.png?width=2016&height=202&name=Copy%20of%20YARD%20SIGN%20-%2024%20X%2018%20(2).png "Copy of YARD SIGN - 24 X 18 (2)")
For Deputy Mayor
Kimberly Deyong
519-817-6328 | kingsvillekim@gmail.com
About
Having been a Kingsville councillor for the past four years, I am ready to represent our town at Essex County Council as your deputy mayor.
Our county level of government is responsible for our ambulance service, libraries, physician recruitment and more. One of my biggest complaints in my time on Kingsville council has been the lack of information coming back to our community on these important files. If you elect me deputy mayor, placing me at the County Council table, I will bring the level of transparency, accountability, open communication and responsiveness you have come to expect from me so you are made aware of important discussions and decisions before it’s too late.
When I was first elected to council, I promised to be accountable and a good team player. I will work well with whomever you elect. I am not running as part of a team or slate. I am an independent thinker who tries to represent the best interests of all residents and business owners, and I am committed to directing administration to ensure our town is being well managed.
During this campaign period, I will continue to share my ideas and propose solutions to issues. If what I share is important to you, too, or if you would like to see improved accountability and results at the county level, please support me with your vote for Kimberly DeYong, deputy mayor.
How important to you is public engagement? If you support it, what is your plan for improved engagement of residents in decision-making processes?
It’s extremely important - which is why I consistently pose questions and seek input and promote dialogue on a regular basis - about the work done at the council table and topics of interest in general.
There have been public engagement opportunities where very few people participate and others where we have a packed house - the nature of the issue and timing seem to be key ingredients to residents’ engagement.
If elected, I’m looking forward to a more relaxed committee of the whole for better opportunity for user group and resident input as well as increased working groups and round tables - especially in-person.
One of my biggest complaints about our county council reps is the lack of information coming back to our community and the lack of public input at that level.
There have been public engagement opportunities where very few people participate and others where we have a packed house - the nature of the issue and timing seem to be key ingredients to residents’ engagement.
If elected, I’m looking forward to a more relaxed committee of the whole for better opportunity for user group and resident input as well as increased working groups and round tables - especially in-person.
One of my biggest complaints about our county council reps is the lack of information coming back to our community and the lack of public input at that level.
Our waterfront usage is non-existent. We keep putting money into Mettawas park yet that beach is closed. How can we truly make this into a lakefront community
Council identified waterfront as a priority but it didn't make the list of top 15 to be tackled in the last two years of our term. When we created this list I commented that the public would be disappointed that waterfront wasn't on it.
Recently I inquired about tree trimming in the park to improve views of the water and some trimming at Mettawas was completed. Presently our service level for parks includes cutting grass and tree trimming for health and safety.
Our Kingsville Hort Society does a lot of the beautifying work and they need greater support. If we are going to increase the service level at the parks we will need to review staffing levels.
As for Mettawas development - Tony has indicated the challenges and I share his vision. Add in improved music/arts/culture infrastructure.
I'm glad we moved the splash pad to Lakeside Park. Locating it next to the playground where there was already water and washroom infrastructure saved money and enhanced what is already a great active park - it was the best choice.
The harbour history has been recapped already.
The Marina is a different story all together. A meeting with stakeholders was held earlier this year. A lot of money will need to be invested to make it what the users deserve. The slip fees alone won't cover improvements. Some of the short term goals were met but the marina itself has no master plan to direct future work. I suspect we will need to consider partnering options to make any substantial improvements.
How do you plan to keep Kingsville's rural lifestyle while supporting future development projects?
The expansion of urban is defined and constrained by our settlement area. The province prefers preservation of farm land, thus the pressure to intensify and build up.
If we don't want to expand out we can keep our settlement area at its current defined areas. Land use will be getting reviewed soon - stay tuned for public participation opportunities.