Ward 5
Councillor Candidates

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

A: I want to continue to work with developers on the phase 3 lands.

Continue to work with staff to attract new businesses to help with the tax base.

Main Street re development is a major undertaking.  We need to work closely with the businesses during this process.

Continue my work on the new Uxbridge Hospital build.  I sit on the fundraising board. 

Continue to support the senior and youth of our community.

Watch our spending.  Respect the taxpayers dollars.

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

A: I feel strongly that we need to attract new businesses to this community.  We are too dependent on the residential tax payer.

The speed cameras are now gone so we need to focus on the safety of our streets. 

The downtown revitalizations is going to be a challenge so we need to help the businesses along the way.

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: To work with economic development and lessen the red tape for businesses, new and existing.  Try and relieve the tax burden on the residential tax payer as noted in question 1.

Continue to work with residents on their needs and desires.

Email:  richardjbartley@gmail.com 

Ph: 416-989-7235  

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

A: I totally get this town.

My community advocacy, activism and the proven track record of creating solutions one person or business at a time has been developed through 20+ years as a community volunteer.  It is time to take that experience and translate it into active leadership through the form of systemic higher-level solutions. 

I am already in the community at a grassroots level with a solid understanding of our town, the concerns, the people and the opportunities.  I have been very active in making our town a vibrant, supported community. Initially as an involved mom of 3 young active kids (one with autism) and employed in the agricultural and agritourism industry, I developed an appreciation and understanding for what the community offered to families. From that knowledge the volunteer-run, incorporated non- profit small business Hummingbird Hub Community Centre was formed. The mission was to identify and provide solutions for the gaps in the social fabric of Stouffville and provide support to individual, families and business in times of difficulty or transitions.    The Hub was a successful local small business in the historic downtown core.  As a member of the chamber of commerce and participant in the downtown working group, the Hub was the center with spokes reaching out to so many other organizations and businesses in Stouffville as well as York Region and through the GTA.

My business background (B.Comm, Queen’s University) has provided a solid framework for excellent communication skills, ability to work and network with others at all levels in the business and social circuits and a strong foundation in the skills required to manage projects, meet deadlines and handle conflict with confidence.

My involvement is not limited.  I am actively involved with Stouffville United Church, having served on council and on Christian Development as well as Ministry and Personnel committees.  I am actively involved with the Legion and serve as Chair for the local 707 Marion Orr Air Cadet Squadron.  I am a director with the Business Women’s Network of York Region and serve as its secretary and I am involved with monthly event preparation.  A passion is my position as a year-round volunteer with Toronto Zoo in the Learning and Engagement department. In addition, I am an active supporter and participant in fundraisers and events with local organizations and charities, including active involvement with 100 Women Who Care Stouffville and the charities it supports.  My reach is wide and connections strong. It is time to leverage this knowledge and passion and step up to provide leadership to our community of Whitchurch-Stouffville.

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

A:  

·       Municipal council should be a representation of the community and ALL voices are important and should be heard. 

·       The historic downtown core has not been well represented and many of its issues have been chronically under addressed. Communication on key issues has been lacking

·       Traffic patterns through town have significantly changed over last few years requiring new methods of managing traffic flow, calming, and management of new streets that previously either didn’t exist or didn’t experience the current level of traffic. Many streets in the ward need reassessing

·       Environmental sustainability, stewardship and their impact on growth and development are topics that should be present in all discussion.

·       Development of higher density housing, while preventing urban sprawl, needs to be balanced with development of infrastructure (especially upgrades to power grid), amenities, town beautification, and support resources.

·       I am hearing consistent themes and concerns particularly in the areas of; new development, a safe community particularly for children and seniors, road maintenance (including snow plowing, traffic calming and traffic flow at times of road closures), tax and fiscal management including commercial/industrial industry growth, preservation of the town’s culture and identity especially with the rural and agricultural connections, environmental sustainability and infrastructure capacities including that of the power grid.

·       Residents of Ward 5 deserve a strong experienced leader with a proven track record of creating and implementing solutions for people within the town of Whitchurch Stouffville.

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:  Once elected it will be important to begin in the first couple of weeks by

1. Meeting key town staff in a new capacity as councillor, and setting a productive and positive relationship for the next 4 years.

2. Attending council and committee meetings and learning the limits, expectations and responsibilities of being a councillor   

3. Getting oriented, and learning the nuances of the position. making introductions and assessing strategies for addressing the concerns and opportunities heard through this canvassing phase. 

4. Collecting information on the issues, the history behind the issues, their status, roadblocks, next steps, timing and what is involved in creating a viable resolution so that information can be communicated back to concerned residents.

Within the first six weeks following taking office the priorities then will shift to

1. Creating the required motions on the issues heard and documented through the campaign process and presenting them to council.

2. Establishing efficient channels of communication to the residents in the ward.  There needs to be consistently reliable ways for residents to reach me and be confident their voices are heard. Likewise, it will be critical to have a newsletter, social media accounts, group chats and times to meet concerned residents in person.  It is a priority for me to retain the programs, people and connections I have already established through Hummingbird Hub activities.

3. This period will also include actively participating at committee meetings and council discussions that are ongoing and underway.

The next step after getting oriented is to take accountability and ensure action on the issues raised during this campaign period as well as new issues as they arise in real time. Collaboration and cooperation with peers and staff will set the pattern for issue resolution and solutions for new opportunities.

website:  www.instagram.com/cusackforcouncilstouffville 

 email:  cusackforcouncil@gmail.com

         Ph: 437-267-0251