All candidates that haven't served on council, how many town meetings have you…

Asked by Anonymous · 2 months ago

All candidates that haven't served on council, how many town meetings have you attended to understand how council works and what concerns are recurring in this community -

Governance & Accountability

Candidate answers

James Dougall

Councillor Ward 1

I've attended 2 town meetings.

Answered 23 days ago • • Votes & comments

Laurie Mortimer

Councillor Ward 3

I haven't attended in person to many meetings but I have watched on YouTube most evenings. There are several current councillors who can attest to that as I've asked follow up questions and shared my different positions with them. So I don’t want to give a number that may be inaccurate. My preparation has included watching meetings, reviewing Council agendas, staff reports, budgets, minutes and recorded meetings, and speaking directly with residents about the issues affecting them. Since deciding to run, I have spent considerable time researching the decisions facing New Tecumseth and understanding how they were reached. I don’t believe simply occupying a seat in the gallery demonstrates preparedness. What matters is doing the homework, asking questions, listening to residents and understanding the information Council will be expected to consider.

Answered 2 months ago • Votes & comments

Jason Shand

Councillor Ward 2

I have attended several meetings in person since i began to consider running for council, and I have watched every meeting on the Town's YouTube channel. This have given me a good understanding of how our current Council operates and how decisions aare made.

A recurring concern I have is the lack of teamwork around the council table. Disageements are important, but somtimes it can appear driven by individual positions or personal agendas. Residents derserve a Council that debates respectfully and keeps the community's best interests at the forefront.

Answered a month ago • Votes & comments

Jaison Waldman

Mayor

Council meetings are a formality. If you look closely the patterns indicate that the conversions take place beforehand. Your chosen candidates will need to work together to accomplish anything meaningful. At the same time we do need diverse opinions for meaningful discussions.

The current council seems to be split into two camps, the head of council will need to build bridges if any incumbents are reelected. Head of Council = Mayor will heal or hurt the unity depending on the composition of the new 2026 council.

We all need to examine recurring issues, are we asking the right questions?

Answered a month ago • • Votes & comments