Shefman to run for re-election in Ward 5

Vaughan Weekly
February 26, 2014
By Angela Gismondi

 

 

Alan Shefman will be seeking re-election in Ward 5 in the upcoming municipal election.

Shefman officially filed his papers at Vaughan City Hall in January.

The incumbent said after four years as a councillor for Thornhill, he wants to continue to serve the community.

“Some time ago when I started to think about the 2014 election, I quickly realized that I still have much to give to my community and being a councillor is one of the most effective ways to contribute to both my immediate community of Ward 5 and the City as a whole I believe that my experience combined with my passion for the City of Vaughan will help me contribute to the progress Council has made over the last four years,” stated Shefman in an email. “Not only am I driven to see the many projects that I have been involved in come to fruition, I continue to have new ideas and propose new initiatives that will improve the quality of life for everyone in our City.”

As for his priorities, his number one goal is and will always be to “listen and respond to residents and solve their problems quickly and effectively.”

He also aims to provide the highest value for tax dollars through strict financial management while at the same time ensuring that Vaughan maintains the highest level of services possible, continuing his efforts to strengthen municipal accountability and integrity through constant review and improvement of our policy structure and promoting the development of a network of transit in York Region and the GTA with a focus on working cooperatively with his counterparts in Markham and Richmond Hill to get the Yonge Street subway extension back on track.

Furthermore, Shefman plans to focus on improving the planning process in Vaughan.

“Residents in the city are increasing upset by the planning process especially relating to intensification,” said Shefman. “I believe that we need to find ways, within the provincial planning framework, to help residents understand how this process work, but more important, to provide a means for real, substantial and effective input into the decision making process.”

Also on his list are promoting economic development, especially relating to international initiatives and innovation in the City, championing environmental programs that support sustainability and promoting new and innovative ways to do work across all functional areas of the city, working with the community to develop appropriate and sustainable growth strategies and the implementation of a diversity master plan for the city.

Shefman said he brings a lot to the table including new and innovative thinking as well as experience.

“Throughout my time a councillor I have continued to evolve in my thinking and have been able to consistently bring new ideas to council,” said Shefman. “With my many years of involvement as a school board trustee and a city councillor, I bring a breadth of knowledge, an understanding of government processes and wide-ranging experience with the issues that are of importance to the residents of Ward 5 - Thornhill and the City of Vaughan.”

He also brings the skills developed as a senior manager in government, combined with community leadership and finally as a small business owner to his work as a City Councillor.

“Of significant importance, I believe, is my training as a facilitator and mediator,” said Shefman. “I use my abilities in this area on a daily basis.”

He also believes in openness and transparency.

“Too often politicians are not willing to speak openly and directly about controversial issues,” said Shefman. “I work hard at being open, honest and direct in response to the issues that I deal with as a councillor. At times this results in people getting upset that I will not simply agree with their position until I have heard all sides to the issue, conducted research, consulted with our staff experts and considered what is best for our city.”

The municipal election will be held Oct. 27.