Newmarket resident will 'shape the direction of the community' by voting

Newmarket resident creates online forum to connect community and candidates

Yorkregion.com
October 17, 2018

Dianne Wood feels voting is one of the most important responsibilities a resident can have.

The longtime Newmarket resident felt it was important to engage her neighbours, friends and greater community by creating the Newmarket Votes Facebook page to encourage election discussion and allow voters to ask candidates questions. The page is followed by more than 600 people.

“Voting is important and gives us an opportunity to shape the direction of our community,” she said. “It helps us get to know the issues and meet the community members.”

Due to other community pages on Facebook not allowing political discussion, she felt the need to create a forum just for such a discussion, requesting followers and participants remain respectful. She wanted the opportunity --and to give the opportunity to others --to learn more about the issues and people running for office.

For her, the top three election issues include taxes (specifically, paying for the Mulock Estates), a new public library, and the expense accounts and wages of councillors. She also is focused on the candidate platforms focused on public transit and the school board trustees who will bring the public board to order after a troubled term.

A debate hosted by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce highlighted a number of issues council hopefuls will have to address if elected, including affordable housing, fiscal responsibility, transparency, attracting and retaining businesses as well as the retail sale of cannabis.

Newmarket residents began voting online and by telephone on Oct. 13 and can continue to do so until Oct. 22.

Eligible voters who are registered on the town’s voter list received a voter instruction letter in the mail containing a voting PIN and the online voting web address and telephone number. If voters have not received the letter, call 905-953-5121. This is the first municipal election where the town does not have in-person polling stations. For voters who do not have access to an internet connection, technology centres and voter assistance centres have been set up at the Newmarket Seniors’ Centre, Newmarket Public Library, Magna Centre and Ray Twinney Complex. If a voter needs help at home, call the town’s election helpline at 905-953-5121 to book an appointment for a member of the election street team to assist.

For candidate profiles and full election coverage, visit Yorkregion.com.

Technology centres for those without an internet connection:

Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place, 474 Davis Dr., Oct. 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon and Oct. 22 from 8:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave., Oct. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Oct. 19, 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 21 1 to 5 p.m.

Voter assistance centres for those who need help voting:

Magna Centre, 474 Davis Dr., Oct 19, 20, 21 from noon to 8 p.m. and Oct 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ray Twinney Complex, 100 Eagle St. W., Oct. 19, 20, 21 from noon to 8 p.m. and Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.