Why I am running for FCM 3rd VP

I’m Clark Somerville a Local/Regional Councillor for the Town of Halton Hills and Halton Region. I’m also a candidate for 3^rd Vice President of FCM.

I have served on the Board of Directors and the Ontario Caucus of FCM for the last 4 years on various committees.  I am currently the Vice Chair of the Rural Forum and have served as the Chair of the Housing Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the Social Economic Development Committee.  I have actively participated in the annual Advocacy Days and other FCM events, such as the Sustainable Communities conference.

All of us who run for municipal government have a passion to serve our constituents, to make our communities better and to help plan and guide them into the future.  I share that passion.  We know we need to collaborate, build consensus and listen to our citizens.  We need to be willing to adapt to, and  listen and learn as new items come forward.  The one constant we know, is change.

I feel my background provides me with a unique perspective and balance to represent you as 3^rd Vice President.  My community, while on the edge of the Greater Toronto Area, is both urban and rural.  I see daily the challenges and conflicts that happen as our cities and towns grow and the pressures that it places on our rural and agricultural communities.  As Chair of the Halton Health and Social Services Committee, I see the need for affordable housing and other social programs that assist those in our communities who may be on the lowest spoke of life’s wheel. 

All of us are facing challenges with our infrastructure deficits and tightening budgets. We need to ensure that when we talk about building much needed infrastructure, that it’s not only roads and bridges but also the social infrastructure our communities need.

Over the last few years FCM has made tremendous gains with the Federal Government and we need to capitalize on this and ensure that our voices continue to be heard.  We need to listen to the concerns of our communities and act on them. 

It’s important that all FCM members are able to participate and we must explore innovative ways to engage them.

Municipalities have a role to play in the economic development and the strength of our nation.  Whether it is manufacturing, agricultural, resource based, or tourism, municipalities must be recognised for the role they play in building our nation.  All trade travels on Main Street and we should be treated as partners.

FCM is a dynamic organisation and its 3^rd Vice President should be someone who will work and help advance our agenda.  FCM needs someone who will work to bridge the rural/urban divide that is felt increasingly as Canada grows.  It needs someone with a vision and passion for municipalities.

On June 2^nd Vote Clark Somerville for 3^rd VP of FCM.

Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.  My email is clarks@haltonhills.ca or phone at 905-703-6388.  Visit clarksomerville.com

About Clark Somerville

Growing up on a farm just outside of Acton, Clark saw first-hand the value that agricultural and rural areas play in the vitality of our communities.  Clark has served as a Halton Hills Local Councillor and Halton Regional Councillor for over 17 years His ward encompasses both urban and rural areas, and as a result Clark has continuously advocated for protected the countryside and the Niagara Escarpment from being designated for future highway corridors and growth areas.

Municipally, Clark has served as a member of the Halton Regional Police Services Board, Chair of Halton’s Health and Social Services Committee, Vice President of the Halton Community Housing Corporation and a variety of other committees.

Clark has worked with various community groups such as Poverty Free Halton, and has been an advocate for accessible and affordable housing.  He has supported transit passes for low income earners as well as worked to ensure that all official plans include inclusive neighbourhoods and affordable housing options

During his 5 years working on FCM, Clark has served as the Vice Chair of the Social Economic Development Committee as well as the Rural Forum.  He also served as Chair of the Housing Committee and has been a member of the Municipal Finance and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, Municipal Infrastructure and Transportation, International Relations and the Corrections Canada Working Group along with the DFAIT Working group on trade issues.  He was instrumental in founding the “Men4Women” Group that annually raises money for the Mayor Andree Boucher Memorial Scholarship.  Clark also led a fundraiser for the Angel Street Women’s Shelter, in Iqaluit, which brought much needed supplies to the residents of that area.

“I feel my background and unique perspective provides me with the valuable tools to be the 3^rd Vice President of the FCM, “ said Clark Somerville .  “As a Local and Regional Councillor, I understand the issues facing our communities, whether its immigration services, affordable housing, transit or other services that matter to our residents. There is a need for us to continue to work in partnership with the Provincial, Territorial and  Federal government to ensure our communities are sustainable.”

It’s important  that whoever is elected, understand  the uniqueness of all the areas of our country.  Canada’s rural communities have huge housing challenges as well as infrastructure needs that could cripple their ability to pay.  As our natural resource sectors grow its essential to ensure that the rural communities have the necessary services in place.

“I have the experience and the balance as a Councillor who represents a largely rural and urban area, in the fast growing Greater Toronto Area, to understand and work with all areas of the country.  I believe in being open and approachable and always welcome feedback on all the issues,” commented Clark Somerville “I look forward to and appreciate your support.”

À propos de Clark Somerville

 Ayant grandi sur une ferme juste à l'extérieur de Acton, Clark a vu de première main la valeur que les zones agricoles et rurales jouent dans la vitalité de nos communautés. Clark a servi de Halton Hills Conseiller local et régional pour plus de 17 ans sa paroisse englobe à la fois les zones urbaines et rurales, et en conséquence Clark a toujours pousser en faveur de la protection de la nature et de l'escarpement du Niagara d'être désigné pour corridors routiers futurs et les zones de croissance.

Localement, Clark a servi en tant que membre de la Commission des services de police régional de Halton, présidente du comité des services sociaux et de santé de Halton et, vice-président de la Société de logement communautaire de Halton et une variété d'autres comités.

Clark a travaillé avec divers groupes communautaires tels que la pauvreté gratuite Halton, et a été un défenseur de logements accessibles et abordables. Il a soutenu les titres de transport pour les personnes à faible revenu ainsi que veillé à ce que tous les plans officiels comprennent quartiers inclusifs et des options de logements abordables.

Au cours de ses cinq années de travail de la FCM, Clark a servi comme vice-président du Comité de développement socio-économique ainsi que le Forum rural. Il a également servi en tant que président du Comité du logement et a été membre du comité des finances municipales et le Comité intergouvernemental sur les relations, les infrastructures municipales et transports, relations internationales et le Groupe de travail sur les services correctionnels du Canada avec le groupe de travail du MAECI sur les questions commerciales. Il a contribué à la fondation du groupe "Men4Women" qui soulève chaque année des fonds pour la Bourse d'études pour la maire Andrée Boucher.  Clark a également mené une collecte de fonds pour le refuge de l'Ange, rue des femmes, à Iqaluit, qui a apporté des fournitures indispensables pour les habitants de cette région.

Je croie que ma jeunesse et mes expériences et la perspective unique me fournit les outils précieux pour le 3ème vice-président de la FCM », a déclaré Clark Somerville. «En tant que conseillère municipale et régionale, je comprends les problèmes auxquels font face nos communautés, qu'il s'agisse de ses services en matière d'immigration, le logement abordable, de transit ou d'autres services qui comptent pour nos résidents. Il est nécessaire pour nous de continuer à travailler en partenariat avec les gouvernements provinciaux, territoriaux et fédéral pour que nos collectivités soient durables ".

 Il est important que celui qui est élu, comprenne le caractère unique de toutes les régions de notre pays. Collectivités rurales du Canada ont des problèmes de logement énormes ainsi que les besoins d'infrastructure qui pourrait paralyser leur capacité de payer. Comme nos secteurs des ressources naturelles poussent il est essentiel de s'assurer que les communautés rurales aient les services nécessaires en place.

«J'ai l'expérience et de l'équilibre comme un conseiller qui représente une zone essentiellement rurale et urbaine, dans la région du Grand Toronto et sa rapide croissance, de comprendre et de travailler avec toutes les régions du pays. Je crois qu'il faut être ouvert et accessible et toujours recevoir des commentaires sur toutes les questions », a commenté Clark Somerville" J'ai hâte de vous entendre et je vous remercie de votre soutien. "

New federal long-term infrastructure plan must provide secure, predictable funding for Ontario rural communities, says FCM(26/02/2013)

TORONTO - The federal government's new long-term infrastructure plan must provide secure, predictable funding for rural municipalities, said Federation of Canadian Municipalities' board member Clark Somerville, to delegates gathered today in Toronto for the 2013 Combined Conference of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA).

"Predictable funding is key for good planning, but it is also essential for Canada's long-term economic prosperity," said Somerville. "Without predictable and long-term funding partnerships, it is impossible for rural municipalities to maintain infrastructure that is used not only by rural citizens, but also by the industries operating in rural Canada that form the backbone of our economy and contribute to over 50% of Canada's exports."

Like larger cities, rural communities need a full range of public infrastructure, from roads and water supply networks to libraries and community centres, to protect their quality of life and foster new economic development. With secure, predictable funding, municipalities will be able to budget efficiently and develop long-term repair and replacement plans for aging infrastructure such as roads and bridges, water and wastewater facilities.

"Rural Ontario's contribution is vital to our national economy," said Somerville. "To secure Canada's long-term economic growth, we need rural Ontario communities to have the infrastructure and services to support growing businesses and working families, and compete globally."

The federal government has committed to have the long-term plan in place before current federal infrastructure funding programs expire in March 2014. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) says Canada needs a twenty year plan with predictable funding to fix its crumbling infrastructure. FCM is proposing new investment through predictable programs that will ensure matching provincial and municipal dollars, cut red tape and further leverage private sector investment.

In addition to the ROMA/OGRA conference, FCM is taking part this week to the annual meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, where it will speak to the importance of long-term, predictable infrastructure funding for rural communities.

Regional Councillor Clark Somerville announced his intention to file to run for FCM's third Vice President

For Immediate Release

February 6, 2013

Today, at Regional Council, Halton Hills Regional Councillor Clark Somerville announced his intention to file to run for third Vice President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). He received unanimous support from Regional Council. Councillor Somerville has served as a Board member for FCM for 5 years and is one of 11 elected to serve Ontario. He has served on the rural forum, and committees dealing with Infrastructure, Finance, Social Economic Development  and Intergovernmental relations.

“Clark has been instrumental in advocating for Halton and for the much needed funding for our projects,” commented Regional Chair Gary Carr.  “It’s because of the advocacy efforts of Clark and Regional Council that we have been successful in receiving funding for infrastructure and housing projects across Halton.”

“Clark has the advantage of a balanced perspective on both rural and urban issues,” said Rick Bonnette, Mayor of Halton Hills. “If elected, this will give a stronger voice to FCM about the needs of Canadian communities.”

“After careful consideration and consultation with my colleagues across Canada, I have decided to file my papers to run for third Vice President of FCM,” said Regional Councillor Clark Somerville.  “I am humbled by the support shown by Regional Council, and am looking forward to this opportunity to better represent Halton and advocate for our community’s needs.”

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of Canada’s municipalities, speaking for almost 2000 cities and communities representing 90 per cent of Canada’s population. Its national Board is comprised of municipal leaders from across Canada, and meets quarterly to set policy priorities.  The election will take place at the FCM annual conference in June 2013.

The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 500,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; emergency medical services; waste management; public health; social assistance/Ontario Works; children’s and seniors’ services; social/non-profit housing; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, dial 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca.

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Media Contact:

Mabel Watt

Senior Strategic Advisor

Office of the Regional Chair

905-825-6050

mabel.watt@halton.ca

Town backs FCM infrastructure proposal

With the federal government wrapping up nearly six months of consultations on its long-term infrastructure plan, the Town of Halton Hills is backing the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) proposal that says Canada needs a 20-year plan with predictable funding to fix its crumbling infrastructure.

That’s the message delivered by the FCM recently as it released its recommendations on the Government of Canada’s long-term infrastructure plan.

“A long-term federal funding commitment that reflects the life-cycles of the infrastructure it is meant to fix is needed to allow municipalities to invest wisely and strategically in priority areas over decades, not just years,” said FCM president, Councillor Karen Leibovici. “It also means breaking away from budgets built on application forms and providing a predictable funding envelope for all municipalities.”

“The Town of Halton Hills has benefited from programs such as the Federal Gas Tax Fund and one time programs such as the Economic Action Plan,” said Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette. “With increasingly tightened budgets and rising costs, we need all levels of Government to work together on infrastructure programs. Long term stable funding will allow us to plan our projects and save our taxpayers money.”

The Federation says the inefficiencies and uncertainty resulting from application-based programs is even more acute for smaller and rural communities that do not have the staff resources of larger municipalities.

“As an FCM Board Member it was an honour to work on the Long Term Infrastructure Plan with my colleagues from across Canada,” said Halton Hills Councillor Clark Somerville, FCM Board Member for Halton. “We developed a Plan that recognizes the challenges smaller communities face with replacing our aging infrastructure. It can be difficult to meet the Program requirements due to a lack of staff resources, tight time frames or budget capacity. We must remember that municipalities receive only 8 cents of the Canadian tax dollar but are responsible for over 60% of its infrastructure.”

The FCM proposals also call for an increase in annual federal investments dedicated to municipal infrastructure from $3.25 billion to $5.75 billion to bring it in line, as a percentage of GDP, with historical levels from the 1950s to the mid-1970s that allowed proper infrastructure maintenance and growth.

The money would build roads, bridges, trails, recreation facilities, reduce gridlock and improve quality of life.

The FCM identified in 2007 that the infrastructure deficit in Canada was $123 billion. The Town of Halton Hills has estimated the deficit here at about $153 million.

FCM is proposing maintaining the existing permanent gas tax transfer, but with a cost-of-living indexation to protect its buying power. It is also proposing creating a number of new federal programs designed to efficiently leverage matching investments from municipalities and provinces with a minimum of red tape and bureaucratic costs.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities announces that Regional Councillor Somerville re-elected as Vice Chair of the Rural Forum

Press release from Halton Region on my re election as FCM Rural Forum Vice Chair

Release Date: Sep 10, 2012

The president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Karen Leibovici, has announced that Regional Councillor Clark Somerville of FCM’s Board of Directors has been re-elected as Vice Chair of the Rural Forum. The standing committee advises FCM’s 75-member Board of Directors on the national issues facing Canada’s rural communities.

“I am pleased to have Clark play a key role in our team, and I look forward to working together in the year ahead to advance the interest of local governments,” said FCM president Karen Leibovici.

“Clark has a passion for Rural Canada and has been a strong advocate for it. We have worked well together and I know, with our colleagues in the Rural Forum, we can tackle the challenges we will face in the next year,” added newly reelected Chair David Marit who is also the President of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of Canada’s municipalities, speaking for almost 2000 cities and communities representing 90 per cent of Canada’s population. Its national Board is comprised of municipal leaders from across Canada, and meets quarterly to set policy priorities.

“I am truly honoured to have received support from my Rural Colleagues in my reelection. FCM always tries to have a rural lens on all our work and I look forward to trying to bring a Halton perspective to the national picture,” added Somerville. “The need for all our towns and cities to speak with one voice has never been stronger then what it is now. As Governments balance their books we have to make sure it is not on the backs of local municipal taxpayers”

Councillor Somerville has served as a Board member for FCM for 4 years. He is one of 11 elected to serve Ontario. In addition to the Rural Forum he also serves on the committees dealing with Infrastructure, Finance and Intergovernmental relations. He is also Chair of Halton Region’s Health and Social Services Committee.

“Advocating to promote and protect Halton’s rural communities is important to Halton Regional Council,” said Regional Chair Gary Carr. “The Citizens’ Priorities, Halton’ Region’s 2011-2014 Action Plan, contains several rural priorities and I am pleased that Councillor Somerville can continue to advance these issues in his role on the Rural Forum with FCM.”

FCM’s successful advocacy with the federal government has brought significant benefits to Halton Region over the past five years. From the GST refund to the permanent federal gas tax fund, and now the federal government’s new, long-term infrastructure plan to build the roads, bridges, water and transportation systems Canada needs to support its families, businesses, and national economy.

Beat the heat!

I stole this right from Mayor Ricks Blog! Not plagerism but flattery!

Too Hot? – Town of Halton Hills has Cooling Centres The Town of Halton Hills wishes to remind residents that in the event the Region of Halton issues a “Heat Alert” or if you are suffering from the heat, the Town has designated cooling centres throughout Halton Hills for your relief. Please see attached for details. “We want our residents to know that they have cool, safe places to go to escape from the heat.” says Mayor Rick Bonnette. “We have been in touch with community service providers to inform them of the Towns’ Cooling Centres as they deal first-hand with the people who may be most vulnerable”. During periods of hot weather conditions, particularly when humidity levels are high, the body works extra hard just to maintain a normal temperature. Some medical conditions that can result from exposure to high temperatures include: Heat Cramps These are painful spasms usually in the leg and stomach muscles and usually accompanied by heavy sweating. They can be alleviated by moving to a cooler place and lightly massaging and stretching the affected muscles. People experiencing heat cramps should also sip up to half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Heat Exhaustion During heat exhaustion, a person may be sweating heavily, but their skin may be cool, pale or flushed. Other symptoms are a weak pulse, fainting, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and headaches. Body temperature may be normal but it will likely rise. People suffering from heat exhaustion should lie down in a cool place, loosen or remove clothing and put on cool wet clothes. They should sip water slowly, about half a glass every 15 minutes. Water should be discontinued if they are nauseated. They should seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs. Heat Stroke (also called Sun Stroke) This is a severe medical. Body temperature is high (103° F or 39.4° C) as opposed to normal body temperature of 98.5° F or 37° C, the pulse is strong and rapid, and breathing is shallow and rapid. The person suffering heat stroke may be experiencing throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, have red, hot and dry skin (not sweating), and may become unconscious. This person should be taken to a hospital as quickly as possible. Delay can be fatal. En route, keep the person as cool as possible by removing clothing and sponging with cool water. Heat can also aggravate other conditions such as: • Heart disease, especially high blood pressure • Kidney disorders • Psychiatric disorders During a heat wave, everyone is at risk, but some groups are more vulnerable than others. Those most at risk include older adults (65+), infants and young children, and the chronically ill, including people with asthma. The public is advised to "Beat the Heat" by taking these precautions: • Drink lots of water and natural fruit juices • Stay out of the blazing sun or heat. UV rays are strongest between the hours of 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. • Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors, including gardening and lawn maintenance • Go to places that are air conditioned, including shopping malls, libraries, community centres and movie theatres • The temperature inside of a car is even higher than the temperatures outside. Never leave children, older adults or pets unattended in a car, even for a short period of time If you experience symptoms of heat-induced illness, such as cramping in your arms, legs or stomach, rapid breathing, weakness or fainting, headache and/or confusion, seek medical attention right away. Also, check with your pharmacist to see if your medication has any side effects during extreme heat. During a heat alert, please take a moment to call or visit family and neighbours who may be at risk. We need to ensure the safety of all residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable to the extreme weather. TOWN OF HALTON HILLS – COOLING CETNRES Residents who do not have air conditioning can find relief in Town facilities, such as recreation centres or either branch of the Halton Hills Public Library. During periods of declared heat alert, these facilities will be open during their standard business hours as places of refuge for persons to seek relief from the heat. Please call the facility for their operating hours: Mold-Masters SportsPlex – 221 Guelph Street, Georgetown, 905-877-8488 Acton Arena & Community Centre – 415 Queen Street, Acton, 519-853-0020 Halton Hills Cultural Centre & Library (Georgetown Branch) – 224 Maple Avenue, Georgetown, 905-873-2681 Halton Hills Public Library (Acton Branch) – 17 River Street, Acton, 519-853-0301 Halton Hills Civic Centre – 1 Halton Hills Drive, Georgetown, 905-873-2601 Gellert Community Centre – 10241 8th Line, Georgetown, 905-877-4244 Aquatic Facilities - Daily Recreational Swimming Acton Indoor Pool* (519) 853-3140 Gellert Community Centre* (905) 877-4244 *Admission fees apply. For recreational swimming schedules please call the pool of your choice: Splash Pads - Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Gellert Park (10241 Eighth Line) Dominion Gardens (135 Maple Avenue)

Superior Glove (Prospect Park 30 Park Avenue)