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Meet the Mayoral candidates for the upcoming municipal election 

October 13, 2022   ·   0 Comments

With the municipal elections coming up on Monday, October 24, the New Tecumseth Times is providing candidates for Mayor of New Tecumseth the opportunity to reach out to readers, in their own words, and explain why they believe they deserve your vote and what they would like to accomplish as Mayor 

We asked candidates: 

What would you tell New Tecumseth residents about yourself that would encourage them to vote for you in the upcoming election? 

Do you have a specific goal in regards to upcoming Town projects you think is important for residents to know you will strive to achieve if elected? 

Do you have a specific focus with regards to infrastructure and development that you think is important? 

What do you think is the most important responsibility of the position of Mayor on an elected Town Council? 

Tony Veltri 

What would you tell New Tecumseth residents about yourself that would encourage them to vote for you in the upcoming election? 

I’m 56, Alliston resident since 1990. Widowed in 2018 following 23 years of marriage to Darlene. Two children: Madison, 26, and Hunter, 24, born and raised in Alliston. Been a journalist in New Tecumseth since 1990 beginning my career at the Alliston Herald [and] since 1999 operator of Madhunt Publishing @madhunt.com. 

I bring a unique set of skills to the Mayor’s office as a reporter who covered New Tecumseth and Simcoe County Councils since 1990. I have ten years in-depth experience of our budgets, our significant issues such as water, the pipeline, sewage plant troubles, development pressures. I’m not only current on all the issues, but deeply knowledgeable about how we got here and as importantly, who has brought New Tecumseth to the brink of financial catastrophe because our financial well-being is built entirely on allowing thousands of new houses to be built between Alliston and Beeton, and Beeton and Tottenham. Developers gain all the benefits, profits, passing along their costs to their buyers. We need a course correction and I’m prepared to steer it. 

Do you have a specific goal in regards to upcoming town projects you think is important for residents to know you will strive to achieve if elected? 
New Tecumseth’s long term financial plan projects on the current course we are on, property taxes will have to increase by an average 13 per cent in 2023 and over 5 per cent in 2024 (18 per cent over two years). The plan also forecasts water and wastewater rates will have to increase by double digits 2023 to 2025. I see no priority more important than doing everything possible to avoid those kinds of tax and rate increases. We need to attack every cent of discretionary spending because double digit tax and water rate hikes are non-starters. How can anyone promise more when we’re facing crippling tax bills now? 

Do you have a specific focus with regards to infrastructure and development that you think is important? 
The new Administration Centre under construction is going as badly. It’s behind schedule, already eating into the contingency budget, labour and supply shortages. The bigger hammer is the financial plan to pay for it is falling apart as selling the current properties on Wellington and Church in Alliston has been a dismal failure. By the time the next term of Council begins, it may not be too late to consider all our options that might still be early enough to head off millions of dollars in long term debt. It is it still to a point where we could stop it, make sure the contract is paid to the point without any further penalties and sell it to recoup everything we’ve put into. 

What do you think is the most important responsibility of the position of Mayor on an elected Town Council? 

Leadership and focus. This past term of Council lacked any of it and that is proven by more than $120,000 spent on the Integrity Commissioner dealing with Councillors fighting each other; the spectre of a Councillor on live broadcast openly ignoring meetings to watch hockey. Being Mayor should be about more than selecting who speaks next, and chasing photo opportunities in place of substance. The Mayor leads by example. 

Donna Jebb 

What would you tell New Tecumseth residents about yourself that would encourage them to vote for you in the upcoming election? 

Current Ward 5 Councillor. Member of Town Council for 15 years. Deputy Mayor 2017-2018. Simcoe County Councillor. 

New Tecumseth is my home. It is where I grew up and raised my family. My parents operated their business (Warren Gibson Transport), and we operate our farm (Bardon Chicken Farm). I have been active in New Tecumseth’s Town Council as a Ward 5 Councillor, advocating for issues facing our town and always looking to build a better community. During my years on Town Council, I worked at building strong relationships with all levels of government, local businesses, community groups and residents to ensure that everyone’s voice is fairly represented. People need to have access to their local representatives, and know their concerns are listened to with respect and consideration. 

For 27 years, I worked at RBC where I gained corporate experience in Planning, Financial Management, Leadership and Team Building. These skills, along with experience from President/Director roles in key Simcoe County organizations and Provincial boards, prepare me for the role of Mayor. 

Do you have a specific goal in regards to upcoming town projects you think is important for residents to know you will strive to achieve if elected? 

Despite being one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario, we have a limited budget to fund projects and initiatives – we must be responsible. There are immediate needs to address such as a review of a “Road Needs Study” policy to expedite the restoration of road sections. It is critical that we spend wisely on projects that will provide lasting benefits, not just an interim patch. 

Do you have a specific focus with regards to infrastructure and development that you think is important? 

The Province has mandated New Tecumseth as a “Designated Growth Area”, and that means change is inevitable for our Town. We must carefully weigh all aspects when deciding the boundaries of the mandated expansion area(s), so we positively influence growth and minimize negative impacts. My goal is to work with Council, Town operating departments and our residents to assess options and make recommendations back to the County level. New Tecumseth must have a Mayor who drives discussion with other levels of government (County, Provincial, Federal) to bring additional support, resources and oversight that protect and provide for our needs. 

What do you think is the most important responsibility of the position of Mayor on an elected Town Council? 

A Mayor is the spokesperson for both Council and residents, back into the Town’s operating departments. Naturally there are competing initiatives and interests, and a Mayor requires leadership qualities to facilitate teamwork. We must work as a team with Council (who sets policy) and operating staff (who implement projects). If we do not have a unified team, progress is inevitably stalled. We want our town to move forward in a progressive and positive manner. To be a good Mayor, it takes understanding the concerns, listening to the professional advice of our town staff, and finding solutions for the betterment of all. 

Richard Norcross 

What would you tell New Tecumseth residents about yourself that would encourage them to vote for you in the upcoming election? 

I have been an active member of our community for over 25 years –as an avid volunteer, a proud business owner and as a member of Council. 

Through my years of work and into the future, I will remain dedicated to making New Tecumseth the best place to live and continue to support the needs of our diverse community. 

Do you have a specific goal in regards to upcoming town projects you think is important for residents to know you will strive to achieve if elected? 

Collectively working with all three levels of Government. Building partnerships, relationships and working together for the needs of our community. 

Any future projects need to benefit the existing residents, built for the residents. Recreation amenities, social gathering places and the revitalization of our hospital is paramount. 

Do you have a specific focus with regards to infrastructure and development that you think is important? 

We need to improve access to housing for all of our residents and support those who are facing homelessness. 

In addition, we must ensure reasonable and responsible growth that complements our community. A growing town has needs aside from housing; by supporting community needs and improving access to services, we can make New Tecumseth the best place to live for generations to come. 

What do you think is the most important responsibility of the position of Mayor in an elected Town? 

Being a steadfast leader, unifier for council members, and amplifier of the voices that make up our community.An open door and always available and approachable leader. Council? Listening to their constituents and advocating for their needs at council meetings. Consensus builders, visionaries and with the betterment of New Tecumseth always as our focus. 

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