" George McDermott On Youth "

I have always been a big supporter of youth programs in our community and have taken an active role over the past 48 years as a volunteer in many different areas.
I am a former President of the Greater Fort Erie Minor Ball Association , a position I held for five years. Our board was proud to sponsor many tournaments in our town including the Ontario Grand Championships  two years running ,one of those resulted in The Fort Erie Midget Girls winning the Gold Medal .
For the past 22 years I have served as a YMCA Basketball coach .It goes without saying that coaching youth basketball has been my joy and passion having coached over 30 teams .
I have always been one to teach my players more than the sport I am coaching. I teach them that focus and discipline means everything in life whether you are playing sports .working in the classroom or working  at your job. I teach them to be generous with each other and to give back when they have the opportunity and I teach them to be their best when they play whether they win or lose .
                                         I have a great optimism about youth in our community . The young people that I have been in contact with  over the years have been respectful to me and each other and volunteer in many areas of our Town . The majority of them are either in or going to University  now and I gladly write letters of support  for scholarships or  part time jobs they are looking for because they are focused on getting somewhere.
                                       We are blessed with many programs for youth in this town , whether it's the YMCA or The Boys and Girls Club , after school programs , sports groups ,or the Cadet Corps there is lots of opportunity for young people to socialize and thrive in their community. I thank all the volunteers that make these programs a reality because they are making a big difference in all of our lives.
                                      We need to be focused on creating an economic climate over the next number of years that will make it easier for our local youth to find employment after college or university right here in Niagara. If elected I will work  with the Mayor and Council , our Regional Councillor along with the Province to see what measures can be taken to improve this  serious situation of youth unemployment. This is just a portion of the " Putting People First Campaign " platform.
 

Growth and Development Part 1 of 2

I must say the more I speak to people in our community, the more I know about their concern that we as a town are not growing quick enough. I also share that view.
It is clear we need to increase our efforts and find new and creative ways to grow our residential tax base .We need new residents to share our tax burden with . Our patient business districts need them to sustain their bottom line . It goes without saying that new residents spur new commercial development and with that comes jobs.
Clearing the pathway to the Canadian Motor Speedway is a huge piece of our economic puzzle .Council must do everything it can to make this development a reality .There are many potential economic spin-offs than can come from this project  that can only bring even more economic opportunities to Fort Erie.
                                          As candidates for council we must know and understand the needs of our local business community .During the by election I attended a meeting with the Premier and business people from all walks of Fort Erie life .Each representative had an opportunity to speak to their different issues . We as a council have to make sure that we follow up with Queens Park on all of those concerns whether that be the high cost  of power , or over regulation .I think its our duty to try and find solutions on each and every issue and I can assure the business community that if I am elected I will follow up and try to find resolutions to those concerns. Eliminating some of these concerns could save companies a great deal of money and possibly free up money for new jobs or expansion.
                                         I am hopeful that we can get fully back on track with negotiations on the New Marina Project  as it's a very important  development for our community. There are many possibilities with this project so I will have a keen eye on the progress being made there , that's for certain.
                                         This is just the first of a series of two post on growth and development .Please look for the second in the series on Saturday evening. It is my campaign motto to " Put People First " which I can assure you are not just hollow words . It is a promise I can keep !