Grant Deme photo
Perth’s mayoral candidates offered different answers when asked whether they would use strong mayor powers at last week’s All Candidates Meeting in the town.
The discussion touching on local democracy, business investment and the town’s approach to development.
Stephanie Drummond supported using the tools available to the mayor. David Byrd and Isabelle Anne McRae opposed the powers. Ed McPherson focused on planning and development without stating whether he would use them.
Drummond said business owners have described lengthy planning processes and unclear answers, with some abandoning projects or taking their investment elsewhere.
She wants the planning department to help projects move forward through a clearer, more streamlined process. Asked about strong mayor powers, she outlined what would guide her approach.
Bird argued decisions should remain with council as a team. He said allowing a mayor and a minority of councillors to make decisions would undermine that approach.
He also challenged suggestions that permitting problems necessarily originate with the town, saying provincial requirements account for many applications being turned down.
McRae raised concerns about powers being used to benefit developers and advance projects without sufficient consideration for environmental impacts.
She supported making the development support team more visible, improving efficiency and tracking approval times. She also credited planning staff with improving consultation and introducing updated software.
Her objection centred on the role of elected representatives.
McPherson used his response to defend the town’s development record and explain changes to its permitting process.
He said incomplete applications create additional work for staff and frustration for developers.
McPherson said staff must follow planning rules. His response did not establish a position for or against using strong mayor powers.
