Seeking a Mandate from Ward 1

The election process requires two things that a candidate gives voters. We need to give voters a reason for their votes.  In return, voters give their Councillor a mandate to represent their interests, even if it means challenging the Mayor’s position to protect and promote Ward 1 interests.

There are five candidates vying to represent Ward 1. Therefore, a selection of which candidate is best qualified to argue the case for Ward 1 residents on Town Council must come down to trust, financial leadership and the ability to represent the residents in THEIR best interests. 

At each Council meeting, the Councillor for Ward 1 has the same voting rights as the Mayor. The Mayor has one vote; Municipal and Ajax Regional Councillors each have one vote. The Mayor, of course, has the additional duties of leadership and serves as the Council’s director with Town Staff.

And after visiting nearly 3,000 homes to date, three issues dominate voters’ election agenda.

They are:

• Our Increasing taxation and value for money
• The urgent need to create local jobs to be closer to home and family
• The need for greater Council accountability and responsiveness to taxpayers

For the record, it is Town Council that electors charge as their supreme authority of our municipal government. Mayor Parish has one vote.

As a candidate, I’m asking Ward 1 residents to be their representative and spokesperson on Town Council with their direction to:

1. Enter a motion at Council to target a 0 % tax increase over the next four years!
2. Offer reasonable incentives to corporations looking to establish large, job-creating business centres in Ajax  with long-term benefits for the Town!
3. Scrutinize Council spending proposals with a view to eliminating additional burdens to Ward 1 taxpayers.
4. Find the resolve to say NO to Council proposals that defy common sense during these times of global and national economic decline, and;
5. Maintain an open line of communications with Ward 1 electors that is meaningful, honest and transparent in order to promote our community’s views and needs on Town Council.

If Ward 1 residents believe these five points constitute a mandate – a contract – between us, then I’m asking for your vote.