Dunlap Defender taking second run at council seat

Richmond Hill Liberal
January 20, 2014
By Kim Zarzour

If you’ve been to any town council meetings or events over the past several years, you’ve likely seen or heard from Karen Cilevitz.

The Richmond Hill resident has managed to attend almost every town council, committee, task force and public consultation meeting for the past four years, participating in discussions and helping town leaders formulate a variety of plans and initiatives.

She weighed in on the town’s parks and recreation plan, Greening the Hill, cultural plan, public arts policy, civic precinct plan and ongoing initiatives related to the Strategic and People Plans and advised resident groups on issues relating to development.

It all added up to a unique learning experience, she says, enabling her to hone her skills and understanding of municipal affairs. Now she is committed to putting that experience to work as the elected council representative for the residents in her community, Ward 5.

The 56-year-old mother of three has lived in the ward for five years, having moved her family and business from Thornhill in order build her leadership efforts in Richmond Hill.

It was in her role as chairperson of the David Dunlap Observatory Defenders, fighting to save the historic, park-like lands at Bayview and 16th avenues, that she was first bit by the political bug.

After falling short in her bid for the Ward 5 seat in the 2010 election has made Ms Cilevitz more determined.

A lifelong volunteer, amateur astronomer and twice nominated for York Region’s character award, Ms Cilevitz holds a diploma as opthalmic medical assistant from Centennial College and office management certification from South Africa . She is currently executive assistant to the vice-president at one of Canada’s major insurance and financial corporations. She believes her post-secondary training in South Africa and decades of experience as executive assistant and senior office manager in family-run business and medical environments add to her qualifications.

“I believe my dedication and commitment to the residents of Ward 5 and Richmond Hill will enable a reliable, dependable, respectable and energetic voice to be added to council, making our municipal seat of government stronger and more effective for those it serves.”

Key issues she sees ahead include transportation, infrastructure needs resulting from development — especially along the Yonge Street corridor — and ensuring that development complies with the provincial Places to Grow Act and the town’s new Official Plan.

She also vows to fight for the rights of residents impacted by infill and other major development proposals and to protect parkland, environment and employment lands.

Protection should also be provided to those who may be impacted by the upcoming construction of the VIVA Next Rapidway corridor along Yonge, between Hwy. 7 and Major Mackenzie, she said.

Her other priorities include holding the tax rate to manageable parameters, examining ways to amend the role of the Ontario Municipal Board and ensuring open and accountable governance.

To contact Ms Cilevitz or find out more, visit karencilevitzward5.ca or e-mail karen.cilevitz@rogers.com