Bio
My name is James Dougall, originally from Victoria BC, moved to alliston when I was 18 and started to work at F&P.. decided to stay in alliston as I’ve grown to love it. Met lots of people here, raised a family and am now Supervising at Honda Plant 2 for a company called Leadec. I decided I wanted to help my community and help New Tecumseth grow.
Platform
Growth pay for growth
Questions
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
As a resident of 20+ years, I’m concerned about the town’s appropriation of funds for much needed repairs. I’ve seen a steady decline in this regard over the years. I need to know that our mayor and council will put the town’s needs first - such as much needed proper repair of our town roads, using your voice to push for a new high school - for example.
As mayor, what can you say to instill some hope and faith that these needs will be met?
Answer
The new high school is a must, and I'll keep pushing for it. We are repairing some roads as we speak, and keeping our roads in good shape stays a priority.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
Why did downtown Toronto, next to subways and one of the largest cities in North America, allow backyard chickens as a pilot and we can’t try it as a rural town?
Answer
I'm not opposed to backyard chickens. Food isn't getting any cheaper, and we need to think of ways to help residents reduce their costs.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
Many people choose to live here because they want small town character and little or no growth at all. At the same time, the province is requiring municipalities to accommodate significant growth and new housing. How do you plan to balance those competing pressures — meeting provincial growth targets while still preserving the character and quality of life that residents value?
Answer
We can meet growth targets by utilizing unused properties and allowing second dwellings in basements where possible — gentle density that fits the town. What we should avoid is tall buildings that change the character of our community.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
What is your opinion on updating all traffic lights to be more responsive to traffic conditions instead of sitting at lights with no traffic!
Answer
That makes sense to me — traffic lights should respond to actual traffic instead of keeping drivers waiting at empty intersections.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
In your opinion, what is the best way to reduce homelessness in New Tecumseth? Further, are there any actions you are currently involved in that is meant to help this issue?
Answer
The best way to reduce homelessness is affordable housing, plus transportation so people can get to and from work. I'm advocating for affordable housing.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
Seasonal off-leash dog areas
Some municipalities, including Toronto, use seasonal off-leash designations to make better use of park spaces when they aren’t being used for their primary purpose.
Could the Town consider a similar approach here by designating certain sports fields or other suitable public spaces as off-leash dog areas during their off-season? This could provide residents with more legal opportunities to exercise their dogs off leash without requiring the Town to create entirely new dedicated spaces.
Answer
I agree — using off-season sports fields as off-leash dog areas makes sense. Dog parks in the middle of town create a lot of noise for nearby residents, so putting them on fields away from homes is the better approach.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
Would you support a new Beeton arena, even though it will lead to an approximately 5% property tax for this project alone?
Answer
No, not at all. We already have rinks available, and property taxpayers do not want an increase in taxes.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
Do you think it was the right description to build an ice rink over a pool, even though the town desperately needed a pool?
Answer
No — I think the pool is needed more.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
Do you feel about the 5% tax increase to build another arena before we build a pool?
Answer
I don't think building another arena was wise — we already have numerous rinks. If anything, we need an indoor public pool. And I don't want taxes to increase, so I'd fund it through development charges and grants instead of property taxes.
Asked by Anonymous · 22 days ago
What is your plan on cleaning up the drugs and homelessness in Alliston?
This is an ongoing safety concern for residents and businesses. I understand these are people that need help clearly they are not getting that help here.
Answer
This problem also seems to be getting worse. I'll address the drug side with our police force and look into what resources are available for the homeless situation.
Questions go through a quick review before appearing publicly.