Dear Christy and Perry,
Thank you for your questions and for letting me know that you intend to share my response. I’m Charles Grin, known locally as Carl, and I’m running for Perry Township councillor.
I share your interest in accountable local government. The Ontario-wide spending figures you cited are a reason to ask careful questions, but conclusions about Perry should be based on Perry’s own records. I have reviewed the public information available to me as a candidate. I have not yet watched the full video series, so I will not claim to endorse its conclusions. Here is where I stand on your eight questions.
1. Sustainable Development Goals: I would first establish whether Perry has formally adopted the SDGs as a planning or reporting framework and what effect, if any, that has on council decisions. I would not introduce a motion to remove a policy before confirming that it exists. Every municipal policy should have a clear local purpose and be defensible to Perry residents.
2. Review of policies and reporting: If a Perry policy or reporting requirement is identified as linked to Agenda 2030 or the SDGs, I would support asking staff to explain its authority, cost, obligations and practical effect in a public report. That would give council and residents facts on which to decide whether a change is warranted.
3. Memberships and partnerships: I support public disclosure of the Township’s memberships and significant partnerships, including their costs, who approved them and what commitments they involve.
There is one documented FCM connection: in 2021, Perry was approved for $33,040 in asset-management funding through a federal program delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Perry’s 2022 asset management plan also acknowledges assistance from FCM and the federal government. Those records establish a funding relationship; they do not establish current membership or an agreement to follow a particular policy framework.
I have not found public records confirming current Perry membership in FCM, ICLEI, U4SSC or C40. I have not won the election and do not have access to the Township’s complete agreements, membership and payment records. If elected, I would ask staff to establish the facts and present a clear public account of any memberships, their costs and their obligations.
4. Grant conditions: Before supporting a significant grant, I would examine and expect public explanation of its material conditions, including the Township’s contribution, future costs, reporting, data-sharing, procurement and policy obligations. Grant funding is valuable when its full terms serve Perry’s interests.
5. Connected infrastructure: Council should know what connected systems the Township owns or uses, what they cost and how information is protected. I support an appropriate public inventory, while keeping sensitive technical and security details protected.
6. Automated decisions: A resident affected by a consequential municipal decision should be able to obtain meaningful human review. The responsible municipal official should be identifiable, and council should oversee the rules governing any automated system used by the Township.
7. Non-digital access: Residents should have practical ways to obtain municipal services without relying exclusively on a computer or smartphone. I would support maintaining telephone and in-person options where appropriate, and assessing cash payment service by service with accessibility, security and cost in mind.
8. Local priorities and declaration of office: I am seeking election to serve Perry residents faithfully and impartially. If elected, I will take the declaration of office required by Ontario law. I cannot substitute a different oath, but I can be accountable to residents for the decisions I make under it.
My broader priorities are responsible finances, dependable roads and services, and protecting Perry’s natural surroundings. You can learn more about my experience and campaign at https://charlesgrin.carlgrin97.chatgpt.site.
Thank you again for the opportunity to respond. I would be grateful for your support here in Perry Township, and I welcome you sharing these answers with your members.
Sincerely,
Charles (Carl) Grin
Candidate for Perry Township Councillor