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I am an Orillian by birth and have been fortunate to have spent most
of the last 60 years as a member of this community. For 32 years I was
involved in the construction industry as a painting contractor and I am now
involved in real estate sales.
My wife Rhonda is an active member of our community and works as an
Educational Assistant at Monsignor Lee Elementary School. Rhonda and I have
two sons, Caleb and Joe.
I began my political career in 1991 by accepting an appointment to
Orillia’s Committee of Adjustment. During my six-year term on that
committee I developed a healthy respect for property issues, developed
valuable mediation skills and was pleased to finish my tenure as Chairman.
In 1997, I was successful in winning a position on the Orillia Municipal
Council in what was the last at-large election before the present Ward
system was implemented. For the past 3 terms of Council I have represented
Ward 4 in the City’s northeast quadrant.
Warning- You are now entering a
Shameless Self Promotion Zone.
As a Councillor I am proud to have played an
active part in the money-management strategies that have resulted in the
positive financial position Orillia currently enjoys. I also take pride in
leading the initiative to significantly address Orillia’s
Commercial/Industrial tax rate inequities; Orillia being one of the few
municipalities in the Province to do so.
Over the past 8 years I have been fortunate to work along side Andy
Charters, a committed group of citizens and various Council members who
have successfully realized the establishment of Lakehead University’s
Orillia Campus.
I take great pride in my six years as chairman of the Scout Valley
Committee and the protection of what is a unique 228 acre natural asset. I
have also been pleased to advocate, along with Orillia’s very active
Environmental Community, for many of our progressive environmental
policies.
I have been involved with the Orillia Library
project literally from day one, chairing the Library property committee
that was responsible for initiating the project nine years ago and along
with Joanna Rolland, Cathy Dowd and many dedicated staff members, moving
the project through the feasibility and planning process.
As chairman of the Plan B committee I was pleased
to present the recommendation that resulted in the West Orillia Sport
Complex as we know it.
As a member of the Police Services Board I along
with Councillor Gardy was successful in keeping the new Detachment Building
in the downtown and along with my Council colleagues, insisting on a
building that would be sympathetic to our heritage Downtown.
In my first term of Council, I was the chairman
of the steering committee that built the $2,000,000 Barnfield Curling
facility.
I have been pleased to take a lead role on road
improvement, improved winter control, the 100% smoking bylaw, our new
improved planning process, trail development, downtown parking initiatives,
affordable housing, the recently created Tree Committee and the innovative
Regan House project.
Currently serving on:
Police Services Board
Finance Liaison
Emergency Preparedness
Communications
Trails For Life
Ad hoc City Centre Committee
Ad Hoc Alternative Strategies
Economic Development
Mayor’s University Task Force
Housing
Parking Advisory
Orillia Museum of Art and History
Public Works Liaison
Tree Committee
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