Cambridge MPP Rob Leone was pleased to be joined by councillors Karl Kiefer and Frank Monteiro to reinforce the need for improving communication between all levels of government. The meeting comes as part of consultations held across the region Monday that also included PC municipal affairs critic MPP Steve Clark.
“It’s never been more important for all politicians representing Cambridge to find the best way possible to serve the needs of our residents,” said Leone.
Among the ideas discussed, having two regional councillors attend Cambridge town council meetings to better facilitate an open flow of communication. In the current model, the regional councillors serve exclusively on regional council only.
“We’re open to all ideas,” Leone continued. “We have hard working forward thinkers at all levels of government in Cambridge and no shortage of ways to improve our region.”
PC Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark, who served as the mayor of Brockville at age 22 and has participated in these discussions from both sides of the table, agreed that municipalities and regions should be looking continually for common ground.
“The key is to keep an open dialogue,” Clark said. “If that means a different role for our regional councillors, I think it’s something that should be explored.”
Leone will meet with Mayor Doug Craig and with representatives from the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce during Monday’s meetings. Making government more efficient and allowing the private sector to grow the economy has topped Leone’s list of priorities since coming to office.
“At the end of the day Cambridge residents are less concerned with the inner workings of government, as long as their concerns are heard and voices are represented,” he concluded. “It’s up to us to find a workable solution.”
For further information, please contact:
Cal MacLellan
Office of Rob Leone
416.325.8451