At our last Committee of the Whole meeting, there was some lengthy debate over a recommendation regarding the posting of recorded votes on our website.  At the present time, all minutes from Committee of the Whole and Council are available to view through our website.  If a recorded vote is called on an issue, it will show in the minutes of that meeting.  Council meetings are the only place that recorded votes will be shown, as according to the Municipal Act.  As Council, is where we ratify all of our Committee of the Whole meetings than, an item that wishes to be recorded will be pulled at Council to vote on separately.
Generally, I have found when speaking with individuals about this is that if someone is interested in an issue, they will look up that issue in the minutes of the meeting.  For example, budget deliberations or the decision on the Old Town Hall.  If the vote was asked to be recorded, they would see it there. I haven’t had anyone say to me they want to see the recorded votes only.  That being said, I think that residents perhaps would like to see how we vote on everything as a whole.
Staff did look at implementing a system to do just that, show all voting.  When they looked at our system and did some testing they found it onerous to operate.  The steps between the speakers waiting software to the voting results software involved a number of steps.  Discussions are taking place to overhaul the conference software so that in the near future it can work efficiently.
Because of these reasons, I decided that I would like to see all votes showing, not just the ones called for regarding a particular issue.  I, myself, have indicated my voting record on all decisions since the beginning of the term and felt this would best suit the residents as the recorded votes are actually still on our Council minutes. I have also indicated on my website the recorded votes with the issue beside.
You may feel differently and I wanted to put it out to my residents for comment.

Please let me know how you feel prior to our Council Meeting Monday night by taking the survey below.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K69J2WP

Please take the time to fill out my survey and provide any suggestions/ideas or comments.

Click here to take survey

 
Budget 2011

We received from staff our first draft budget a couple of weeks ago with a proposed increase from staff of 5.89%. One of the major driving forces of the budget is due to the 20 new firefighters that we are mandated to hire due to our bargaining agreements that were done back in 2001 when they amalgamated Aurora and Newmarket’s services. Also, we want to ensure that we continue to put money away into our Asset Replacement Fund (ARF) for our future repairs and replacement of our infrastructure that could be debilitating to us down the road if we don’t have enough in this fund. It is a responsible move I feel as it is not only thoughtful for the immediate future but for the long term as well. Many municipalities do not do this and it could be a heavy burden on the taxpayers when major work has to be done.
During the campaign and also now, I have residents tell me that they don’t want any tax increases. Just like yourself our family is stressed with the increased costs from all our day to day living expenses. At our last Committee of the Whole meeting, Council asked staff to find an additional 600-800 thousand dollars and they will be coming back with some options and the implications of this cut. I personally think we need to look strongly at what, if any, new hires are needed at this point. We need to ask ourselves, “Do we really need to add this additional staff right now, today, or can we wait a bit?” We also need to look at our core services we are providing and are there ways to save money if we contracted out some. This may not save any money or could jeopardize the service levels that we have now, but I think it is something that we should be investigating. That being said, I think it is important to be open to looking at cost saving measures that do not jeopardize our services. We have some capital projects that have carried over, such as the CUSP and the Old Town Hall, that need to be finished in the coming months. I will not be supporting any new major capital projects. Depending on costs, I would like to still see a leash free dog park as well as an outdoor skating rink, other than the CUSP, where the kids could play some shinny hockey as well. There could be some creative ways working with other businesses and organizations to help out with this so it is not a huge monetary burden.

Some of you may have already voted, but most of the residents of Newmarket and elsewhere, will vote on the actual day.  It is part of the tradition of voting in an election; walking into your polling station and casting your ballot. 

Today, I am asking you for your vote. I am asking you to put your confidence in me to represent the residents of Ward 3 and Newmarket.  When I ran last time, many of you asked me, “Is this your first time running?”  Why did you ask?  I think many of you wanted to know that I was truly committed to the position, that I wasn’t just putting my name forth as an alternative to the other candidates.  I honestly didn’t expect to win last time; I was a rookie and I honestly am glad that I didn’t win.  Why?  Because, now I had 4 years to show you that I truly want to represent us here, that I had the qualifications to do so, the leadership abilities and the desire to represent you in a manner that you would expect.

From founding and organizing the first Bike To Work Day collaboratively with Regional Councillor John Taylor and Smart Commute Central York, which is now a GTA wide event every year to working with organizations such as Community Living Newmarket-Aurora, Council appointed Town Committees and other non profit agencies, I have devoted myself and will continue to do so for the benefit of our community. My website has been an ongoing updated site where I write blogs, post events and keep fresh and current.  I have also used Social Media, such as Twitter and a Facebook Group to engage the residents that prefer to go to this type of media to connect.  These are all tools that are part of a larger way to connect to you and for you to connect with me which I will continue to do so after the election, not just as an election tool.

I want to work alongside the residents of Ward 3, to bring forth your voice and concerns to council.  By having those ward wide meetings that we can use as a round table discussion we can work together to ensure that your voice matters.  Last term, we had one ward wide meeting that I attended along with quite a number of other ward 3 residents.  It was a mere presentation; no questions were to be asked at the meeting.  How can we work together if we don’t discuss matters openly and amongst ourselves?  I was surprised that with the number of residents there, we didn’t have any more.  I will be asking you questions as well, to find out what is important to you here in Ward 3, so have them ready!

Many residents in Ward 3 these past few months have told me they want change.  I agree we need change, but more important we need change that will introduce a good council candidate. One that can bring an independent voice to council that will truly represent you, the residents of Ward 3.  I am that person and today I am asking that you cast your mark beside my name, Jane Twinney.

Whatever happens next Monday night, October 25^th there is one thing that I know in my heart, I ran a great campaign.  I knew 4 years ago when I lost, that I was going to run again. I stayed focused on that for 4 years, never once wavering in my decision to come back.  I felt strongly that I knew I could do a great job on council and represent the residents of Ward 3 and Newmarket.  I learned from my mistakes in the past campaign and knew what changes I needed to make to run again.

First was to put my name forth at the very beginning of the campaign period.  I picked my parents anniversary, January 11^th as the lucky date.  Last time it was September 29^th, my son’s birthday; a lucky day as well, just way too late.

My website went live immediately in January and my e-letters started monthly in February. Starting in March I did an introductory letter that we hand delivered to all the households.  It was a letter to introduce myself to the residents, let them know about my website and to inform everyone that I would be knocking on doors in the coming months. In July, I started knocking on doors and delivering my brochure.  Many residents at the time, I know, were not in the frame of mind to think about the election.  I knew though, that if I was going to be able to come face to face with the majority of the residents, I needed to start early.  With almost 3000 households to hit, it is not an easy task to get everyone home to speak with them directly.   Starting early has allowed me the opportunity now to go through and hit the doors a second time, which I should complete this coming week.  I have kept thorough records and if you were not home the first time, I am returning again, so I have the opportunity to introduce myself personally.  I have not had anyone drop my brochure off to any households, other than myself. I have had many residents call offering their assistance, but I feel that if I want this job then I need to do the work myself.

Once our signs were allowed to be installed on regional roads and residents homes, we have made it a priority to check all signs every morning.  I know that we have not had one sign sit broken or fallen over for more than 24 hours.  It is a privilege to allow me to place a sign on your home and it is my responsibility to take care of these signs during the campaign period.  Allowing signs to sit broken for more than a day is just not acceptable. 

During this campaign period I have also kept a website, used social media tools such as Twitter and a Facebook Group to engage residents in a variety of facets.  Not only have I used these tools, I have used them effectively.  You can’t just dabble in a Facebook group or Twitter or even your website.  If you are going to use them, you need to use them effectively and you need to keep the content fresh, up to date and current.  I have written a blog, posted my e-letters and kept my event calendar up to date. 

You can expect the same type of commitment from me if elected as you have seen from my campaign.  I am here for the right reasons. I am here to listen to the residents of Ward 3 and Newmarket and to make decisions on your behalf.  We all know that you cannot please everyone and that for every decision that is made which benefits one may not always benefit another.  That being said, you can count on me to keep you informed, to listen to you, to be transparent and accountable to you and to take this job seriously. 

Most of all please vote on October 25^th. Decisions made at a Municipal level affect us directly.   Let’s show Newmarket that voter turnout in Ward 3 is the highest in Newmarket and that we all care who will be representing us for the next 4 years.

Communication-Keeping the lines of communication open between us.

People today are extremely busy; there is no doubt about that.  That being said, they still want to be more informed to what is “going on” within the town and would like to have better communication with our Councillors.

It is a councillors’ responsibility, I believe, to engage the residents, to ensure they are updated in the “happenings” of the Town and decisions that are being made at Council.  This is why I have put together a communication plan that hopefully can reach out to most residents.  It allows everyone the opportunity to connect with me, if elected, in a format that best suits their needs and their lifestyle.

Ward Wide Meetings

These would be scheduled 3 times a year minimum with additional meetings if a situation arises that needs to be addressed prior to the next scheduled meeting.  I would like to plan one meeting for early winter (late January, early February), a second meeting in the  spring (early May) and a third meeting in the fall (mid October). These will be communicated through the town pages, my website and my newsletter or e-letter

I think these would be well timed overall; after the Christmas holidays, prior to school getting out for the summer and after the back to school rush. 

Specific Issue Meetings

These would be scheduled as needed depending on the nature of the issue.  It may be something that affects everyone in the area, or it may be only be with a certain group of residents or do to a specific issue in an area. 

Website

As you can see from my updates on my website throughout the campaign period, I will continue with this as a method of communicating to the residents who would like the ease of accessing information from the internet.   My website was up and running at the start of the campaign period back in January. I have updated this with my event calendar as well as a blog and newsletter posts continuously throughout this time period.  My campaign website is not a one shot deal that is static, and it will evolve into a Ward website, if elected.  I will also welcome any comments on what you would like to see on this site for your information.  Some of my thoughts are:

• Posting of all meetings that I attend
• Agenda of upcoming meetings
• Minutes with voting record shown
• Points of interest of events in the community
• Posting of E-letters

E-Letters and Newsletters

I have been writing these monthly throughout my campaign period to update you on how things have been going throughout my campaign.  I would like to continue with this on a monthly basis to inform of what I have been doing, what may be coming up in the future that may be of interest to you.  I would like to encourage everyone who has access to email to sign up as an e-letter.  It is a much more cost effective alternative to hard copy newsletters and obviously a lesser impact on the environment.  I am going to be very critical of excess spending of my budget and will look at ways that will decrease any extra unnecessary costs. Again, if elected, my goal is to connect to the residents to find out what the best method of communication is for them.  Hard copy newsletters will be sent out to residents who specifically would like this method of communication.  I will also leave copies in area businesses that will allow me to do so. 

Social Media

Social media is growing as a form of communication for our elected officials.  I have enjoyed using this as a method and will continue with this as a form of communication.  My campaign Facebook group will evolve into a Ward 3 Group and I will continue with my Twitter as well.

Neighbourhood Walk

My favourite part of the campaign has been knocking on doors.  I have had great conversations with so many residents these past few months.  It just doesn’t seem right to come and talk to you during only an election campaign and then not to bother again for 4 years.  I would like to set a time every month where I will pick a street or two and knock on doors; a great way to stay in touch personally.

Dear Voter:

Don’t be part of the 66% who can’t be bothered to vote.

It’s your right… so exercise it!

“It is imperative to vote for a Councillor who not only represents Ward 3, but who actually lives in your Ward… a representative who understands the area traffic, schools, shopping, safety, parks and recreation and issues that are specific to your Ward. Jane Twinney is that representative.

You deserve a Councillor who is there for all the right reasons:

COMMITTED TO SERVE THE WARD & COMMUNITY – dedicated, informed and knowledgeable

COMMITTED TO BE ACTION ORIENTED – a progressive forward thinking person who listens then acts to get

            the job done and will  work hard on your behalf.

COMMITTED TO BE DEDICATED – approachable and responsive.  As stated by Jane “your concerns are my

            concerns”

COMMITTED TO BE ACCOUNTABLE – and transparent and will stand up and be counted, no matter how

            controversial the issue

BUILDING ON A STRONG BUSINESS BACKGROUND – working hard to ensure that there is strong fiscal

            accountability and responsibility in helping to manage  the municipal “business”. The Town’s budget is the

           critical part of accountability which controls expenditures and affects our taxes and our pockets!

JANE TWINNEY – WARD 3 RESIDENT & COUNCIL CANDIDATE is that person.

Jane lives in Ward 3 and therefore understands the interests, opportunities and challenges as a resident and as your neighbour.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE ONLY IF YOU VOTE.

If you don’t vote, you lose your voice in Ward 3 and the community. Advance polls are now open – don’t wait until the last day to vote”.

Diane Humeniuk

Humeniuk & Associations – Newmarket

& Newmarket & Regional Councillor – 1985 – 2003

One only has to drive around Ward 3 as well as many parts of Newmarket to notice the increase of Graffiti that is occurring in our neighbourhoods. We live in a family orientated community, yet the graffiti is rapidly increasing without any signs of cleaning it up.   Over the summer and now well into the fall, I have noticed it on Postal Boxes, Hydro units, cable boxes etc, which continues to grow each and every week.  

A call to the Town informed me that each of the companies is responsible to ensure that it is taken care of.   So, whose responsibility is it to call?  The residents or perhaps an initiative that our Ward Councillor should be taking.

I looked up on the town site, but didn’t see any signs of a Graffiti Abatement committee, which I had previously thought existed, nor did the customer service representative mention this.   I do realize it is ongoing problem, which is hard to eradicate but leaving it is not acceptable and we obviously need to take some action to keep on top of it.

Some suggestions to help with this would be to:

1. Develop a committee with representatives from all areas of Newmarket, who can report on damaged areas to the appropriate businesses or organizations.
2. Have an ongoing clean up support of the areas affected.  Ensure the companies that own the Hydro boxes (Newmarket Hydro), the Postal Boxes, cable boxes etc. are contacted and do periodic drive by’s to ensure clean up.
3. Develop a committee that will actually go around and clean up the various graffiti. Basically, a graffiti cleanup group that was ongoing rather than just once a year during our Community Clean Up Day.  I am sure some High School Students would find this to be terrific community service for their hours they need to graduate. 
4. As the Ward Councillor, picking up the phone periodically to contact the appropriate companies would be something that I certainly would expect.

We need to work together as a community and ensure that we keep on top of this and not allow it to fester and increase month by month.  We have gone out ourselves several times and covered areas that have been affected.  This is something that I will be working on addressing for Ward 3 in an effort to keep it under control as best as possible.