Alan Shefman, Vaughan Ward 5 candidate

Yorkregion.com
September 24, 2018

I am a 36-year resident of Thornhill. I have both a BA and MA and worked in municipal and provincial government as well as run my own consulting firm for over 25 years.

For the past 14 years as a Vaughan councillor representing the people of Thornhill, I have been intimately involved in the building of a dynamic, progressive urban municipality.

Throughout this time, I have gained experience responding to the needs of Ward 5 residents. Without a doubt my record of providing results quickly and effectively, no matter the issue, is widely recognized.

My professional background in conflict resolution and as a senior official in government has also given me an advantage in my core job function, as a public servant, of helping people.

Recognizing the aging infrastructure in the area I have championed many renewal strategies and projects, including upgrading flooding controls, building new playgrounds and courts in parks, the revitalization of Garnet A. Williams Community Centre, and the recently approved Park Renewal Strategy which has prioritized nine Thornhill parks.

A key concern for Thornhill residents is the Yonge Street North subway extension. I continue to champion this project with my municipal colleagues. The project is now moving forward with engineering and design.

One of my priorities as a councillor is community consultation. Prior to any development application going to the city, I insist on the proponent holding a public meeting with residents. When the community is broadly opposed to a plan, such as the one to build a highrise at Spring Farm Marketplace, I work closely with the local ratepayers to find a resolution -- in this case, the withdrawal of the application.

I am eager to tackle two issues in the next term: supporting seniors to allow them to stay in their homes and improving housing affordability in Thornhill. I intend to propose city task forces to consider both these matters of importance to our residents.