October 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine

KATHARINE PARSONS continued...
is rural? Of course not. Does the concentration in one area lead to a lack of awareness in the rest of the Town?
Possibly.
I moved to East Gwillimbury to a farm 17 years ago from the city and I know what happens to towns when they
grow too fast, and I am intimately well-versed in the challenges of the agricultural community. No one – from
the federal candidates on down to the municipal ones – has ever been up my driveway to ask me for my vote.
As a candidate, the prospect of campaigning over 200 square kilometers is daunting, and expensive. In an “At
Large” system, it is of course easier, which is why you see more candidates running in wards and the incumbents
are more easily unseated.
Either way, because of the poor response rate from council members in the current system, I say give the ward
system a try for one term. It will also make it easier for some of the prospective candidates – the ones that I
couldn’t persuade to run this time! – to step up to serve the community.
Phone: 905-478-1104; Email: katharineparsons@gmail.com; www.katharinevotes4you.ca
TARA ROY-DICLEMENTE: seeking position of Councillor of East Gwillimbury
My answer to the question on the ballot is NO.
There are a number of issues with the referendum this fall. First, the question is
ambiguous. By asking residents if they support the status quo, we are not getting at the
real question, which is what system the voters would want. There is no call to action or
suggestion of an alternative. Second, the results from this referendum are only binding
if we receive 50% voter turnout, which historically has not occurred. Surely if turnout
is sufficient to elect a Council, that turnout should also be sufficient to effect change in
how that Council is elected!
It is my opinion that not enough has been done to inform residents about this question. I have therefore arranged
for a public meeting on Thursday, October 14th at the Sharon Hope United Church at 7:00 pm. Dr. Robert
Williams, a political scientist and expert in municipal affairs, will make a presentation on electoral systems. He
will also answer questions so that voters can make an informed decision on October 25th.
In the 40-plus years since East Gwillimbury was incorporated, there has been no examination of the Town’s
governance systems. It is my position that we need to conduct an electoral review. The evaluation process would
include public education and consultation to educate and inform residents about the pros and cons of the at-large
and ward systems (or combinations thereof). It would also be an opportunity for residents to express their
opinions on the issue, and hopefully, become more engaged in our municipal government.
I believe that a review would show that East Gwillimbury meets the criteria set by the Ontario Municipal Board
for the implementation of a ward system. Those criteria include:
a. Population of at least 10,000 – we are at 22,000, and projected to be 34,700 by 2016.
b. Separate & distinct communities of interest with no central hub defining the Town. Our unique
communities of Holland Landing, Queensville, Sharon, Mount Albert and others in the rural areas of E.G.
naturally lend themselves to a ward structure.
c. Recognized geographic and man-made boundaries such as waterways and roads.
Finally, I believe the review process will also show residents how a ward system enables a more accessible,
accountable Municipal Council that reflects the diversity of interests and viewpoints in our Town. Having a ward
system prevents any one area from becoming either a voting bloc which is over-represented on Council or, in
22 The Bulletin | October 2010 www.thebulletinmagazine.com