Community Service
Volunteer firefighter in Alnwick-Haldimand, serving alongside neighbours and supporting the community close to home.
DAVE FORBES
FOR DEPUTY MAYOR
Forbes for Change
A Stronger, More Accountable Alnwick-Haldimand
Local experience. Practical leadership. A commitment to the future of our Township.
WHY I'M RUNNING
Our Township deserves a strong voice and accountable leadership.
I have lived in Alnwick-Haldimand Township for roughly 37 years. I care about this community, its people and its future. I believe it is time for a practical, responsible approach to local government that listens to residents, respects taxpayers and plans for the long term.
This campaign is about real change: better communication, greater accountability and making decisions with the future of Alnwick-Haldimand in mind.
THE PLATFORM
Practical priorities for a stronger Township.
These are the principles that will guide how I approach the role of Deputy Mayor.
01
OPEN GOVERNMENT
Transparency & Accountability
Residents deserve clear information, open communication and accountability for municipal decisions. Council should make it easy for people to understand what is being discussed, what was decided and why.
That means better access to agendas and reports, clearer updates after meetings and meaningful opportunities for residents to participate.
02
RESPECTING TAXPAYERS
Fiscal Responsibility
Every tax dollar matters. Council needs to understand the Township's financial position, plan beyond the next budget year and make investments based on need and long-term value.
I support an independent external financial review and, where justified, a forensic audit so residents can have confidence in the numbers and the practices behind them.
03
PROTECTING WHAT MAKES US HOME
Responsible Growth
Growth should be deliberate, incremental and aligned with the infrastructure and services needed to support it. We can welcome new residents and opportunities without losing the rural character that makes Alnwick-Haldimand special.
Farmland, environmental areas and the character of our existing communities deserve to be considered in every major growth decision.
04
PLANNING FOR THE LONG TERM
Infrastructure
Roads, bridges, water systems, recreation facilities, municipal buildings and local halls all compete for limited funding. Priorities should be based on condition, public need, safety and long-term cost.
I won't pretend every answer is obvious before having all the information. Existing commitments need to be reviewed carefully, particularly where reversing course would cost taxpayers even more.
05
A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY
Local Business & Agriculture
Local businesses, farms and tourism operators are part of the economic backbone of our Township. Municipal government should be a practical partner rather than an unnecessary obstacle.
That means reducing avoidable red tape, improving the permitting experience and creating better opportunities for local businesses to bring concerns and ideas directly to Council.
06
A COMMUNITY FOR EVERY GENERATION
Housing & Community
Seniors, young families and first-time homebuyers all need appropriate options. The Township can support sensible housing choices such as secondary suites and modest infill while making sure growth fits available infrastructure and services.
Strong communities also depend on recreation, local halls, volunteers and places where neighbours can connect.
MEET DAVE
Service, experience and a connection to this community.
My background has taken me through public service, industry and volunteer service in our community. I have served as an RCMP officer, built a career as an industrial electrician and controls professional, and volunteered as a firefighter in Alnwick-Haldimand.
Those experiences taught me the importance of preparation, sound judgment, accountability and working with people to solve problems.
I'm running because I believe our residents deserve a municipal government that listens, communicates and makes decisions with the long-term interests of the Township in mind.
A RECORD OF SERVICE
Public service, community service and practical experience.
Public Service
Experience as an RCMP officer reinforced the importance of judgment, accountability, communication and service to the public.
CORE VALUES
HIPCAR: the standard I would bring to Council.
During my time in the RCMP, the core-values framework I worked under was summarized as HIPCAR: Honesty, Integrity, Professionalism, Compassion, Accountability and Respect. Those principles continue to shape how I approach difficult decisions and how I would serve as Deputy Mayor.
Honesty
Be straightforward about the facts, the options and the reasons behind a decision. Residents should not have to guess what Council is doing or why.
Integrity
Make decisions consistently and on principle, including when the easier choice would be to avoid a difficult issue.
Professionalism
Come prepared, focus on the issue in front of Council and treat the responsibilities of public office seriously.
Compassion
Remember that municipal decisions affect people, families, farms and businesses. Listen carefully before deciding.
Accountability
Own the decisions you make, explain your reasoning and be willing to have the results measured and questioned.
Respect
Treat residents, Township staff and fellow members of Council professionally, including when opinions differ.
These values do not mean everyone will agree with every decision. They mean residents should be able to expect a consistent standard for how I approach the job.
MORE THAN A SLOGAN
Real change requires asking the right questions.
I don't believe every municipal issue can be solved with a simple campaign promise. Some decisions require more information, careful review and conversations with the people who will be affected.
As Deputy Mayor, I would approach major decisions by asking what problem we are trying to solve, what the long-term cost will be, what alternatives exist and whether residents have been given a meaningful opportunity to understand and participate in the process.
FORBES FOR CHANGE