Happy Labour Day to Peterborough’s workers and their families.

Working for almost 30 years in the public service, I have been a member of several unions, including PIPSC, CUPE and PSAC and understand the valuable role unions play in the lives of workers.

I support the collective bargaining process and the labour movement’s efforts to improve the lives of its members.

We’re all going through challenging economic times, both in Peterborough and across Canada. I'm afraid things may get worse before they get better.

We’ll get through it by sticking together, working with community organizations — including unions — that strive to improve quality of life, and by caring for each other.

Our city’s success requires us to attract more jobs by expanding Peterborough’s boundaries. We need to attract more jobs in all sectors while playing to our strengths in health care, tourism, and arts and culture.

Council needs to help hard-working residents keep more of their hard-earned paycheques by breaking the unsustainable trend of tax increases that have been well above the inflation rate.

We must help those who are struggling, including people who need permanent housing or who are coping with mental health issues or addictions.

Finally, city workers are key to delivering the services we need. I want to make city hall work better by breaking down silos at city hall and improving the delivery of services to residents and businesses.

Between now and election day, I look forward to talking to residents about building a better Peterborough together.

Mike