| KARMA KORNER - This Page is a BITCH |
| Martin joins Fort Erie mayoral race RAY SPITERI Wednesday, August 02, 2006 - 02:00 Local News - After serving 12 years as town councillor and the past nine as regional councillor, Doug Martin will be seeking Fort Erie's top job come November. Martin declared his candidacy for mayor at the Bridgewater Country Club Tuesday evening - two weeks after incumbent Mayor Wayne Redekop announced he won't be running for a fourth term in the fall. "I did not make this decision lightly," Martin said to a room full of family, friends and supporters. "I understand the commitment and responsibility of the job. I can give you the experienced, effective leadership that is necessary to be the mayor of this great town." Martin becomes the third candidate for the mayoral seat. Crystal Beach businessman John Papadakis was the first to file nomination papers at the town clerk's office in March. Fort Erie Coun. Tom Lewis did the same in July. Martin, who is also a member of the Niagara Regional Police Services board, said in the next four years, Fort Erie will experience new horizons, new challenges and new goals. The No. 1 key to the town's future, he said, will be economic development and growth. "As chairman of finance (at the region), I was able to lower the industrial tax burden, so that we are now competitive in attracting new business and industry. "We need to continue working together with the economic development teams of the four large municipalities and the region to promote and assist each other for the common goal of bringing the good manufacturing jobs to Fort Erie and Niagara." Martin said planning must be balanced between respecting the rights of the owners and protecting and regenerating the town's natural heritage. "Past parkland dedication was for active parks with ball diamonds and soccer fields. Now, the focus is on passive parkland in a natural setting and that can be accomplished. "But there must be a balance. When it's all or nothing, it usually ends up with nothing." Martin said when he was first elected to Fort Erie town council in 1982, his father told him to "follow the money," and that over the years, he has prided himself on "sound financial accountability." "I recognize that the town is a business. You can't do what you can't afford. "If you wouldn't do it at home, then you can't do it here." (Editor's Note: Don't you just love that last remark? ) |
| Let's start right in with Doug Martin's Announcement of his Candidacy: |