EloraFergusToday asked candidates in the upcoming municipal election to tell us a little bit about themselves and their platform.
Name: Steven Liebig
Occupation: Retired business owner, currently in 32nd year with the Guelph/Eramosa Volunteer fire department
How long have you lived in Guelph/Eramosa? 32 years
Do you reside in the ward you are running in? Yes
Why are you running in this election? Guelph/Eramosa has given my family so much that now is the time to listen and use what I've learned to give back. I've always enjoyed working with people.
What qualifies you to represent your ward? Many years in business, an understanding of our community, volunteering and a desire to use what I've learned to further improve the quality of our township.
Why should people vote for you? Years of business and volunteer work in the community I'm able to bring my experience to council.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of the ward? Ward 3 has many different concerns specific to each area. I would be looking and listening to each individually and acting on what I see and hear.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of Guelph/Eramosa on a broader scale? Rising costs due to Inflation. Council has always maintained budgets at or below inflation while still maintaining our infrastructure. It is important to me to keep this going.
What is the most important thing you want to see changed in Guelph/Eramosa? I would like to keep working on improving and expanding the services that are in place. Also working with local businesses to develop and expand our commercial core.
What services need to be improved in Guelph/Eramosa? Again as a whole the services in place are well managed, I am always interested in listening to people and their concerns then acting on them. One thing we need to do in Guelph/Eramosa Township is to continue to work with and build our business areas.
Is Guelph/Eramosa growing too fast, just the right amount, or not fast enough? I have seen a lot of population growth in the township, while maintaining farmland. I believe we are right where we are supposed to be.
What can be done at the local level about the rising cost of housing? At the township level it is hard to directly change rising costs of housing. If anything I believe house prices in the township will remain strong as we are in a desirable area with great parks, programs and infrastructure.
Do speed limits need to be reviewed in Rockwood and the township? I would say YES. In 2022 it was brought to council for discussion and staff have been doing the work to see what is appropriate. When they come up with the speed which I believe should be 40km/hr it should be complete across the township.
Flashing speed signs have been installed throughout the township. In the 2022 budget five more flashing speed signs were purchased. I believe these are great first steps to get the road speed and safety under control.
How do we make Guelph/Eramosa an even better place to live? Those of us who live in Guelph/Eramosa are blessed to live in an already great township. Continuing to keep budgets efficient and below inflation, maintaining our roads and our parks while supporting and expanding our community events will continue to ensure Guelph/Eramosa Township is a great place to live.
