Taxes, infrastructure and safety are priorities for Kevin McGourty if elected mayor of Cramahe Township

Photo provided.

By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

“My agenda will be your agenda,” is the commitment Kevin McGourty is making if elected mayor of Cramahe Township.

While not having a formal platform, McGourty said he is hearing from residents that municipal taxes are too high and that he will study the issue to determine if taxes are equitable.

“I believe some people are paying too much. It doesn’t seem equitable,” said McGourty.

He wants to address the aging infrastructure by prioritizing the most serious needs, followed by examining previous municipal generated infrastructure reports, before commissioning new reports for other projects.

Raising taxes to achieve his infrastructure objectives will not be his first move, rather will look to re-deploy internal spending, while looking for efficiencies.

“That would not be my first choice. I think taxes are already high enough,” he explained.

To reduce road speed and improve traffic safety, McGourty will install traffic calming measures along the Emergency Detour Routes, County Road 2 and Telephone Road.

Addressing violence in the Township, McGourty believes that most violence comes from people being bored. He is proposing “The Mayor’s Committee of Hope,” a volunteer committee, tasked with spreading positivity around the community.

For youth, McGourty will form “The Mayors Mentorship Program,” where motivational speakers will attempt to connect with young people and the parent or guardian. He will continue to support youth sports programs in Colborne and Castleton.

McGourty is contesting for mayor against Sandra Arthur and Bob Culetta. Early voting in Northumberland County opens today.