Just the beginning…

"It’s not just an “event” but really a process and a commitment.

Just to highlight, last week alone I put in many hours of work between the role of Mayor, Police Services Board responsibilities and a great many other necessary meetings (approx. 50 to 60 hours in total). I am the one who chose to serve this community many years ago so I am in no way complaining … it’s quite the opposite … I feel both humbled and honoured for the privilege of serving this community.

That said, with an election underway, I believe it is important to speak honestly about the responsibility that comes with putting one’s name forward. Whether you are running for Councillor, Deputy Mayor or Mayor, you are asking people to trust you with decisions that affect the quality of their lives, the lives of their family members and the lives of the many, many others who come together to make up this amazing community. All incredibly important things …

Much of the work that happens when elected to Council occurs outside the many meetings. Reading reports, scrutinizing budgets & project plans, asking the important questions and being sure to follow up even when you don’t necessarily have the time or energy needed to do so.

It is about returning calls and taking the time to understand concerns, even when you cannot offer an immediate solution because every call or email is a member of this community with a concern important to them, a problem important to their family or simply someone that needs to know that those who have been elected to serve are actually willing to listen. A big part of this is working with people you may not necessarily agree with because the needs of the community always outweigh those of any one individual … this definitely includes those of us that choose to serve on Council.

There is a difference between running for a position on Council and doing the work that comes with it. Being elected gives one an opportunity to make a difference, but it is what you actually do with that opportunity that truly matters. Time served does not necessarily make someone a good elected official … compassion, sound judgment, hard work, preparation & teamwork all matter. Accomplishments matter most.

To all those who have chosen to run for office, you have my utmost respect for stepping forward for Bradford West Gwillimbury truly needs those who wish to make a difference during these most challenging times. If successful, you will not always have the answer and you will not have won every vote. You will need to listen, learn, admit when you are wrong and work harder than you ever dreamed all while balancing responsibilities both in the community and at home. And you must do all of this while serving those who did not vote for you with the same care & vigor as those who did.

I love Bradford West Gwillimbury and I care deeply about all those who call it home. I care about our children who will grow up fully feeling the weight of the decisions that we make right now. This is why it is so important that we ensure they grow up in a community that is safe, welcoming, financially sound and filled with opportunity. This has always been my commitment to you.

In closing I ask all candidates to please remember: One day, the election signs will be gone and what will have truly mattered is that BWG and its families are all the better because of how we have served.``"