Q&A with Rideau Lakes by-election candidate: Jordan DeLong

LAURIE WEIR

Residents in South Crosby Ward of Rideau Lakes Township will head to the polls June 26 to choose a new representative. The seat was left vacant on March 4 when second-term councillor Joan Delaney resigned from the position. 

Four candidates have filed their nomination papers, including Dustin Bulloch, Jonathan Carr, Jordan DeLong and Rob Hennessy.

Each candidate was sent a set of identical questions to help voters better understand their priorities, positions and motivations for seeking office. Jordan DeLong is the final candidate to respond. His answers are presented here.

1. Why are you running for council?

I am running for council to create more activities for youth, to bring more young families to the area and to be a voice for the entire community; as everyone that lives here has an equal say in what goes on.

2. What is the top issue facing South Crosby, and how would you address it?

We are lacking in providing youth activities, which I have been working and coordinating ideas with local residents and educators on how to address this. 

Parking around South Crosby Public School is an issue, I see this daily taking my children to and from school and I would work with the community and the Public Works Department to come up with a solution that suits everyone.

3. What would be your first priority if elected?

Assisting in getting the new Youth Committee off the ground and running. I am also currently working on a youth project with key community members, members of Elgin CEC and members of council.

4. How would you improve communication and trust between council and residents?

I would strive to be an active and open listener and take concerns from the community to council. I would be their voice at the table. Transparency, communication and being an open mind to new ideas bridges trust.

5. What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I live in South Crosby Ward 3, in Elgin, and I have been taking action already in my community as a volunteer. During my time volunteering I have listened to the concerns of others and taken action to find solutions. For example, assisting at the outdoor rink to obtain new hoses for flooding and a snowblower to ensure the rink is clean and accessible.

6. a) Council has been criticized for dysfunction and division. How would you help restore trust and stability?

I would encourage council members to listen to each other with open minds and try to get council to a common ground again.

b) Do you support or oppose the mayor’s use of strong mayor powers under provincial legislation?

I oppose the use of the strong mayor powers. I feel this is an attack on our democracy and has no place in small rural communities like ours. We need diverse ideas and voices, not just the voice of one.