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New Tec Votes 2018: Meet the Candidates — Ward 1

August 17, 2018   ·   0 Comments

By Wendy Gabrek

 

Our ‘Meet the Candidates’ series continues this week with Ward 1 (Alliston).

In the previous two editions of The Times of New Tecumseth & Adjala–Tosorontio, we’ve met the candidates for Mayor (Rick Milne and Tony Veltri), and those running for the position of Deputy Mayor (Peter Barbati, JJ Paul Whiteside and Richard Norcross).

With the current Ward 1 Councillor Marc Biss stepping down in 2018, the candidates for Ward 1 are: Wayne Noye*, Cam Simone, and Terrina Williams.

We asked 14 pressing questions to help you get to know your candidates, and here are their answers – printed verbatim.

 

Cam Simone

Full Name: Cam Simone

Town of Residence: New Tecumseth

Length of time in New Tecumseth: 15 years

Primary Reason for Running: To work passionately and dedicated for the residence of New Tecumseth, and to be their voice on town council.

Campaign Slogan: “Caring For Our Community”

 

What are our most important challenges facing the community? Challenges facing our community is; growth, infrastructure, business development, senior and youth programs, transparency, accountability and costs.

 

What do you cherish most about this community? Small hometown feel and support.

 

What type of leader will you be? I will be a good leader through listening, commitment, dedication and being passionate for the residence in New Tecumseth.

 

What are your priorities for change in our community, in the short term. What about in the long term? I will ask my constituents, as it is for what they would like to see both short and long term.

 

What is the biggest fiscal challenges in our municipality, and what do you envision as the best way(s) to address them? Level of service, reaching out to community when dealing with issues in a timely manner and address dealings before they become issues.

 

What innovative projects would enhance life in this area? Innovative projects that would be an asset would be agricultural programs, senior and youth programs, commercial growth, educational and cultural programs.

What is your perspective on the best way to collaborate with other levels of government to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our area?: A way to collaborate with government would be to keep our economy stimulated and deficits low with township prosperity.

 

How do you envision communicating with constituents? Primarily in person and to be readily available, secondly by telephone and email or what is most convenient for constituents.

 

What will you do to be involved with the community should you not win? Reside in New Tecumseth, continue to support local businesses and continue to be involved with the community through social, health, agricultural, educational, fundraising and sporting events and programs.

 

Terrina Williams

Full Name: Terrina Kathleen Marie Williams

Town of Residence: Alliston

Length of time in New Tecumseth: Since Elementary School

Primary Reason for Running: To represent the people of my community in a new role.

Campaign Slogan: Building a Strong Safe Community for our children….Our Future, So Let’s Talk!

 

What are our most important challenges facing the community? I feel the population growth that our community is currently facing can be challenging. We have three separate communities in New Tecumseth and a growing retirement community. I would like to see the three towns as one unit and connect all areas with the much-needed public transportation system for all ages. We also need to explore easier access to the GO Train for those that commute longer distances.

 

What do you cherish most about this community? I cherish the roots and true values of our community. The unique multi generational residents that care for our community. As we continue to grow and prosper, we have not lost sight of our integrity and friendly nature, welcoming new families with genuine care and concern. I cherish the memories that I am able to share with my children of growing up in New Tecumseth, showing them where I went to school and homes that their grandparents lived in.

 

What type of leader will you be? I will be a passionate leader, continuously in touch with the communities needs for the best interests of everyone, including those raising young families in our community.

 

What are your priorities for change in our community, in the short term. What about in the long term?

Short term… I want to encourage everyone, including youth and women, to come out, speak to me and voice their opinions, so I can help make changes they want for the future of our children and growth of the community.

Long term… Community safety for families and not losing sight of the importance of our small town values, which make New Tecumseth a special place to raise a family. Public transportation to connect all communities, extended community programs, and indoor facilities welcoming inclusive families for a fun safe and nurturing environment.

 

What is the biggest fiscal challenges in our municipality, and what do you envision as the best way(s) to address them?  I am not fully aware of New Tecumseth’s fiscal challenges, however, I want to ensure our taxpayers dollars are used wisely. My goal on Council is to better understand how our funds are allocated for the best managed growth of the community and its residents. As an elected councillor, I will focus on maximizing fiscal responsibility.

 

What innovative projects would enhance life in this area? As mentioned, giving people the freedom of public transportation would help residents of all ages. I would like to see a quick completion of the much needed hospital redevelopment to meet our growing communities’ needs, as well as having an enhanced program in place to encourage new doctors to plant their roots in our community to allow for long term consistency of care. A lot of new residents need a local family doctor, we need to revisit programs to provide family care in our community.

 

What is your perspective on the best way to collaborate with other levels of government to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our area?: Common sense, passion, perseverance and a solid plan is the best recipe to make change, while collaborating with the appropriate agencies to achieve our goals. A solid management program run by qualified individuals, needs to be established prior to introducing any new program in order to be sustainable, successful and prosperous. Clear communication with the community with a transparent and trustworthy approach is the best policy.

 

How do you envision communicating with constituents?: I always communicate openly and honestly and enjoy working with people. We are fortunate to have so many opportunities to connect with our community through social media, phone, email, and most importantly meeting face to face for a good discussion. I am listening to our community and ready to represent their needs.

 

What will you do to be involved with the community should you not win? I will always have my ears open to the needs of my community. I will continue working for our community as a volunteer firefighter, bus driver for our elementary schools, participating in events at our local church with my family, also contributing as St Paul’s school Parent council community representative, parent volunteer, decorating and maintaining the school gardens. As well as, continuing the yearly “Fill the Bus” event collecting donations for the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

 

*Answers from Wayne Noye were not received by press time. Check back in next week’s edition of The Times.


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