Editor’s note: BarrieToday has asked council candidates in neighbouring Springwater and Essa townships to provide a synopsis of why they are running for public office. Municipal elections take place Oct. 24. The following is from Hale Mahon, who is running for council in Springwater Township in Ward 3. For more election coverage, visit our 2022 municipal election page by clicking here, where you can find candidate profiles and other election news.
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Springwater deserves a young, new voice on council as we face new opportunities and challenges as a township. As a young person living in Springwater for almost my whole life, I will bring a solid understanding of the issues and a unique and creative approach to tackle them.
My family has deep roots in Springwater. My great-grandparents, Maurice and Beatrice Baldwick, were born in Midhurst and farmed and raised a family on the 13th Concession of Vespra Township (now Springwater), starting in 1950.
While I am younger than many of the other candidates, I have years of relevant political, community, and professional experience that inform my approach to municipal issues. For the past four years, I’ve been a member of the Midhurst Community Recreation Association, a township service board that manages recreation facilities and plans community events and projects. I’ve proudly served as chair for the past two years, where I’ve worked with residents and the township on recreation policies and developed strong management and communication skills.
I also work with Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey’s office as a finance associate, where I ensure productive use of taxpayers’ money in the office budget, and as a constituent caseworker, where I’ve helped countless constituents navigate government and social services.
I’ve lived in Springwater for almost my entire life and I’m so proud to call this area home. Springwater has given so much to me, and that has inspired me to give back through my contributions to our community. Now, I hope to bring that contribution to a higher level as your councillor.
My vision for Springwater focuses on three main areas:
- Smart budgeting — employing smart fiscal principles to make sure taxpayers are respected and money is being spent wisely.
- Strengthening communities — ensuring communities have the infrastructure they need to manage the growth that is coming, while making sure future development is sustainable, for people and the environment.
- Listening to residents — being the open and accountable representative that you deserve, who you can trust to listen and advocate, and who will ensure collaboration and respect on council.
I am eager to help and ready to listen to your concerns and ideas. If elected, I commit to taking a thoughtful and creative approach to council discussions, considering Springwater’s long-term priorities, and keeping taxpayers top of mind in every decision.
Please visit halemahon.ca for more information.
