Zachary Cumming

1. What is your experience with a council.
a) Attended at least 1 meeting
b) involved in a board
c) Was a Council member
d) None of the above

2. What would you like to see remain the same in the Town of Ste Anne? What would you like to see changed?

What I would like to see remain the same is the strong sense of community that makes Ste. Anne such a great place to call home. Having lived here my entire life, I value the small-town feel, the people who support one another, and the opportunities for families and youth to get involved in sports and community activities. I want to preserve that sense of connection and community pride as our town continues to grow.
What I would like to see change is continued improvement in our recreational facilities and programs, opportunities for all residents, and communication between the Town and its residents. As Ste. Anne grows, I believe we need to plan responsibly for the future, make thoughtful decisions about how tax dollars are spent, and ensure residents feel heard and informed. I would like to see us continue building on what already makes Ste. Anne special while finding practical ways to make our community even better for everyone.

3. With the cost of living on the rise, how would you maintain services while not raising taxes?

With the cost of living continuing to rise, I believe it is important for the Town to be responsible with taxpayers’ money while maintaining the services residents rely on. I would focus on reviewing spending, finding opportunities to improve efficiency, and prioritizing the services and projects that provide the greatest benefit to our community.
I would also support transparent financial reporting so residents can understand where their tax dollars are going and what results they are getting. I believe the Town should explore available grants and funding opportunities from other levels of government to help offset costs where possible.
While rising costs can make it challenging to maintain the same tax rates, I believe every option should be explored to control expenses and find savings before considering a tax increase. My goal would be to make thoughtful financial decisions that in turn respect taxpayers, and support the long-term future of Ste. Anne.

4. What would be a strategy you would use to communicate with town residents as a councillor?

My strategy would be to make communication with residents a priority by being approachable, accessible, and willing to listen. I believe communication should be a two-way conversation, where residents not only receive updates from the Town but also have meaningful opportunities to share their concerns, ideas, and feedback.
I would use a variety of methods, including social media, email, phone calls, and conversations with residents in the community, to help keep people informed and make it easier for them to reach me. I would also support clear and regular updates on council decisions, ongoing projects, and how taxpayer dollars are being spent.
Most importantly, I would make an effort to listen to residents with an open mind, follow up on their concerns, and communicate honestly about what can be done. Even when there isn't an immediate solution, I believe people deserve to know that their concerns have been heard and taken seriously. My goal would be to ensure residents feel informed, respected, and that their voices matter in shaping the future of Ste. Anne.

5. What is your platform goal? What would you like the residents to know about you and your campaign?

My platform is focused on helping Ste. Anne continue to grow into a community we can all be proud to call home. Having lived here my entire life, I care deeply about this town and want to contribute to its future in a meaningful way.
My priorities include improving recreational facilities, programs and opportunities for our all ages, listening to residents and making sure their voices are heard, being responsible and transparent with taxpayer dollars, supporting local businesses, and encouraging smart, sustainable growth.
I want residents to know that I am not running because I believe I have all the answers. I am running because I care about our community, I am willing to listen and learn, and I want to work collaboratively with fellow councillors, Town staff, and residents to find solutions.
If elected, I will bring a fresh perspective, a willingness to work hard, and a genuine commitment to the people of Ste. Anne. My goal is to help build on what makes our town special while working toward a future that benefits residents, families and local businesses.