CFN– We are asking all candidates to fill out our mini survey so the public can get to know them better. We are posting them as they arrive in chronological order.
Up is second time candidate Todd Bennett.
1) Who are you?
I will be celebrating my 25 wedding anniversary this October with my wife Sheri, and I have two kids,. Madison, & Cameron, and the newest member of the family, my grandson Zayne.
I owned a small business for 8 years before joining Farm Boy as part of their management team 10 years ago. For the last 4 years I have been a member of 3 committees of council, learning a lot about the business side of our city. I am the vice chair of the Economic Development committee and the chair of the Culture Advisory committee.
2) Why are you running for office?
I see that our city is full of untapped potential. I think we need a large change around the council table to bring in a fresh perspective to the way we do business. Too often I hear this, or that, will never work here before anyone has even tried it. With that attitude around the table, nothing will change. I want to see a younger fresher council that won’t be afraid to try new things, and think outside of the box. The old way of doing things doesn’t work very well anymore. It is time to make Cornwall “the” place to live in eastern Ontario. It can be done, but not with outdated thinking.
3) What are the three best things about our community?
Number one is the people. How many times do the people of this city rise to a challenge. Whether it be to help a family in need, or help a charitable foundation reach a goal, or recover from major industrial closures and come out of it with our heads held high, and arguably better than we were before.
Number two would be the amount of upside this city has. We have in front of us, a clear opportunity to reinvent the city of Cornwall, if we refuse to be afraid to take some chances, and shed the (“we don’t need that, or can’t do that here”) attitude.
Number three would be that this is an incredibly amazing place to raise a family. It is safe. It has a world class sporting facility, and with some hard work, we could have a very successful arts and culture scene, complete with an Arts Center for all to enjoy.
4) What are your three priorities to improve Cornwall?
Brining in a new era of accountability. If the city hall makes a mistake, we need to own up to it and not hide it. Our taxpayers need to know where their money is going, good or bad.
A strong focus on economic development, including removing the red tape that small businesses get bogged down in when trying to open a new business.
I would also like to focus on the east end of Cornwall. It seems that areas such as Le Village have been put on the backburner for too long now, and have suffered as a consequence.
5) Who was your hero as a child?
I have never told this person this, but I would have to say my dad. My mom passed away when I was 8, and my dad stepped up made a good life for my brother and I along with the help of my stepmom.
6) If you could brand the Cornwall of the future in one word what would that word be?
Dynamic!
Thanks for the questions,
Todd Bennett
I thought at first,”Where did I see this face before” but when you said Farmboy…it all clicked. Best of luck to you
All the best to you Todd and good luck.
Best of luck to you Tom Bennett and go for it.
Seems to be an electable candidate.
New “Hate Site” started Admin.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/268132703254772/permalink/720151594719545/
Yes wow, there is a free speech group that blocks me and then talks about me. Methinks they aren’t quite clear on the concept of free speech, or hate speech for that matter…
I would have to say this is one of my favorite candidates, he seems genuine and willing to represent the interests of the community. However there are concerns.
He is right the east end has much untapped potential but does he promise to provide the same diligence for the rest of the community?
He is the vice chair on the economic committee and a member of three others. In that time has he and the committees made any viable changes or improvements that will benefit the greater good?
Groups are self sustaining for the most part and not many people want to take accountability for decisions. Those that can provide and are willing to take accountability are often voted off the island so to speak.
I wish you all the best Todd