THE SIXTH OF MY SUMMER SERIES COLUMNS - Rick Kerr

THE SIXTH OF MY SUMMER SERIES COLUMNS * A CONVERSATION WITH RICK KERR * THERE ARE THOSE AMONG US who always seem to have a remarkable capacity for optimism, and one such person is Oshawa councillor Rick Kerr. Having carved out a list of achievements in the world of academia, the theatre, competitive sports, and elected office, he was quick to remind me to always keep an open mind. “I’m a globalist thinker, and I never stop trying to develop a better understanding of people, their experiences, and their points of view.” Rick described to me a world in which too many of us harbor a general distrust of one another, and that the best way for us to learn is to seek out fresh perspectives and the things that bind us together. During a lifetime of extensive travel he has found an unshakable commonality in the world – being a universal desire to care for our families and to be loved. It’s a lot to take in, however Rick soon brought the matter closer to home, adding: “We need to focus on our own communities and ask ourselves how we, as individuals, can enhance our collective environment.” Rick was born in Woodstock Ontario, and at the age of 25 moved to Oshawa to begin his career at Durham College with the establishment of the athletic complex – going on teach 28 separate courses including Ethics, World Religions, and the development of an Advanced Law Enforcement program. He would also author a custom publication textbook entitled “Contemporary Canadian Social Issues and Problems”. Alongside these achievements has been an acting and directing career that has seen Rick take part in well over 120 stage productions for various theatre companies. When asked what motivated him to seek elected office, he recalled reaching out to several Oshawa councillors as a way of looking for commonalities between serving the greater community and his own experience as an educator. Having spent decades helping young people achieve, the opportunity to impact the lives of the residents of Oshawa proved irresistible. The 2014 campaign was a city-wide election, and an eye opener for a man who had never before run for office. No less than eighteen people had put their names forward as candidates, however Rick’s website initiative and election material proved effective, and he would go on to win the position he so desired. Election night for any candidate is a time they likely won’t forget, and Rick described to me his own experience at having won his first seat on council, saying: “I went to City Hall to view the immediate results, and as I watched the monitor it became clear to me that I was going to win a seat, and it was then I decide to drive home to celebrate my victory with the one person who supported me the most, being my wife Janice.” Fast forward to the election of 2018, when Oshawa’s electoral map had been brought back to a ward system. Once again, Rick would find himself the successful candidate, this time as the Regional representative for Ward 4, a section of the city with around 46,000 residents and one that encompasses the downtown core. It is unquestionably a part of the city with extreme contrasts, both socially and economically. Rick pointed to his involvement in the GAP committee that strove to help the most vulnerable, and he recalled the establishment of a workshop, or community “thinktank” where solutions were discussed. Rick was able to find one charitable group a location at the Midtown Mall where, under the banner ‘Community Assisted Meal Program’ they would go on to serve the less fortunate for two years, until the establishment of the new ‘Durham Outlook for the Needy’ location on Simcoe Street. As to the prevalence of drugs and the concept of harm reduction, Rick sees a seemingly endless contradiction where some in the community have tried to promote abstinence, while at the same time seeing so much drug paraphernalia being distributed. He went on to say that until better healthcare is provided by higher levels of government the problems we see all around us will persist, adding: “No one individual alone has the power to resolve such a complex issue, but we can do our best as part of a larger, caring community to try to come together and find answers.” We agreed there are no easy solutions to the problems of homelessness, mental health, and drug addiction. As to the issues faced by the city at large, Rick reminded me that his ward includes the Oshawa Shopping Centre, Lakeridge Health, the Oshawa Golf Club, and many thousands of middle class constituents in what may be considered a largely suburban area. Mobility concerns on the part of seniors, traffic calming measures, enhancements to major intersections, and the many inquiries that regularly arise make for a busy time, however Rick tries to bring a unique approach to his work as an elected official. Always grateful for the support provided by city hall staff, his mantra remains one of “productive co-operation” in all matters. I asked Rick to lay out his vision for the continued rejuvenation of the downtown, and the focus of our conversation turned, in large part, to public transit. He described to me what he calls a “Nine Point Plan” for rejuvenation, including, among other initiatives, major improvements in active transportation infrastructure, and a fully illuminated trail system that would connect areas north and south of the new GO station. In addition, the redevelopment of the 27-acre Fittings property is something Rick sees as a real opportunity, with a possible 5000 additional residents enjoying all that living downtown has to offer. Another project championed by Rick is the BMX Bike Park, located in the northwest part of the city, very near the airport. The new park is geared toward riders who are either just starting out, or those with years of experience. He sees that project as a prime example of cooperative efforts having been made between city staff and the end users who now enjoy the park. It has often been said by people the world over that elected office creates more rogues than heroes, and that, far from developing the highest qualities in those who take part, politics usually does the opposite. However, if this were altogether true, so much of what we see and recognize as self-sacrifice simply wouldn’t exist. As Rick likes to say “Nothing is ever a problem, it’s just an opportunity for a solution”. Rick Kerr is currently the Regional councillor for Ward 4.