There will be a mayor's race in West Nipissing this fall.
Councillor Dan Roveda says he is running and has a 10-point plan he wants to implement, emphasizing he is a “person of principle” who believes in “strong leadership” for the community. Roveda is “totally committed to moving forward” the business and goals of the municipality he says in a release.
Roveda is a lifelong resident of West Nipissing, and with his wife, Cynthia, has raised three children in the community. He currently serves as a member of council representing Ward Four and has volunteered on many committees and boards.
He has served on the West Nipissing Planning Committee, chaired the Water and Sewer Committee, and held the vice-chair seat at the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board. Roveda was also the president of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board Community Services Committee and was a North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit member.
“With my experiences in these positions, combined with my overarching appreciation for our community and knowledge of our model of local governance,” Roveda said, “it will be possible to reunite council and staff to ensure that our municipal government is moving forward in a linear and consistent fashion for the betterment of all residents.”
“My formal education is in a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University,” Roveda mentioned, and this foundation led to a nearly 40-year career in public service “across all levels of government.” He has experience as an employment counsellor, manager, regional manager, and director, all of which “has allowed me to work for the betterment of all residents in West Nipissing and beyond.”
This work experience “has provided me with the necessary skills to not only become a competent mayor but to also assume the role of a strong community leader who promises to forge a pathway for council to move forward.”
In addition to his administrative experience, Roveda has dedicated much time to West Nipissing Cycle for Charity, the Community Health Centre, the Sturgeon Falls Beautification Group, the Nordic Ski Club, West Nipissing AA Hockey, and other organizations. “A community is the sum of its parts,” he said, which drives him to volunteer “throughout all facets of our community.”
As a councillor, Roveda noted his focus has been to “ensure that our community has well-developed plans and directions,” and he is a strong advocate for a municipal strategic plan, a doctor recruitment plan, and an asset management plan.
He has also worked with municipal staff to advocate for a plan to improve the water quality in Verner, install sidewalks “for students in areas where safety concerns were raised,” and lobby for safer roads “along with developing other essential infrastructure projects.”
As for his 10-point plan, Roveda has outlined a commitment to growing municipal infrastructure, promoting a healthy community, and providing access to affordable housing, medical care, and services for our elderly. He plans to increase and support local business, promote economic development, and implement a municipal strategic housing and land use plan and use them “as our road map.” Working with staff, stakeholders and other levels of government is Roveda’s ninth point, and his tenth is “a vision of our community based on everyone’s input with emphasis on youth, young adults, families, and seniors.”
“If elected to be the next Mayor of West Nipissing,” Roveda said, “I will continue to search for ways to be involved in our community, advocate for affordable housing, business development projects, and respite programs for elderly persons.”
“Let us move forward with direction and strong leadership.”
For more information and campaign updates, you can follow Roveda’s Facebook page “Dan Roveda 4 Mayor—Moving Forward.” Roveda is the second candidate in the running for West Nipissing’s mayor, as Kathleen Rochon announced her candidacy in mid-June.
See: Kathleen Rochon is West Nipissing’s first mayoral candidate
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
