Empowering Ward 3 through Community Engagement

One week to go before voting begins in Newmarket!

As we head into the final week before voting opens on October 17, I want to share a few thoughts. And this isn't just about Ward 3 or my own campaign. This is about every vote you cast, whether you live in Ward 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6.

I ask everyone to take the time to really get to know the candidates asking for your vote.

Not just what they say at your door, what they promise, or what they have posted on social media over the past couple of months. Look a little deeper.

Who are they? How are they connected to our community? How long have they lived here? What have they given back through volunteering, donating, serving on boards or simply getting involved? What do they know about our town, its history, its challenges and the people who call it home?

Think about it. You are essentially hiring someone to represent you for the next four years. Wouldn't you want to look at their resume?

And I say this from personal experience.

When I first ran for Council, I had only lived in Newmarket for a few years. Although I had been coming here since I was 12 years old to shop, visit my dentist and spend time in town, I hadn't actually lived here very long.

People didn't really know me, and I lost that first election.

I don't believe I lost because people didn't like what I said at their doors or what was written in my brochure. I believe residents wanted to see whether I would still be here in four years and, more importantly, what I would contribute to this community.

And that was fair.

So I got involved. Really involved.

I joined boards of nonprofit organizations, volunteered, and looked for ways to make a difference. I started Bike to Work Day, which grew into Bike Month and will celebrate its 20th year next year! I became involved with the York Region Active Transportation Committee, contributing to the planning that helped shape the wonderful trail network we enjoy today.

I didn't do those things because I was running for Council. I did them because I cared about the community I had chosen to call home.

And I still do.

Have I made every decision that every resident has agreed with? Absolutely not.

Have I listened? Yes.

As much as we would all love to make everyone happy, sometimes the decisions we make have to be about what is best for the entire community, not just one individual or one street.

Have I missed a phone call or an email during my years on Council? Yes, I have. Never intentionally. We are all human, and sometimes life gets busy, difficult or distracting. But I have always tried my very best to be accessible, responsive and there when residents need me.

And if I haven't had the opportunity to say hello to you personally at your door during this campaign, please know it isn't for lack of trying. I have been to every home in Ward 3 at least once, hoping to connect with you.

Like many people, I work full time, so my canvassing has been limited to evenings and weekends. I wish there were more hours in the day!

And if I haven't had a chance to say hello to you personally and you would like to connect, please reach out to me directly! My cell phone is always in my pocket, and I answer it personally. Whether you have a question, a concern, or just want to have a conversation, I would love to hear from you.

You can find my contact information at www.janetwinney.ca.

Being accessible to my residents has always been important to me, not just during an election, but every day throughout the year.

I share all of this because I know firsthand that building relationships, understanding a community and earning people's trust takes time. And that's okay. We all have to start somewhere.

So before you cast your vote, please take a closer look at all the candidates.

Go back through their social media, not just the last two months, but the last two years or longer. Look at their community involvement, their experience, their contributions and their commitment to Newmarket.

Ask yourself who has demonstrated that they care about this town, not just during an election, but throughout the years.

Newmarket is an amazing community, and we are fortunate to call it home. The people elected to represent us will help shape its future, and that is an enormous responsibility.

Whether you vote for me or someone else, I hope you make an informed decision based on more than a campaign promise or a conversation at your front door.

I have been honoured to serve this community, and I never take that privilege for granted.

Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me at their door, shared their concerns, offered encouragement or simply taken a few minutes to have a conversation.

Your concerns are my concerns.

Voting begins October 17 and continues through October 26.

Please take the time to vote. Your voice matters.