Bio:
Gary Gardiner was born in Chatham, Ontario in 1954. He attended high school in Waterloo and then went to Simon Fraser University in British Columbia on a wrestling scholarship. After graduating with a BSC in Kinesiology and Computer Science, Gary pursued a career in High Performance Sport. His career culminated as National Team Director of Wrestling Canada for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and then later as CEO of Judo Canada.
In 1997, Gary moved from Ottawa to North Bay to be with his partner Catharine Hunter. After renovating their first home, he realized that he had an ability and love for building. Gary has since received his licenses to build and design homes and has enjoyed a successful second career.
Gary has gradually become involved in the local political scene. As he was reading the Nugget one night and ranting as usual he was told, “You can’t just continually complain unless you are going to do something about it.” So Gary did. He fought the inequalities in the water billing system when water meters were first introduced, he is trying to save Kings’ Landing Wharf and most importantly he is trying to ensure that our city is run openly and honestly.
Platform:
This is a summary of Mr. Gardiner’s platform which is titled “10 ways to Build a Better Community”. The complete details of each plank can be found on his web-site at aGameChanger.ca
Plank 1 spoke to his proposal to create a “Community Investment Fund” in order to support activities in the arts, culture and leisure areas. He was clear that this money would come from Casino revenue and not from the general tax levy.
Plank 2 addressed the need for “Better Leadership”. He spoke specifically to why it was important and what his qualifications, attributes and values are that would position him to take on this important role.
Plank 3 advocated for a “Water Rate Stabilization Fund”. The role out of the new water metre system and associated billing structure is what initially caused Mr. Gardiner to get involved with the City and he was successful in affecting positive changes through working in a respectful and persistent manner with both staff and elected officials.
Plank 4 tackled “Transparency, Accountability, and Integrity”. Mr. McDonald’s team would have you believe that bringing up his track record is negative and therefore should not be supported come Election Day. We cannot expect a new Mayor and Council to affect positive change if they do not do a thorough assessment of how business has been conducted in the past. Sticking your head in the sand or doing the same old thing and expecting different results are not just ridiculous it’s dangerous. An honest and frank discussion of the recent track record of the organization and its leader is not being negative, it is being a prudent business leader.
Plank 5 relates to the creation of a “Senior’s Advisory Council”. Mr. Gardiner acknowledges the contributions that this group, comprising of over 30% of our population, has made to the community. This is a proactive and sensible strategy that allows seniors direct input as to present challenges and opportunities that they are facing in the community.
Plank 6 is about “Responsible Property Taxes”. This platform speaks to the advantages North Bay has to offer but recognizes the importance of carefully planned spending on strategic, realistic, and prioritized needs not frivolous wants.
Plank 7 acknowledges the need for “Job Growth” and poses the question “How Might We?”
This plank addresses the importance of stemming the problem of our youth leaving to find meaningful jobs elsewhere. Mr. Gardiner advocates a planned, co-ordinated approach that removes redundancy and focuses on concrete results.
Plank 8 talks about “Responsible Growth.” It highlights the need for North Bay to maximize its investment in existing infrastructure as a preferred method to grow the city. He favours infill over needless expansion of water, sewer and roads to vacant lands. Expansion is of little benefit to existing ratepayers, but adds to overall operating cost.
Plank 9 speaks to “Community Safety.” Unfortunately North Bay has not been immune to drug addition and its consequences. Mr. Gardiner is advocating for a task force that will find solutions to the problem within a specific time frame.
Plank 10 indicates the “Effective Communication” is essential with the community, council and staff so that we can work together for a safe, prosperous North Bay that we can once again say we a proud to live, work and play in the Bay.
