Preserving and improving the unique quality of life in Erin should be accomplished without the burden of high taxes and increased debt, according to Town Council candidate Chris Naraysingh.
He and his family moved here 14 years ago, attracted by the green space, attractive architecture and the friendly community, then moved his business from Brampton in 2006. He operates Rapid Rentals in Erin village, manufacturing and renting material handling equipment.
“Business people are saying that there has to be some change,” he said. “We are at a tipping point in our history. Are we going to go in the right direction to build a better community, or are we going to continue to see taxes driven up, more demand on residents for infrastructure costs and more For Sale signs?”
A sewer system and some growth need to be part of Erin’s future, in order to broaden the tax base, but he says it must be done while preserving the small town atmosphere.
He wants the construction of sewers to be done without any of the costs falling directly on current residents. Funding should come from the federal and provincial governments, developers and private investors through a public-private partnership (P3), he said.
The Town should be more receptive to residents’ needs and requests, and more welcoming to new business ventures, he said, and improvements to the local trails system should be part of a plan to attract more visitors to the area.
“We have to show others that we are very committed to improving the Town, to prove that we are professional and responsible and that we have a vision of where we want to go. It’s going to take a strong group of councillors to make solid, definitive decisions to improve the quality of life for residents.”
The current municipal government has been “dysfunctional” and a “fresh start” is needed to get everyone working together, he said.
Significant borrowing for infrastructure improvements would not be acceptable to him. “If we can’t do it, we can’t do it – we need help,” he said.
His community involvement has included the WECARE program to improve the West Credit River. He was on the steering committee that launched Erin Radio, and chaired the steering committee that brought the Erin Rodeo to town. He is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Erin, and a recipient of their Paul Harris Fellow Award.
He is promoting his campaign on Facebook, at “Chris Naraysingh for Erin Town Council”.
