Working together for a better Markham!
not just a slogan
Strong Leadership - Proven Track Record - Active Community Member
Former Thornlea Secondary School and Markville Secondary School Mathematics Teacher
For thirty-two years I helped to educate many of Markham’s children. During that time I taught students that became doctors, lawyers, teachers, business people, musicians, actors and just about any other job you can imagine. I see many of my former students in the City and they are proud to tell me of their success in life. To this day I receive emails, letters and telephone calls from former students thanking me for my contribution to their academic careers. I am happy to know that I played a part in the success of my students.
Proven experience as a 13 year full-time local and Regional Markham Councillor
I began my political career serving Ward 3 Unionville in 2009. This was a very fulfilling and rewarding position for me. As a local and Regional Councillor I was responsible for assisting residents with all of their municipal needs. When their request was not within my jurisdiction, I was always able to connect them to the right person at the proper level of government.
One of the reasons that I have decided to return as a Regional Councillor is driven by the needs of local residents. Many of the day to day issues that residents face are Regional issues. Residents are entitled to have quick responses and solutions to their Regional inquiries.
Often the best way to assess a candidate is to examine their record. During my thirteen years serving on Markham Council I have always done my best to bring the views of my residents forward to the Council table. I believe my record in representing you is second to none and I will continue to make every effort to do the same.
Markham Resident for 57 years
My family moved to Unionville almost 57 years ago. Shortly after moving here we learned that Main Street Unionville was to be widened. This would have meant the removal of several heritage buildings and changes so severe that the character and actual physical structure of the street would have made it unrecognizable today. A group of dedicated residents formed the Unionville Ratepayers’ Association which fought to preserve the Main Street. Unionville Main Street provides much enjoyment for those who visit the many quaint shops and restaurants or who simply walk the street and enjoy the abundant flowers. I have lived, worked, played, married and raised a family in our great City. I am proud to call Markham my home. Together we can make Markham better!
Strong Supporter of a Greener Markham
As the City continues to grow and more and more concrete and asphalt appears it is important to preserve and enhance all of our remaining green space. Through the Trees for Tomorrow program I am committed to increasing our tree canopy. I will continue to fight for additional green space in new developments and across the City.
I will continue to support waste diversion through the blue and green bin programs, recycling of household textiles and recycling at our Depots. By recycling as much as possible we all can make Markham Greener!
Actively involved with local ratepayer groups
I was a former director of the Unionville Ratepayers Association (URA) and have been actively involved with the URA and other local organizations such as Unionville Villagers Association and the Unionville Business Improvement Area. I will share my experience with all of the other ratepayer and resident groups in Markham. Let’s work together for a better Markham!
Committed to effective and timely communication with all Markham residents
You have every right to expect a timely, complete response when you email or call your member of Council. Our City staff is committed to service excellence and I am too. As your Regional Councillor, I am committed to help all Markham residents with both local and Regional matters.
You are welcome to subscribe to my eNewsletter – click here.
Strong advocate for responsible use of your tax dollars
I have long advocated for capping City and Regional tax increases to a percentage that is at or below the rate of inflation. It’s important to have a watchful eye sitting at both the City and Regional Council tables to advocate for responsible tax increases.
Supportive of Heritage preservation in our villages
I have served on the Heritage Markham Committee for 9 years. Heritage Markham is made up of a dedicated group of residents who have heritage foremost on their minds. They seek to preserve the buildings in the villages and towns that reflect our past. Check my record on supporting heritage, or better still, visit one of our heritage communities and see the results of our committee’s hard work. I believe that each Regional Councillor should serve one year on our Heritage Markham Committee.
Advocate for a team approach both at the City and Regional Council
All members of Council should be working together for a better Markham; however this is not currently always the case. I believe in consensus building and finding common ground on which to build towards a reasonable solution. As your Regional Councillor I will bring my experience and knowledge to both Regional Council and Markham Council.
Working with local Business Improvement Areas (BIA’s) to maintain healthy Main Streets
How bad would it be for our neighbourhoods if our Main Streets and local businesses were not healthy? During my tenure Markham Council, I worked to plan and implement the Main Street Unionville Revitalization Plan. This has resulted in increased activity and new complementary development. As a Regional Councillor I will continue to work with the local BIAs to keep them strong and vital. I will continue to work with local businesses to bring “feet to the street” and help keep their taxes low at both the City and Regional levels.
Working with our Economic Development Department to bring new businesses to Markham
Having a strong business base in Markham is a key to having a healthy economic climate. I am pleased to have worked with many businesses as they chose Markham. Small business is the backbone of our economy. We have many thriving businesses, both small and large, here in our City. I am also pleased to have helped support York University coming to Markham. York will continue to bring a new vitality to our City. As your Regional Councillor I will be even more actively involved in bringing economic prosperity to Markham.
Community Centres, Parks, Trails and Libraries
One of the most important parts of any community is its play spaces. This can refer to indoor areas such as community centres or outdoor areas such as parks. I am pleased to have added many new parks to the City’s inventory. Just walk through your neighbourhood to see the welcome additions.
Having served on the Library Board, I realize how important libraries are to everyone in our community.
As the population of Markham increases, it may be time to build an additional community hub. I will continue to support additional accessible recreation facilities such as splash pads, walking trails, parks and the expansion of our library system.
Seniors Housing and Affordable Housing
As many of our residents age, there is an increased need for seniors housing in Markham. I was instrumental in working with York Region Senior’s Housing to bring a new facility to Markham. This is a multi-unit building with many senior amenities. I will continue to look for opportunities to enhance the availability of seniors’ units.
While the current housing supply in Markham is meeting the demands of the majority of its residents, the needs of some residents are not adequately being met in the traditional market especially for households of low or modest incomes. In order to increase affordable housing, the Region and municipalities must:
- Make sure government fees, taxes and charges are fair
- Fund and build critical infrastructure
- Cut red tape
Markham should continue to work in close partnership with the Province and the Region to increase affordable and rental housing options.
Transit
We need a better public transit system if we’re going to ask people to leave their cars at home. The bus rapid transit system has improved along the main corridors with a move towards electrification of the bus fleet. Poor north-south connections still need to be improved. High rise communities must continue to have a public transit focus.
The announcement of the Yonge North Subway Extension has been a double edged sword. While I welcome the YNSE, I DID NOT support the routing of the subway line under Thornhill residents homes.
Some of My Accomplishments
- worked in planning the Pan Am Centre, Aaniin Community Centre, Angus Glen Tennis Centre, York University Markham campus, Stiver Mill, Cornell Community Centre and Library, numerous parks, Varley Art Gallery expansion, Markham Museum expansion, Markham Soccer dome, Mt. Joy Soccer dome
- ongoing work with the Unionville BIA, ice skating and hockey communities, tennis and soccer clubs, ratepayers associations, festivals and events, charitable organizations, seniors groups
- worked to create better communication with residents via email, telephone and eNewsletters
- worked with the residents, businesses, consultants, City staff and Council to create and complete the Unionville Main Street Vision Plan
- worked with a local seniors home to help eliminate a $3 million debt
- worked with community members for the train horn/whistle silencing
- worked for improvements to local infrastructure such as LED street lighting, new path and trail enhancements, library upgrades
- worked with our Cycling Pedestrian Advisory Committee to improve cycling and pedestrian infrastructure throughout the City including enhanced school crossing safety measures
- worked with Council to introduce an Integrity Commissioner and Auditor General to increase accountability and transparency for the City
The Future
Markham is recognized as one of Canada’s most diverse cities with a multitude of languages spoken. There is already great respect shown for differing cultural backgrounds. I will work with and represent all Markham residents.
York Regional Police falls under the jurisdiction of York Region Council. The reality of today’s policing is much different that it has been in the past. We need to provide YRP and other first responders with the needed resources to protect Markham residents. I will be a strong advocate for continuing public safety.
Markham has an outstanding record of maintaining low tax increases. However, that may be difficult to maintain due to the current economic and global political environment. Council must do it’s best to maintain reasonable tax increases.