• Protecting Water and Farmland in Simcoe County

Maria Baier steps forward in Innisfil’s Ward 6

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In Innisfil
Sep 7th, 2010
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News release from Maria Baier – September 3 2010
Maria Baier registered today to run for a seat on Innisfil Town Council, representing Ward 6.
“I have considered running for many years and I’m very excited now that I have finally made that decision. I believe that there is much more that the municipal government can do to protect and rehabilitate our natural environment.” Maria has admired the work Dan Davidson has done over the past four years in the ward six area. She would like to provide a continued strong voice and representation as Dan pursues the seat of Deputy Mayor.
Maria holds a Masters Degree from the University of Toronto in Social Work. She has a private practice as a Therapist and is a part-time Professor at Lakehead University in Orillia.
Maria and her family have been residents of Innisfil for 11 years. Her husband, Pekka, is a local elementary school teacher and together they have 2 sons, Aaron, age 12 and Luc, age 8.  Maria’s parents, Reverend Del and Mardelle Baier, have been residents of Sandycove Acres for the past 10 years and she feels a strong connection to this community.
Through her past work with the IDA, a local residents group, she has gained extensive knowledge of many of the issues facing our municipality, how municipal government operates and the challenges that citizens face in trying to have their issues addressed.
Sustainable Development is a priority for Maria, “Developing the Highway 400 corridor makes sense and will benefit our community economically. Sprawling residential development in non-urban areas threatens our natural environment, farmland, small town and lake communities.”
A huge concern in ward 6 is the planned extension of wastewater treatment services to the Big Bay Point Resort. “Will residents be forced to hook-up to the sewage pipe? If so, at what cost?
Another area of concern for Baier is the lack of transportation for the north end of Innisfil. “I am disappointed in the progress made over the last several years to bring a bus service to residents. I would like to personally explore further options to providing transportation. Sandycove residents, in particular, need more options. This treasured community of seniors needs caring representation and I will provide that”.
Maria feels that an open and transparent government is crucial to maintaining solid democracy and although there have been some improvements in this area recently, there is much more to be done. “Council must be more open to public debate and should embrace those they represent, not stifle them. I have presented a number of deputations to council. At one particular deputation, attempts were made to censor parts of it. Councillor Davidson brought forward a motion to council later that evening related to my deputation and no council member would second his motion. This is a disturbing reality that discourages citizen involvement in the public process. Clearly, this must change, and as councillor for ward six I will do all I can to encourage and allow for open public participation”.

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