New Tec Ward 5 candidate Stephanie MacLellan

My name is Stephanie MacLellan I am a mother of 4 beautiful girls, I am a lifelong resident of New Tecumseth, I reside in Ward 5 and I would like to become the new in-term Ward 5 Councillor.

In March 2015 I joined a movement to save an inconvenient forest. Through this I discovered many things, one being my honest and deep curiosity as to how and why decisions are made by our local governments. I read policies, procedures, official plans, by-laws, and acts you name it I read it. I was confused at the decisions being made versus the policies on paper and I haven’t stopped reading, learning and asking questions ever since.

Within the community I volunteer at the Alliston Gymnastics club and assist with passport clinics. During pitch in week I organize the Dayfoot street cleanup and I also organize the Beeton Meet Your Neighbour Picnic in August, raising funds for some great local charities and non-for-profit organizations. I have attended school council meetings and sit on the board of directors of AWARE Simcoe.

I am passionate about Town business I have attended every Council meeting (less 3) for the last 2.5 years, almost this entire term of Council. I publicly share my opinions because I believe in being open. I believe the more residents of New Tecumseth engage with Council about Town issues the closer Council can be to making the best decisions for our town and residents.

Most importantly the new Ward 5 Councillor will immediately be plunged into the 2018 budget deliberations and I believe that this is the most important matter on the agenda right now. While representing a rural ward I understand roads are always an important issue to residents, I live on the 15th side road in ward 5, I see the deteriorating condition of the roads. New Tecumseth is rich in class 1-3 agricultural lands, many are located within Ward 5 I will protect and assist our local farmers in making sure their needs are met and addressed. After 2017’s flood it is clear that this Township in particular Beeton and surrounding area desperately needs a Master Drainage Servicing Plan, the damage that residents and farmers suffered has to be addressed and solutions have to be found.

I will be accessible, knowledgeable, honest and fair to the residents of Ward 5. I have spent the last 2.5 years being present and active within our local government. Most recently I have been involved in the ward boundary review process, have attended and participated in the official plan information sessions, and I also attended the first draft budget working session.

I would bring a strong voice to Council for what I feel is an under represented demographic around the table, young families. I’m a young woman balancing multiple careers, volunteering and of course a busy family life. Our township is full of young families and there’s more on the way. This particular voice needs to be heard, understood and represented well around the Council table, I believe I can do that.

I can finish out the remaining term as the Ward 5 councillor, the transition would be seamless because I’ve been in Council Chambers for 2.5 years listening and learning. I’ve been involved, I’ve been paying attention and I’m ready to be a part of the Council team.