October 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine
October 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine
October 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine
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MARGARET GAUKEL: seeking position of Councillor of East Gwillimbury<br />
At this time I am in favour of our current electoral system of electing 4 councillors at<br />
large in East Gwillimbury.<br />
I have looked at the ward system and feel it works well in cities with large populations.<br />
It does appear to have its drawbacks with some wards getting stronger support<br />
than others.<br />
I feel the residents of East Gwillimbury are well represented by the 4 elected councillors.<br />
I don’t feel we have the population base to change to the ward system. Perhaps in the<br />
future if there is a huge increase in population the ward system can be looked at again.<br />
Another issue in changing to the ward system is what the cost would be to change. <strong>The</strong>re needs to be more<br />
information provided to our residents regarding all the impacts both pros and cons about the ward system. Once<br />
all information about the ward system is provided the residents of East Gwillimbury can make their decision<br />
confident they are armed with all the necessary facts.<br />
Margaret Gaukel<br />
Phone: 905-473-1613; Email: info@margaretgaukel.com; www.MargaretGaukel.com<br />
JOHN HAYES: seeking position of Councillor of East Gwillimbury<br />
In my opinion, there are many more pressing issues facing East Gwillimbury than this<br />
referendum - Traffic, growth, infrastructure, road safety, environmental issues, fiscal<br />
prudence, and taxation to name a few. However, my view of the ward system is as<br />
follows…<br />
It is important that everyone makes up their OWN mind on the issue and not be swayed<br />
by others. I, personally think the question is very poorly worded. You will be asked if<br />
you approve of the existing electoral system rather than a straight “Do you want a ward<br />
system of government” which requires a simple yes or no answer. <strong>The</strong> residents of East<br />
Gwillimbury are sophisticated enough to answer a straight question.<br />
I feel that this question is extremely premature. An “at large” system has worked quite well for a population of<br />
20,000 –<strong>The</strong> main problem with an “at large” system is that sometimes all of the councillors come mainly from<br />
one geographic area, which leaves some areas underrepresented.<br />
When people in Queensville and Sharon find their quiet small-town existence changed by the influx of tens of<br />
thousands of new residents in high-density dwellings then, and perhaps only then, it may be the time to switch<br />
to a ward system.<br />
However, good luck to all on this referendum. Remember for it to be binding it will require a 50 per cent or<br />
better turnout. In all honesty, I think the question is just going to be academic, as East Gwillimbury has never<br />
had a 50 per cent turnout. Please prove me wrong – GET OUT AND VOTE ON OCTOBER 25TH<br />
John Hayes<br />
Phone: 905-473-6684; Email: johnhayes.councillor@gmail.com; www.johnhayescouncillor.com<br />
Find this months’ ongoing events at<br />
www.<strong>The</strong><strong>Bulletin</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.com<br />
18 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>October</strong> <strong>2010</strong> www.thebulletinmagazine.com
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