York-Simcoe Tory nomination garners 3 bids for federal riding

Yorkregion.com
September 13, 2018
Heidi Riedner

Three people are eyeing the Tory nomination for the York-Simcoe federal riding with outgoing MP Peter Van Loan set to retire Sept. 30.

Georgina’s Scot Davidson and Heather Fullerton, as well as Bradford’s Jason Verkaik, will spend the next few weeks signing up as many party memberships as possible before the Sept. 27 deadline.

Eligible voters must be party members to cast a ballot for the nomination vote, which most likely will take place about 30 days after the Sept. 27 deadline.

All three candidates will update their campaign website and Facebook sites as their platforms develop, and they welcome public input on the issues that matter most to York-Simcoe residents.

For Davidson -- who has owned numerous companies during the past two decades, including the Blue Moose Bar & Grill, Fish Crisp and most recently the former Bonnie Boats marina in Jackson’s Point -- small business is the main focus.

“York-Simcoe is built on small business, especially farming, and I’ve been involved with both my whole life."

The longtime Sutton resident, who has also lived in Sharon, says he wants to simplify things for people, many of whom are “holding on by their fingernails due to high government corporate tax and various red tape issues”.

While Davidson has sat on numerous town committees and boards -- including Georgina’s waterways committee, the Lake Simcoe stakeholders committee and Georgina Health Council -- he says the “macro picture” has always interested him.

He says he has also learned in life there is no substitute for hard work.

“I’m the type of guy that, no matter what I’ve done, I always roll up my sleeves and work hard. The time is right for me now to give back to my community, and I think I can make a difference.”

Fullerton, 56, is most recognized in the community for her 10-year role at the helm of Georgina’s Arts Centre & Gallery as its executive director and extensive volunteer work.

She says the health of Lake Simcoe and supporting local infrastructure projects and programs to offset growth-related pressures are two of her biggest priorities.

The Region’s UYSS project, the province’s Connecting Link as well as other infrastructure needs are examples of what Fullerton says she will examine to ensure York-Simcoe has the appropriate federal programs and supports in place.

“Whatever can be done at the federal level to help constituents as the area continues to grow is my concern.”

Fullerton, who has run a number of small businesses in her professional career and who is the current director of development for a front-line organization, based in Etobicoke, fighting poverty and helping those in need, has sat on numerous local boards, committees and organizations.

“My entire life has been devoted to helping our community and doing whatever I can to help people connect and make things happen,” says the recipient of both Georgina’s Citizen of the Year and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee awards recognizing volunteerism and contribution to community.

Third-generation Holland Marsh farmer and entrepreneur Jason Verkaik describes himself as a leader with a passionate desire to serve.

“I believe strongly in giving back to the community,” says Verkaik, who has been, and continues to be, involved with numerous charities and organizations, including food bank programs, as well as volunteering with and coaching youth sports teams.

He has also represented the interests of farmers and small business at both the local and national level.

“I have a decade of experience in lobbying to the highest level of the political landscape. This has led (to) my desire to become more involved at a level that can have the greatest impact on the community -- public service.”

Verkaik says York-Simcoe families should have more money at the end of the month.

They need “more efficient use of our tax dollars, with less government, less crippling regulation and red tape.”

He adds that business needs an environment with more economic growth and stability to not only survive, but also thrive.

As a farmer, Verkaik says the balance of the lake, agricultural lands and towns needs to be respected and protected through federal policy.

"As a church, farm, business and community leader, I believe one needs to address today's pressing issues and concerns with decorum, fair and respectful debate that brings resolution and value to society ...  I believe in my ability to serve with passionate, dedicated leadership"