Roy Macmullin
Candidate Q&A
Q1
What's your top priority, and what's your plan to achieve it?
Council will authorize the development of a program of treatment for all addicted individuals in this city. This requires the cooperation of all parts of the system - Police, Judicial, Health professionals, Provincial government, etc. This is arguably the largest crisis in Moncton and this program would heal both the individuals and the city itself.
Q2
What is your plan to address homelessness in Moncton?
Homelessness has more than one cause but the solution is housing. Moncton needs a "Moncton Housing Corporation" which will be owned by the city operating in a non-profit mode. Twenty percent of total units will be subsidized to avoid ghetto type conditions. This is a counter balance to the private sector housing which while profitable, does not meet the needs of all sectors of society.
Q3
Moncton's policing budget has grown significantly in recent years, yet concern about public safety remains high — how would you approach public safety spending as an elected official?
Police are presently overstretched by the criminal impact of the drug crisis. Solving addiction (see question 1) greatly improves the ability of the police to do more valuable work than "catch and release".
Q4
How do you see Moncton growing over the next decade — where should we build, and how should people get around?
I would like to see Moncton recognize the need for greater density and better public transport to allow Moncton to avoid the present necessity for car ownership.
Q5
Which major developments do you plan to support in the next four years?
I will support those developments that are aligned with our municipal plan, and those that provide affordable housing and a percentage of subsidized housing.
Q6
How will you make life more affordable for Monctonians feeling financially squeezed?
See answer 2) above, and restraint in the budget process. We saw a 16.5% decrease in the municipal tax rate but the provincial evaluation increased by 42% over the same five years. This means a $60 million increase taken from citizens of Moncton.
Q7
Where do you think the city can generate new revenues or find cost savings?
I'm not sure how we would increase the revenue of the city. I would prefer to review expenses.
Q8
What's a decision Moncton council has made in the last four years that you disagreed with, and what would you have done differently?
See answer 6) above related to restraint in the property tax rate. It seems to be excessive.
Q9
Outside of the issues above, what's one thing you'll be focused on that voters might not expect?
One of my interests is public transportation as the capital costs involved with enlarging roads is huge, and the cost to citizens of owning a car can be difficult.
Q10
Tell us something about yourself that voters wouldn't find on your campaign website.
My Facebook page "Roy MacMullin" is where I talk about what I believe is important. While knocking on doors, many French voters are surprised when I speak to them in French given my name. My parents were English and I learned only basic French in school. I learned to speak French when I moved to Moncton in my twenties.
Q11
Final word?
We can solve Moncton's problems. In four years or less I want to hear people tell me that they are not afraid to go to a restaurant downtown. I want to see the end of homelessness and more affordability. We simply need to focus on solutions!