Hello everyone I would like to introduce myself. My name is Rodi Gorrell and my wife and I have proudly called Lake Country home for close to 25 yrs, where we raised two daughters. With a long career as a Golf Course Superintendent I bring decades of hands-on experience managing complex budgets and working with different government agencies, leading teams and maintaining community green spaces. My wife is a small business owner giving our family deep personal roots in the local economy and community. With me running for Lake country council my focus will be on sensible decision making, fiscal responsibility and preserving the natural beauty and character that makes Lake country a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
What Gorrell said at the Rogers tv panel. Each summary was written by AI and checked by a person. The quote under it is exact, and the link opens the video at that moment.
Asked And with that, we'll start with introductions. To the candidates, as a reminder, you have two minutes to present your introduction.
Summary Rodi Gorrell says residents keep raising affordability and sustainability, and says the economy and infrastructure are under strain. Gorrell says Lake Country needs sidewalks, lights and better water. If elected, Gorrell would focus on transparency so residents know what is happening in Lake Country.
And I just want everyone to know that if I get in on council, that one thing that will be is transparency.
Asked What do you think makes Lake Country, Lake Country, and how would you preserve that character as our community grows over the next 10 to 20 years?
Summary Rodi Gorrell says Lake Country is special because it is rural, small and cozy. Gorrell wants to keep that character as the town changes. Gorrell says building should continue, but it must be sustainable and done right.
I'm not saying we don't build, but it's got to be sustainable, and it's got to be done right.
Asked Do you believe there are any urgent needs facing seniors in the community? And if so, can identify one? And do you have any suggestion as to how to address it?
Summary Rodi Gorrell says seniors need more support, including healthcare, doctors and a place to go. Gorrell wants more senior centres and more senior-friendly rentals. Gorrell says seniors who need a ride should have someone to take them.
If they need a ride, there should be someone there to take them somewhere. I know there was some of that being cut back, and we need to take care of those seniors.
Asked What do you believe is the role of a councillor or a member of council in balancing expert advice, public opinion, and long-term planning?
Summary Rodi Gorrell says candidates are interviewing for a job to work for residents. Gorrell says the job requires communication, so people know what council is deciding and doing. Gorrell invites residents to call or email, and says mistakes can be fixed with public help.
And for us to work for you guys, we've got to communicate. Communication, communication, communication. You guys need to know what we're talking about, what we're deciding, what we're doing.
Asked The next question, what do you see as the biggest challenge facing Lake Country over the next four years? What concepts or process or ideas do you bring to help address it?
Summary Rodi Gorrell says affordability is the biggest challenge, along with infrastructure. Gorrell says many new units are coming and people need to be able to get around town. Gorrell wants a water plant, better drinking water and sustainability.
So what we need to do is we need to get our water plant, get a better drinking water, sustainability, and just get everything back in order.
With me running for Lake country council my focus will be on sensible decision making, fiscal responsibility and preserving the natural beauty and character that makes Lake country a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
With a long career as a Golf Course Superintendent, I bring decades of hands-on experience managing complex budgets and working with different government agencies, leading teams and maintaining community green spaces.
Asked Lake Country businesses often struggle to recruit and retain employees because of housing costs and availability. What actions would you support to increase attainable workforce housing?
Before approving a building application the developer would have to agree to provide a certain percentage of the units at a lower rate.
Asked How would you address traffic congestion, parking limitations and transportation challenges affecting employees, customers and commercial deliveries?
Improve on our infrastructure so there are options for ppl to have instead of one direction.
Asked What is your plan to attract new businesses and investment while also supporting established locally owned businesses?
To attract new businesses we need to make it attractive for them to set up shop. Lower the prices of business licensing and a possible tax break for the first 3 yrs that they are here.
Asked At the end of your four-year term, what measurable results should Lake Country businesses use to determine whether you successfully improved the local business environment?
Improve infrastructure so that there is easier access to those businesses.
Asked How would you ensure businesses receive adequate notice and meaningful consultation before roadwork, construction or other municipal projects disrupt access, parking or customer traffic?
I would want to see a district of lake country employee visit the businesses affect and give them a verbal heads up. Notifications through the mail and on the districts website.
