyone in Clarington. Prior to seeking elected office, Woodcock says he was a member of the Ontario Volunteer Emergency Response Team, and a number of charity fundraising committees. Clarington needs more economic growth to offset taxes, including tourism, according to Woodcock. All municipal departments need to be looked at regarding salaries and benefits, and the budget needs to be assessed for any changes, he says. Woodcock says he has lobbied against the incinerator at the local and regional level for the past four years. He is not ready to support wind farms unless they can be proven safe. If elected, Woodcock says he will lobby hard to encourage businesses to promote and produce products that comply with the three Rs. He will also lobby and promote for a more friendly and affordable community for everyone. Woodcock says he has no problem reducing the remuneration package Veridian pays its board members. In answer to the last question, "What is the best book you read last year," Woodcock responded, "I read the Bible."