Mayoral Candidate Mario Russo

The below questions were sent to Mayoral Candidate Mario Russo by email. Once an email reply is received, the answers will be uploaded under every question.

1.    Do you agree with the use of Strong Mayor Powers? If elected Mayor, would you use those powers? Why or why not?

2.    If elected, would you support passing the proposed new Site Alteration By-law, or would you prefer improving and strengthening the current Fill By-law instead?

3.    Do you support expanding Caledon’s Fill By-law to specifically address commercial fill operations and fill imported from outside of Caledon?

4.    Residents have raised concerns about groundwater, aggregate impacts, and environmental protections connected to fill operations. What additional safeguards, if any, would you support?

5.    Would you allow the municipality to permit construction fill below the water table?

6.    The last term of Council was often seen as divided. What specific steps would you take as Mayor to improve collaboration, professionalism, and teamwork at the Council table?

7.    Illegal truck yards and illegal land use operations continue to be a major concern for residents. What actions would you take to address these properties?

8.    Some illegal land use properties have later applied for amendments to become legal. Do you support allowing properties operating illegally to seek approval after the fact? Why or why not?

9.    You have previously voted in favour of permitting certain illegal land use properties to become compliant through rezoning. If elected Mayor, would you continue supporting this approach?

10.Other than approving zoning into compliance, what plans do you have to reduce and prevent illegal truck yards and illegal land use operations in Caledon?

11.What measures would you support to strengthen by-law enforcement and ensure quicker action against repeat offenders?

12.OPP patrol hours in Caledon have reportedly decreased significantly over the past two years. What would you do to advocate for increased patrol hours and stronger policing presence in the community?

13.Do you believe Caledon residents are currently receiving adequate policing coverage? Why or why not?

14.Do you agree or disagree with the privatization of our water infrastructure and delivery services?

15.Please outline your position on the creation of data centres in Caledon.

16.How would you balance growth and development while protecting Caledon’s rural character, farmland, and natural environment?

17.What are your top three priorities for Caledon over the next four years if elected Mayor?

18.How will you ensure residents feel heard and involved in decision-making processes at Town Hall?

19.What changes, if any, would you make to improve transparency and accountability at the Town of Caledon?

20.Do you support more public consultation before major planning and policy decisions are made? If so, what would that look like under your leadership?

21.In situations where the province is demonstrably acting against the best interests of the residents of Caledon, will you speak up to the Premier and relevant Ministers on our behalf?

22.What is your long-term vision for Caledon as growth pressures continue?

23.Do you believe the number of Integrity Commissioner complaints filed by staff and members of Council against fellow members of Council during the last term reflects a healthy and professional working environment at Town Hall? Why or why not?

24.Why should residents trust you to lead Caledon through the next term of Council?

25.What conflict of interest do you have, if any, that will prevent you from voting on things that will brough before council and prevent you to represent your constituents?

26.How long have you been a resident of Caledon?