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Mayor and deputy mayor candidates share their positions on local issues

October 8, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

There was more of a question-and-answer format than a traditional debate at the New Tecumseth Mayoral and Deputy Mayor Debate at the Gibson Centre in Alliston on Monday, Oct. 5.

Three of the five invited candidates attended the event, giving residents an opportunity to hear their positions on a range of local issues.

All three candidates running for Mayor of New Tecumseth were invited to the event. Candidates Stephanie MacLellan and Jaison Waldman attended. Mayor Richard Norcross declined to attend.

Deputy Mayor candidate Marc Biss was on his own, as the other candidate, Steven Dollmaier, declined to attend.

The event was hosted at the Gibson Centre and organized by local resident Felix Kaechele, with New Tecumseth Times editor Sam Odrowski acting as moderator.

A good-sized crowd attended, with many people standing at the back of the hall.

The format included a series of questions posed to candidates, followed by questions that were submitted by audience members.

Questions centred on three main issues that are currently on the town agenda and of concern to local residents.

Candidates were asked to explain how they plan to balance provincial growth requirements in the town while maintaining the character of the town local residents currently appreciate.

Biss came prepared with a lot of numbers, and explained the massive cost required to create the infrastructure needed to support the development of thousands of new homes. He said the cost is not feasible for the town, and the provincial and federal governments to step in and pay for the infrastructure costs.

Waldman said he is in favour of controlled growth and the opportunities it will provide for local businesses.

MacLellan said she is not in favour of ‘rubber stamping’ what the province wants, and emphasized the importance of a master service plan that would detail the requirements of developing on such a huge scale.

The candidates were asked for their opinion on the current plan of growth between the three communities of Alliston, Beeton, and Tottenham.

Waldman said he is in favour of growth being spread out between the three communities, as growth focused on Alliston alone would create an area of high density. He also said all three communities should benefit from the opportunities growth can provide.

MacLellan said Alliston has always been identified as the area for most growth, and that it makes the most sense based on the original plan as well as the cost of infrastructure.

She also pointed out that the plan for development in Beeton does not include any commercial or industrial property.

Biss said that town council never had a chance to have a working session on the development plan. Skipping this step, he said, in addition to the fact that strong mayor powers were put into effect, did not give council the proper chance to evaluate proposed development.

A question about strong mayor powers asked if candidates were in favour of their use, and when they should be used.

Biss stated his firm opposition to strong mayor powers. He said that strong mayor powers go against the democratic process, calling it an “abomination.”

Waldman, who’s from Zimbabwe, said he is not in favour of strong powers. He said he grew up in a political climate where strong powers and dictatorships were used to push a personal agenda.

MacLellan said she is opposed to strong mayor powers, and that leaders should lead by consensus. She referred to strong mayor powers as an “affront to democracy.” She said if elected, she would never use them.

You can view the entire event on YouTube by searching, “New Tecumseth Mayor / Deputy Mayor Debate – 2026 Municipal Election.”

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