BarrieToday recently reached out to each candidate for city council in Barrie's 10 wards for a 300-word profile in their own words about their background and why people should vote for them.
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John Olthuis has been a part of the Barrie community for over 23 years. As a resident of Ward 10, one slated for exponential growth, John feels that the ward needs a leader that can make representing the ward a full-time responsibility.
Recently retired, John is a graduate of Sheridan College with a major in marketing. He also attended York University with studies in business development, leadership and business acumen. John has over 30 years experience in customer communications, customer service and marketing. John also has a strong understanding of economics, the environment and municipal politics.
As the father of five ranging in age from 21 to 32 and two grandchildren, key issues on John’s agenda are having a safer community, more affordable housing, better value for our tax dollars and clearer communication at council.
John has found that there is a strong concern about the number of cross walks in school zones, the fact that public walkways are overgrow with weeds and not maintained in the winter. Many streets have become high speed routes. Drivers failing to stop on red signals and many other infractions. John intends to work with the school boards, traffic department and the Barrie police to discuss what might be done to address these issues.
Affordable housing is a major issue. Estimated housing prices in the new development areas are out of the reach of many first-time home buyers. John intends to speak with developers to see if there are ways to help. Rental pricing in Barrie is also impacted by the housing market. John has some innovative concepts that he intends to share with both council and developers when elected.
John and his wife Gayle live in Ward 10. With the planned growth in the south of the ward, John feels a part-time councillor will not have the time to address everyone’s needs. Value for tax dollar includes a full-time councillor and he intends to provide that to the people of Barrie.
Campaign office: 88 Birkhall Place, Barrie, ON L4N 0K2
Phone: 705-794-1465
Website http://johnforward10.com
Twitter: @JohnOlthuis
