October 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine

MARLENE JOHNSTON continued...
The journey to thoroughly investigate all the options, (one option is a ward system) is expensive for taxpayers,
and Council needs to know if taxpayers want to take this journey while we are still a relatively small town.
Council can’t start by implementing a solution to a problem until they have a clear understanding of the problem
and all of the options available to solve that problem. Perhaps residents favour the current electoral system of
electing four Councillors at large and don’t feel there is any problem to solve.
I believe in democracy. It ensures that the people have a say. The “question on the ballot” when answered by
the voters will provide guidance to Council. Regardless of my personal opinion, my promise is to follow their
wisdom. Regardless of how many or few people turn out to vote, I am prepared to follow their guidance.
Marlene Johnston
Phone: 905-830-1314; Email: marlenejohnston@rogers.com; www.marlenejohnston.ca
CATHY MORTON: seeking position of Councillor of East Gwillimbury
For me the answer to this question is two fold. This question was presented to Council
through a petition requesting that the question be put on the ballot during this election.
Council took steps to address that petition by placing a question on the ballot which
would be answered by our constituents town wide. As your Councillor I am very
interested in what the outcome of this question will be.
I am interested in knowing why it is being asked at this time. Our residents have five
members of Council who are a phone call away and who are willing to answer any and
all questions on a variety of topics. As your Councillor, I am pleased that residents from
across this great municipality feel that they are able to connect with not only myself but others if they have a
problem that needs solving. Events that take place all over our Municipality have the advantage of having in
attendance all members of Council to show their support for these events not just one who lives in the area.
There are also many different alternatives than just a ward system. Perhaps we need to look at electing more
Council members; perhaps it is an elected Deputy Mayor or a Regional Councillor. I have already committed if
re elected to take into serious consideration a review regardless of the outcome of the ballot results; to find out
when is the correct time.
It is up to our constituents to decide the outcome and I for one am waiting for that outcome to review the
next steps.
As a Candidate in the upcoming election, there are still a number of questions unanswered with regards to the
electoral system and whether or not we need a change. If the residents support a change then when should it
happen.? Is it now or as we begin the growth? At what point in population growth does Council begin assessing
the ward boundaries and where should they start and end? Will the Council hold public meetings and when do
they take play? AS I see it this decision is not cut and dry.
The answer will be revealed by the public on October 25th and Council will act on that decision.
Cathy Morton
Phone: 905-557-0304; Email: cathy@cathymorton.com; www.cathymorton.com
20 The Bulletin | October 2010 www.thebulletinmagazine.com