Sue Munro is running to be Reeve of Tyendinaga Township. (Photo/submitted)
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
My roots run deep in Tyendinaga, as my family, Lazier, were one of the first founders. I was raised on a dairy farm on Blessington Road and left to complete my Registered Nursing education, returning in 1977 and raising my family in Tyendinaga. One daughter still resides in this township. I have been active in our community for many years, including 4-H in my youth and more recently the Women’s Institute, and active involvement in Melrose United on the fundraising committee and having taught Sunday School the past 10 years. I am also a Fair Adjudicator and judge at many of the local fairs, including the Quinte Ex. As well I participate in Tyendinaga Township Library’s annual craft sale.
Professionally I was a nursing manager at Quinte Health Care for 20 years. I have had experience dealing with various provincial ministries, including appearing last year at Queens’ Park before a Standing Committee on Justice Policy. I currently sit as the Policy and Political Action officer for the Ontario Environmental Nurse’s Interest Group under the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO). Recently, in this role, I presented with a colleague to the Canadian Nuclear Safely Commission.
PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
My experience in the management role has given me insight in to delicate handling of confidential matters while at the same time addressing concerns as well as team building and management of budgets,strategic planning, etc.
Elected to the office of Policy and Political Action, Ontario Environmental Nurse’s Interest Group, RNAO
I have successfully chaired a citizens group to ensure sustainable development in Tyendinaga.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?
I believe that it is time to establish a framework for Tyendinaga Township moving forward. Census Canada Statistics show that Tyendinaga Township is growing at 3.5% compared to 1.1% for Hastings County. This growth is encouraged, but at the same time we must ensure sustainable development. I believed this can be accomplished by building on the current situation and improving our outcomes using the following four pillars:
VISION FOR THE FUTURE – Strategic Planning to ensure there is a plan for sustainable development that is responsive to growth requirements such as long-term planning for road reconstruction and increasing our networking with neighbouring communities re internet delivery, etc. A review of existing bylaws to ensure they are current and meet community needs to occur.
TRANSPARENCY – Posting of meeting and agenda’s in a timely manner, posting of our township budget and bylaws available on the web or upon request.
ACCOUNTABILITY – The buck stops at the council level! I believe that can be greatly improved upon from our current situation
OPEN COMMUNICATION – This is an area that greatly needs to be improved. Established families tend to have linkages whereas I am hearing from newer constituents that many do not feel they are kept informed. I believe that we need to improve our communication strategies as well has provide regular informal venues for citizens to have their say.
Incumbent Reeve Rick Phillips. (Photo/submitted)
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
I have been a resident of our Township for over 57 years and married to Cheryl (Cross) for 44 years. We have two children, Mike & Tim. Both happily married and living in our Township. We have five Grandchildren. Sarah, Sam, Ellie, Katie and Sophie.
I was employed with CN Rail & the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees for 33 ½ years.
PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Elected as Councilor in the Township of Tyendinaga – 2006
Elected as Reeve in Tyendinaga Township – 2010
Acclaimed as Reeve of Tyendinaga Township – 2014
Elected to the position of Warden for Hastings County on June 29, 2012 and held that position for 4 ½ years until December 2016. (Elected 4 times)
Elected as Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus (EOWC) (1 year term) – 2013.
Current serving as a member of:
Hastings County Council where I serve on various committees, including Chair of Finance, Property and Personnel
The Hastings/ Prince Edward Health Board
The Board of Directors for the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN)
The Board of Directors for the Belleville General Hospital Foundation
The Hospice Quinte Building Committee
The United Way Hastings and Prince Edward Youth 2 Youth Committee
And an Ambassador for the 60th United Way anniversary community campaign
Volunteer supporter of various charities and organizations including our Local Food Banks, Shannonville Agricultural Society, Community Care for South Hastings, Canadian Cancer Society, Children’s Foundation and the Rick Meagher Charity Golf Tournament.
Received Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 in recognition of service to Canada.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?
I have had the privilege of serving you, your family and our community for the last 12 years, from 2006- 2010 as a Councilor, and from 2010 to the present as your Reeve.
I have worked with three dedicated Councils and an excellent staff. Together we have succeeded in moving our community forward in a very positive way. We have a state of the art Recreation Facility, a modern and well maintained Library, and a well- equipped Transfer Station. Our Roads Department serves us well and continues to provide us with safe roads in all seasons and, in addition, rebuilds many our roads saving you thousands in contractor’s costs.
We have no debt.
Our Township has the lowest poverty rate in the surrounding area but we still have much work to do to help those who need us.
At our Recreation Facilities we provided sports activities for over 600 children and adults in 2018. 326 in soccer, 280 in Baseball, 14 — 3 pitch teams and numerous volleyball teams. Many of these activities have local sponsors and are run with volunteers.
I, along with Council have always put the needs of our Township first. There may be times when we do not agree, but when a decision is made, we move on. We must look at both sides of every issue and in doing so make decisions for the good of the entire population. We have worked very hard to keep taxes at a minimum and still supply the services needed.
We live in one of the Best and fastest growing Municipalities in the area and I am proud to be a part of making Tyendinaga Township what it is today.
