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Gough eyes return to deputy mayor’s seat in Ramara

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In Governance
Sep 8th, 2022
3 Comments
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Joe Gough is seeking re-election as deputy mayor in Ramara Township. |

From OrilliaMatters Staff, September 4, 2022
OrilliaMatters Staff

Editor’s note: OrilliaMatters has asked council candidates in neighbouring Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn townships to provide a synopsis of why they are running in the Oct. 24 municipal election. The following was submitted by Joe Gough, who is running for re-election as deputy mayor in Ramara Township. For more election coverage — including candidate profiles and other election news — visit our 2022 municipal election page by clicking here.
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Joe Gough has a vision for Ramara. He is seeking re-election as deputy mayor of Ramara and hopes his ideas will resonate with the electorate of Ramara Township.

Gough’s key platforms include expanding municipal water services, growing the local tax base by encouraging small business, and ensuring the protection of waterways and Lake Simcoe. He asserts that these goals can be achieved while still maintaining the rural and agricultural culture of Ramara and by acknowledging that Ramara waterways remain one of the greatest assets of the township.

Environmental concerns are also paramount to a thriving Ramara. Gough is committed to working with many levels of government and non-governmental agencies to secure the health of Ramara’s rich ecosystems.

“It’s a legacy we should be providing our children,” said Gough.

“I believe that collaboration with different levels of government, businesses and community-based groups will be key to achieving our goal.”

He has already proven his mettle in that regard as he has successfully worked with federal and provincial governments as well as Bell, Rogers and Muskoka Wifi to improve high-speed internet services throughout the township. Though there is still work to be done, Gough is proud of this achievement.

Gough was instrumental in bringing Good Doctors to the Brechin area and envisions expanding their reach to Ward 1 in the Washago area. This will most likely involve working with Severn Township councillors to fulfil this dream — yet another opportunity for collaboration. The goal of bringing a family doctor to the area is not dead and it remains a major focus for Gough, who recognizes that an aging population requires more intense health-care monitoring.

Fiscally responsible, Gough has worked to increase reserves back to almost $15 million although he does acknowledge that it was by working with existing council members and the chief administrative officer that this goal was achieved.

A strong community leader, Gough has advocated for Ramara at Simcoe County council, the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority, Orillia and Lake Country Tourism, Orillia District Chamber of Commerce and many local community organizations.

“I believe in this municipality and I believe we can grow the municipality at the same time as we respect its rural heritage. It’s not all or nothing. It’s about being respectful and listening,” concluded Gough.

read the article here

3 Responses to “Gough eyes return to deputy mayor’s seat in Ramara”

  1. Mike says:

    why are you saying re-election? he was gifted the position by his brother in law.

  2. JoAnn Carrothers says:

    Joe what is your stand on an emergency road between Bayshore and Lagoon city so emergency vehicles are stopped by up to 3 rail crossings of supposedly 20 min. max crossing time. Brechin Dog park committee was disbanded by local office. How can that be? Why have a dog park with no one checking it.

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