Smiths Falls’ mayoral candidates see value in keeping the town’s police service, but differ on how open they are to considering the OPP.
Costs, accountability and local control shaped their answers during the all-candidates meeting, with each outlining how they would approach policing as mayor.
All audio in this story is courtesy of YourTV Smiths Falls.
Nate Morris said conversations with residents revealed common ground between people who favour the local service and those who prefer provincial policing. He described his assessment of public opinion as unscientific, based on his own discussions.
Morris said many residents on both sides want changes, including greater transparency and better cost control. He identified police body cameras as one measure he supports.
He also argued that democratic oversight is a significant benefit of a municipal service and rejected suggestions that candidates should not advocate for police reform.
Chris Cummings drew on his eight years on the police services board and his involvement with the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards.
He recalled representatives from communities served by the OPP warning him against giving up local control.
Cummings acknowledged that policing accounts for a significant share of the municipal budget. He said interviewing candidates for a new police chief would be an early priority if elected and recalled working with previous chiefs to find savings.
Peter McKenna argued that changing services during the next four years would divide the community at an already challenging time.
McKenna said serving on the police services board as mayor would give him an opportunity to help shape the budget with the chief.
He also said population growth had reduced policing costs per resident, moving Smiths Falls closer to the provincial average, although he acknowledged those costs remained above average.
