Ward 5 candidate hopes to remedy ‘disconnect’ in Oro-Medonte

Gene Stein is hoping to become the Ward 5 councillor in Oro-Medonte Township. | Supplied Photo

From OrilliaMatters, September 6, 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 Gene Stein, who is running in Ward 5 of Oro-Medonte. For more election coverage — including candidate profiles and other election news — visit our 2022 municipal election page by clicking here.
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I have made Oro-Medonte my home for over 30 years, spending the last 15 within the Maplewood area of the township.

The last four years I have been president of the Maplewood Ratepayers Association which ties into my current run to represent the taxpayers of Ward 5 at the council table. In the last position of serving the Maplewood residents, I became aware of the disconnect between some members of council and the taxpayers of the township.

This disconnect has become even greater by the processes and limitations enacted which seems to say “Thanks for voting for us but now you have no voice”.

Government, particularly the municipal level, must be inclusive of all residents as no other level of government can affect our most important things in our lives…. family and home. The security and safety of homes and neighbourhoods and the ability to directly input our thoughts, our wishes and our needs must be reinstated.

This is the basis of democracy and the right of taxpayers to have government that works for the people.

When elected I will work to see that:

• Our existing zoning bylaws are enforced generally and particularly in regard to the short-term rental hotels carrying on business within the township.
• Council brings back accountability for our actions, financial responsibility, professionalism in the performance of our duties and transparency.
• Council is open and inclusive and welcomes and encourages input from their constituents.
• Restrictions to public input installed by the current council are removed.
• Any new development within Ward 5 particularly the Moon Point area are very thoroughly and carefully reviewed and publicly vetted.
• Any attempt by the City of Orillia to annex any portion of our Township are made public and all ratepayers are given a strong voice in the future of our township.
• Instilling a balanced approach to growth within the area but not sacrificing our rural way of life.

When elected I will give a strong voice to constituents of Ward 5 but also work closely with my fellow councillors to ensure that Oro-Medonte has a strong future.

Read the article here