My First 100 Days as Mayor

I believe residents deserve to know not only what I stand for, but what I will actually do if elected Mayor.

My first 100 days will be about getting to work: bringing Council together, acting on the priorities I’ve heard from residents, and moving forward on commitments that can set the direction for the next four years.

Here’s what I will do:

1. Delegate Strong Mayor Powers back to Council and the CAO
I will delegate Strong Mayor Powers back to all of Council and the CAO, as permitted under provincial legislation, restoring collaborative decision-making and focusing on building a strong community.

2. Bring the new Council and senior leadership team together
I will meet individually with every member of Council and the Town’s senior leadership team to set expectations, identify priorities, understand governance preferences and establish how we will work well together from day one. I will also host a welcome luncheon for the new Council to meet each other and introduce them to senior staff (working with the Clerks team to ensure all rules are followed).

3. Support the implementation of Cobourg Police Service’s crime enforcement strategy
I will continue working with Chief Leather and Cobourg Police Service to support the implementation of its multi-phased crime enforcement strategy.

4. Engage residents in the Official Plan process
I will engage the community in the Official Plan process currently underway to establish clear direction on where and how Cobourg should grow, the types of housing we need, appropriate building heights and the infrastructure required to support growth.

5. Reinstate the Planning and Development Committee
I will reinstate the Planning and Development Committee as part of my commitment to reintroduce advisory committees into Council’s governance structure.

6. Move forward on parks, playgrounds and recreational infrastructure
I will work with Town staff, Council and stakeholders to bring forward priority recommendations for park and playground enhancements and site-mapping options for recreational infrastructure, with realistic timelines and an affordable funding plan that includes sources outside the tax levy.

7. Reprioritize Cobourg’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan
I will reprioritize the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan to help ensure Cobourg grows in a way that is financially responsible, environmentally sustainable and prepared for the future.

8. Establish a permanent Resident Budget Advisory Committee
I will establish a permanent Resident Budget Advisory Committee made up of residents and Council members, embedded in the annual budget process through the Council Procedural By-law and at no cost to taxpayers.

9. Establish a Mayor’s Economic Advisory Roundtable
I will establish a permanent Mayor’s Economic Advisory Roundtable to help Cobourg respond to and attract future economic opportunities, job creation and labour needs, including opportunities connected to the Wesleyville nuclear project, major employers, skilled trades, small business, tourism and emerging industries.

10. Convene a Community Safety Action Table
I will bring together police, Town and County leadership, provincial representatives and community partners to identify immediate prevention measures for our parks and public spaces while strengthening service coordination and support plans for people experiencing crisis.

11. Introduce an Arts and Culture Ambassador Program
I will introduce an Arts and Culture Ambassador Program to help promote Cobourg’s local artists, heritage and cultural experiences.

12. Launch a permanent Community Idea Bank
I will establish a permanent virtual Community Idea Bank where residents can share feedback, suggestions and ideas with the Mayor’s Office on an ongoing basis.

Ready to Work From Day One

This is an ambitious agenda for the first 100 days, and that is intentional.

Cobourg needs a Council that is ready to get to work from day one. My commitment is to bring Council together, focus Town Hall on the priorities residents have asked us to address, and spend less time on conflict and distractions and more time delivering results.

These first 100 days won't be about completing every piece of work. They will be about setting direction, making decisions, launching the work and creating momentum for the four years ahead.

Residents deserve to know not only what I stand for, but what I will actually do if they elect me Mayor.