School started this week and in a couple of weeks fall will officially have arrived. For me, the campaign has been in gear for most of the summer. With almost 3000 households, knocking on everyone’s door takes some time. By the time the writ is dropped (September 13th) when the candidates are fully declared, I will have hopefully knocked on everyone’s door at least once. In the coming weeks, I will return and hopefully get a chance to meet and talk to the residents that I didn’t catch at home the first time around.
From talking to residents, some of the issues that have arisen are speeding on our streets, costly recreational programs that often have inconvenient or cancelled times and an increase of taxes with a reduced amount of services. Many residents have told me they find East Gwillimbury and Aurora’s facilities better suited to their needs. Residents just don’t feel they are getting the services for their tax dollars. Taxes are going up, but services are going down. Also, communication has been a key issue, with many residents in Ward 3 not feeling they have had much or any communication from our present councillor. Maintaining an updated website throughout the elected term, not just at election time, regular communication through e-letters and newsletters and ward meetings I believe are essential to keep communication open between the residents and our elected officials. Taking care of your issues personally rather than just deferring you to other departments is part of my job description I feel, and I take it seriously. In the upcoming month, I have organized my own “Meet and Greet” at Cedarview Lodge and will also be attending the Chamber of Commerce “Meet the Candidates” Night on September 30th. The support so far has been tremendous and I want to thank the residents of Ward 3 for taking the time to talk to me at the door, call and email me. I don’t take this for granted and I can say with all certainty that if elected you will see and hear from me many times prior to the next election.
Upcoming Events
September 20th Council Meeting Municipal Offices, Mulock Dr 7pm
September 21st “Meet and Greet” Cedarview Lodge, Davis Drive 2pm – 4pm
September 23rd “Golf For Change” Pheasant Run 9 am
September 25th Signs can be posted
September 30th Meet the Candidates Newmarket Theatre Time to be confirmed
