Debbie Schaefer, King Ward 5 candidate
Yorkregion.com
September 11, 2018
I am seeking re-election as Ward 5 councillor.
I have an MBA (York University, 1982); retired from Procter & Gamble as associate director in 2003 with 27 years career experience; elected as municipal councillor in 2010 and 2014.
Why am I a good candidate for re-election?
I have delivered value to my constituents. I championed initiatives to protect our established neighbourhoods, including amendments to zoning bylaws and opposing severances. I supported intensification where the locations were appropriate, and when the plans included considerations of accessibility, esthetics; for infill situations, impacts on surrounding neighbours needed to be considered. I have been relentless in not sacrificing environmental protections. I have supported capital projects including our new town hall with new community space and our new community hub (expanded library and new Seniors’ Centre) because there are defined needs for these long-term assets for our communities, and their financing plans are sound and respectful to current taxpayers. I have promoted appreciation for our cultural heritage with a practical perspective: the repurposing of buildings, including relocating structures so that they can be utilized. I have been a strong advocate for supporting our cultural assets, specifically, King’s partnership with Arts Society King. As I believe that engaged, knowledgeable citizens are key to effective governance, I have maintained a blog since 2011 to provide information about issues, which I regularly update.
If re-elected the issues I will champion:
- Implementing the Growth Plan in King. Specifically: intensifying greenfield sites consistent with our new Official Plan; intensifying appropriate infill sites and at the King City GO train station; and maintaining our boundaries for development.
- Increasing King’s mix of housing options.
- Developing a new policy and enforcement regime for tree protection and tree canopy enhancement.
- Maintaining our high standards for natural heritage features.
- Developing and executing a plan to address parking constraint in our villages.
- Completing renewal of our Official Plan.
