Running for RR Town council: Brent Anderson

Political/Community Experience:
Three Terms as Town Councilor for Rainy River; 11 years - Financial Director – RRWT; 6 years – Treasurer for Knox United Rainy River /Stratton Joint Board

Why are you running for office?
I am running for Council because I feel very fortunate to have been able to live and raise a family in Rainy River. I feel that by being a member of Council; a person has the opportunity to contribute in a positive way to improving our Community for those residents currently living here and for those that will be living here in future years.
What do you think the biggest challenge facing Rainy River:
To reverse the declining retail sector and the shrinking tax base. The consequences of these interconnected challenges are vast and impact all residents of Rainy River. We are all personally affected financially, not only by the amount of property taxes and user fees but also for extra costs to seek goods and services outside of our community that are no longer available locally. Our ability as a community to fund basic infrastructure and to provide basic quality services is becoming increasingly difficult as the tax base shrinks.
If re-elected what do you plan to do about it?
I am optimistic these challenges facing Rainy River can be overcome.
The tax burden placed on existing businesses must be addressed quickly to assist our current business’s and make it more attractive for new potential business owners. I will encourage the new Council to reduce business tax rates each of the next four years in a responsible way that will not place excessive tax increases on the residential ratepayers.
We must continue to work with our Economic Development Officials with the RRFDC and others to continue with the search for entrepreneurs that will invest in Rainy River, revitalize the retail sector, create much needed local jobs, and reverse the current trends. I believe it is the responsibility of council to support those individuals or groups that are attempting to invest in Rainy River by establishing a positive business environment in which to operate.
We must continue to leverage the positives of Rainy River to attract those seeking a small safe community in which to raise a family or retire. Rainy River needs to attract new residents and families covering all age groups. Rainy River should not be promoted as mainly a retirement town, a summer only destination, or the perfect Town to raise a family. We must promote Rainy River based on all of the fore mentioned reasons because all are true of our community. The positives are easy for us to point to, affordable housing, access to clinic and hospital, elementary and high school, recreational facilities, and access to fantastic natural resources. As a councilor, I have supported and will continue to advocate for promotional initiatives that I believe accomplish the goal of attracting new residents while being mindful of the limited financial resources available.
We must find ways to ensure continued investment in our basic infrastructure. The past few years we have seen significant investment in our sewer system which has laid the ground work for future expansion. I believe it is now time to dedicate the same commitment to finding ways to move forward with improving all infrastructures.
We must continue to be shrewd with all the financial resources entrusted to Council, especially taxpayers’ dollars. As we work towards addressing the challenge facing us, we must ensure that all monies are spent prudently. Bad financial decisions can have long lasting impacts on a municipality of this size. I will continue to support only the spending requests that have been careful considered and proven to have either a social or financial benefit to the community.
I sincerely appreciate the past support I have received from the residents of Rainy River and I respectfully request your vote for the opportunity to serve as a member in the new council to be elected Oct 25th.
Thank you