Yes, why should you vote for me? I haven't proven myself to you, but then most of us as candidates haven't.
It is up to you to investigate what we are proposing, and make a decision based on your own criteria. Do we represent what you want in a councillor?
I can tell you my reasons for voting for me. I want to do right by this community. We are not all together and maybe we never will be. Sydenham and St. Vincent have different needs from the former "town of Meaford" - but really, that is true of most amalgamated municipalities, especially those attempting to marry the urban and rural. However, remembering we are all part of the same municipality and decisions council makes will affect everyone is important - I promise to think of Meaford as a whole, not the sum of its parts or of the urban part of Meaford as an island.
If I am elected, I promise to listen to you, those who voted, pay taxes, live, work and play in his community, to think critically about how to realise what you want and need and balance that with the needs of the community as a whole.
I have a fresh outlook. Having a young family in this community, I understand the perspective of a person trying to raise children, work and thrive in Meaford. It isn't always easy; what this community offers in outdoor recreation it lacks in indoor recreation and services. There isn't much to do in the evening. Jobs are scarce. Many industries, stores, restaurants and farms have closed up shop. We want to have a vibrant, healthy community and we have to work to get it. The "do nothing" alternative is not an option.
We all want lower taxes. I have had my own taxes grow, reduce and grow again. I don't want tax reduction that we can't afford only to be reversed in a panic again later. Taxes need to be reasonable, but we can't reduce them if we can't afford to. We must weigh our needs with our bank account too and not overspend as has been done in the past.
