Margaret Quirk - Georgina Mayor candidate

Yorkregion.com
September 20, 2018

I have lived in Georgina for over 35 years and was first elected as Ward 1 Councillor in 1994, under my former last name Jordan. Successful in five elections, I held that position until 2010 when I decided not to seek re-election. I had always envisioned a return to politics and in October 2014, I was elected Mayor and have spent the last four years working hard for the residents of Georgina.

This Council has tackled issues head on and we have been committed to transparency, accountability and respectful communications.  Working together we  have improved fiscal and budget  policies, moved forward on recreation and road projects and have made advances in economic development and communications to our residents. I have the proven leadership and experience to take Georgina forward in the next four years, balancing the wants and needs of the community with strong financial management. I respect taxpayers and the trust they have given me in managing their tax dollars.

The Town has several large capital projects in its future including the new Pefferlaw Fire Hall (construction has started), the Multi-Use Recreation Complex, West Park Redevelopment and Civic Centre.

These projects demand proven leadership to move them forward with a strong controls on financial management and project oversight. I am committed to having the Keswick Business Park developed and to attracting commercial and corporate employers to our community.

Council in the next term will be dealing with several outstanding issues; Lake Drive shoreline jurisdiction, that issue needs to be completed with a solution that works for everyone; short-term rentals requires a solid bylaw and enforcement tools and it is critical to have that in place for the summer of 2019.  The retail sales of cannabis needs to be reviewed by council and a decision made on how we as a community want to proceed. The Maple Lake Estates development  issue is still outstanding and I remain committed to protecting that area.  The Thane aluminum smelter property is a file that we have long history with involving the Province and we need to continue to push for a final resolution.

Additional bylaw enforcement and beach access and parking need a co-ordinated review to bring solution forward. I will continue to champion for high-speed broadband across all of Georgina both for our residents and businesses.

All of these issues and more need an experienced voice and skill set to work for the residents of Georgina both locally and at the Region. My success in this term as Mayor centres around my commitment to be respectful and inclusive and my dedication to serve the residents of Georgina. I have been very  proud to have served as Mayor but there is still more work to be done and I am ready to continue to serve as your Mayor.  I respectfully ask for your support in October to continue to move Georgina forward. Let's continue to work together for Georgina's future. Vote Quirk on Oct. 22.