Ward 2
Councillor Candidates

Q:  Why are you running for or seeking re-election to Whitchurch-Stouffville Town council?  

A: I am running for Town Council because our community deserves a representative who understands Ward 2, listens to residents, and puts their interests first. As someone who was born, raised, and continues to live and work in Ward 2, I have witnessed our community’s growth firsthand and understand the needs and priorities of our wonderful residents. 

Throughout my career in property management, I have spent more than 16 years working directly with residents, managing budgets, overseeing infrastructure projects, and finding practical solutions to complex issues. Those experiences have given me the skills and perspective needed to serve effectively on Council.

Over the course of this campaign, I have spoken with hundreds of residents who want a councillor who is accessible, accountable, and focused on delivering results. 

I am running to protect the character of our town, serve our residents, and ensure accountability at Town Hall. Our community deserves leadership that listens, follows through on commitments, resolves issues, and delivers results. My priority is to deliver meaningful results for residents, ensure that promises are kept and that Ward 2 continues to be a great place to live. 

Q:  A brief outline of your platform and what you feel strongly about.

A: My campaign is focused on responsible leadership, transparency, and putting residents first. My priorities include:

• Improving road, pedestrian, and traffic safety throughout Ward 2.

• Ensuring growth aligns with existing infrastructure and preserves our community’s character.

• Monitoring emergency response times following the relocation of the fire station.

• Advocating for the completion of recreational projects, including the multi-sport complex.

• Protecting the Oak Ridges Moraine and preserving our natural environment.

• Supporting local businesses and expanding community amenities, such as parks and a dog park.

• Revitalizing community events within Ward 2

• Remaining accessible, accountable, and responsive to residents.

Q: If you are elected, what would be your top priority for the community, and why is that the most important issue to address in the coming term? 

A: My top priority would be protecting the character of our town while ensuring that growth is planned responsibly. Stouffville’s small town charm is what makes it such a special place to live, and future development should preserve those qualities.

Growth must be guided by thoughtful planning that respects the character of our community and ensures that new development complements, rather than changes, the town we know and love.

Before approving additional development, we must ensure that the needs and services of our existing residents are met. Responsible growth means putting our residents first. 

Contact info: 

Website: www.adamhassan.ca

Social media: @voteadamhassan (Facebook and Instagram)

Email address: info@adamhassan.ca

Q:  Why are you running for or seeking re-election to Whitchurch-Stouffville Town council?  

A: For 22 years, Musselman's Lake hasn't just been my home, it's been my community. Running my business for nearly 2 decades meant opening my doors to everyone. I didn't just serve ice cream, I listened to people's frustrations, hopes and ideas for Ward 2. I spent that time taking notes, and I am ready to bring that exact local voice straight to council.

Q:  A brief outline of your platform and what you feel strongly about. 

A: Ward 2's geographical size makes it unique in Stouffville.  Our rural geography, Musselman's Lake and all of the little communities that are scattered throughout Ward 2 are all unique and come with different needs. When speaking to the residents of the Ward, what's consistently brought up is a Councillor that is present, attentive, available, and transparent. And if elected, I plan to bring about the same energy and availability that I gave to this Ward while I owned my business. Other important issues for Ward 2 are introducing speeding impediments into the main corridor and on selected streets, pedestrian safety, managing development while ferociously protecting the Oak Ridges Moraine, and expanding services like YRT transit into Ward 2. 

Q: If you are elected, what would be your top priority for the community, and why is that the most important issue to address in the coming term? 

A: If elected, my top priority for the Ward is to ensure that the whole ward feels connected. Every little community/hamlet in the Ward has its own unique needs. Currently, many in the ward feel like they don't have a voice or someone they can reach out to when they need help or have any questions. I plan to be that active voice that represents every person in Ward 2. When residents feel heard by their elected officials, the system works well. Without that connected link, people lose faith in municipal politics. 

Contact info:

website: vote4george.ca

email: votegeorgeward2@gmail.com

Facebook: georgekarpouzis

Instagram: georgekarpouzis

Q:  Why are you running for or seeking re-election to Whitchurch-Stouffville Town council?  

A: I was born in Ballantrae and raised in Stouffville, and my family’s roots in this community stretch back nearly two centuries. Through our family farm, local business, the Chamber of Commerce, my church, my family, and generations of involvement in this community, I have a deep connection to Stouffville, it's history and its people. That perspective gives me a strong understanding of where our community has come from, what makes it special today, and how we can thoughtfully plan for its future.

 I’m raising my own family with that same connection, and I want to play a meaningful role in shaping the community they will inherit.

I’m running because I believe effective local government comes down to relationships, preparation and getting practical problems solved the same way I've done for many years in business. I haven’t waited until Election Day to start learning the job. Throughout 2026, I’ve attended Council meetings, met with Town staff, commissioners and members of Council, and asked questions to better understand how the municipality operates and how residents can be better served. I bring the energy to grow in this role, the humility to keep learning, and the long-term commitment to be here for the people of our community. My faith has taught me that leadership is ultimately about service, and I want residents to know that I will be accessible, accountable and present in this community for years to come. I represent both the past and the future of Ward 2 and Stouffville.

Q: Briefly outline your platform and what you feel strongly about.

A:

- Protect rural character: Preserve farmland, green space and the unique character of Ward 2 while planning responsibly for future growth.

- Water & servicing: Advocate with York Region for long-term municipal water solutions for Ballantrae and Ward 2, while protecting the Oak Ridges Moraine and the groundwater resources residents rely on.

- Road infrastructure: Work with the Province and York Region to improve key problem areas, including a major redesign of the Highway 48 and Aurora Road intersection.

- Musselman’s Lake & Ninth Line: Work with neighbouring municipalities, the Region and other partners to find creative solutions to traffic, road, drainage and infrastructure challenges around the lake.

- Complete major Town projects: Ensure projects such as the recreation dome and new fire hall are completed efficiently, responsibly and on schedule, while evaluating their impact on traffic, infrastructure and surrounding residents.

- Smart growth, fair taxes: Growth should help pay for the infrastructure it creates, not leave existing residents footing the bill. I support reasonable development charges, a stronger focus on attracting commercial and employment investment, and growing Stouffville’s business tax base so we can protect taxpayers while building for the future.

- Stronger financial oversight: Introduce more regular financial accountability, including quarterly budget reviews, so Council can identify pressures and opportunities throughout the year.

- Economic advisory committee: Create a focused advisory group of experienced local business and community leaders to help identify and attract the right commercial opportunities for Stouffville

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Q: If you are elected, what would be your top priority for the community, and why is that the most important issue to address in the coming term? 

A: My top priority would be protecting the rural character and natural environment that make Ward 2 unique, while ensuring our infrastructure is prepared for the future. That means preserving farmland and green space, by either opposing or directing high-density residential development to appropriate areas and addressing the long-term water and servicing challenges on the Oak Ridges Moraine. With municipal water servicing not currently anticipated until approximately 2045, we need to advocate with York Region now while protecting the groundwater resources residents depend on.

Future projects should be assessed not only on their cost and purpose, but also on their impact on surrounding residents, whether the necessary infrastructure is in place, and whether the community has had a meaningful opportunity to participate in the process.

We need to support the infrastructures and people that are already here, particularly our seniors, families and local small businesses. 

Finally, and most importantly;

Compassion, integrity and open communication have always been important to me. My values have been shaped by generations of my family’s service to this community and strengthened through years of running a successful business. In business, I’ve learned that a strong reputation is built by being accessible, listening carefully, responding when people need you and following through on your commitments.

I believe residents should expect that same level of service from their Councillor. That means being available to listen to concerns, communicating openly and respectfully, helping residents navigate Town Hall, and keeping Ward 2 informed about the decisions, projects and issues that affect our community.

Jared Simpson

Phone: 416-990-0441

Email: jared@rootedinstouffville.ca 

Campaign Website: www.rootedinstouffville.ca 

Q:  Why are you running for or seeking re-election to Whitchurch-Stouffville Town council?  

A:  Stouffville is entering a period when decisions made by Council will affect our taxes, infrastructure, and quality of life for decades. I am running because I want to give back to this community, and this is exactly the kind of responsibility I have spent my career preparing for.

Before deciding to run, I did my homework. I met with community leaders, spent two hours with the Mayor, attended Council meetings and carefully researched the responsibilities of the role. To better understand the implications of key developments in Ward 2, I’ve met directly with the Fire Chief and two developers. I wanted to understand where I could make a meaningful contribution.

I concluded that Ward 2 needs not simply another voice at the table, but someone with the experience to evaluate complex issues, challenge assumptions, collaborate with residents and stakeholders, and make difficult decisions. As a former CEO and senior executive, I have led hundreds of unionized and non-unionized employees, advised corporations and boards, and contributed to government policy. I understand financial accountability, strategic planning, risk management, negotiation, and the responsibility that comes with spending taxpayers’ money.

That experience matters. Council will be making major decisions about growth, infrastructure, capital spending and the future of our community. I am prepared to ask the questions I have asked throughout my career: What problem are we solving? What will it really cost? Who pays? What are the risks? And what value will residents receive?

I will also bring an independent voice to Council. I have no local employer or personal business interests competing with my Council responsibilities. Having recently retired from my executive career, I have the flexibility to give residents and the responsibilities of Council the time and attention they deserve.

I live and own my home in Ward 2. The decisions made at Council affect me, my neighbourhood, my property taxes, and my community too. I am running because I care deeply about this community, and I am ready to use my experience to help protect what we value while preparing Ward 2 for the future.

Q: Briefly outline your platform and what you feel strongly about.

A:  My platform is built around one principle: good intentions are not enough. Council must deliver good decisions and measurable results for residents. With my experience in large-scale strategic planning, financial accountability and resource management, I am ready to ask the tough questions and collaborate with residents and stakeholders from Day 1.

Manage growth with discipline.

Growth is coming, but growth must be thoughtfully planned, financed, and supported. Roads, traffic management, emergency services, recreation, transportation and other infrastructure must keep pace. That means ensuring our community remains safe, accessible and welcoming for seniors, families, children, and residents at every stage of life.

Development should strengthen our community, not overwhelm it, and existing taxpayers should not have to carry an unfair share of the cost.

Protect taxpayers.

Every major expenditure deserves rigorous scrutiny. I will look beyond the initial price tag to the full cost, long-term obligations, risks and benefits. Council must establish clear priorities and ensure residents receive value for the taxes they pay.

Protect what cannot be replaced.

Ward 2's rural character, farmland, forests, trails, water resources and established communities are part of what makes this ward unique. Growth and environmental stewardship must be planned together, not treated as competing afterthoughts.

As the retired CEO of a national environmental stewardship program, I brought major stakeholders together to achieve measurable environmental outcomes. I will bring that experience to Council as we work to protect our community’s natural resources.

Bring independent, accountable leadership to Town Hall.

I will listen carefully to residents — but leadership requires more than listening. It requires examining the facts, making decisions, explaining those decisions and being accountable for the results. With no local employer or personal business interests competing with my Council responsibilities, I can approach issues independently and represent the interests of Ward 2 and Stouffville residents.

My commitment is straightforward: be prepared, ask the tough questions, protect taxpayers, and make decisions based on the long-term interests of Ward 2.

Q: If you are elected, what would be your top priority for the community, and why is that the most important issue to address in the coming term? 

A: My top priority will be managing the financial and infrastructure consequences of Stouffville’s growth, while keeping residents informed every step of the way.

Growth itself is not a plan.

Every new development creates demands for roads, traffic management, recreation, emergency services, transportation and other infrastructure. Council's responsibility is to understand those consequences before making major commitments—and to ensure the financial burden does not fall unfairly on existing residents.

At the same time, growth cannot come at the expense of the things that make Ward 2 special—our rural character, established neighbourhoods, farmland, forests, trails, water resources and sense of community.

That means asking some fundamental questions: Do we have the infrastructure? What will it cost? When will it be needed? Who will pay for it? What are the long-term operating costs? And are we getting the best value for residents?

The decisions Council makes during the next term may be difficult or impossible to reverse. Once farmland or green space is rezoned for development, it cannot be replaced. We have one opportunity to get many of these decisions right. This is where my executive experience will be particularly valuable. I have spent my career aligning projects with strategic objectives, making complex decisions involving budgets that exceeded $100 million, managing competing priorities and evaluating long-term consequences. I will bring that same discipline to Council.

An important part of community leadership and decision-making is keeping residents informed. Residents should know what their councillor is working on, where issues stand and why important decisions are made. In addition to establishedcommunication channels such as town halls, email and websites, I will support the rapid implementation of the Town’s planned Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and other communication tools that will make it easier for residents, staff and myself to communicate, raise concerns, and track service requests.

My commitment is to ensure Ward 2 has experienced, independent leadership at the table working for our residents - leadership that communicates well, manages growth with fiscal discipline, protects what matters most to residents, and plans thoughtfully for future generations.

website: terridrover.ca 

email:  terridrove4ward2@gmail.com 

@terridrover4ward2

Q:  Why are you running for or seeking re-election to Whitchurch-Stouffville Town council?  

Q: Briefly outline your platform and what you feel strongly about.

Q: If you are elected, what would be your top priority for the community, and why is that the most important issue to address in the coming term?