Name: Grace Simon
Position for which you are running: Ward 1 Councillor
Do you reside in the ward in which you are running (council candidates): Yes
Outline your background/experience (100-word limit):
Born and Raised in Newmarket. Raised our four children in Newmarket with my husband Mike of 25yrs. I have been a Realtor Entrepreneur coming up to 13yrs and developing a business of leadership training, with John Maxwell group. I have achieved Sales awards from the very first year of practice in real estate and have established an excellent reputation with peers, clients and the groups that I have served over the years.
Skills: Strong Communicator, Marketing, Business Planning, Client care, collaboration, creative for futuristic practical planning.
What are the top four qualities required to be an effective municipal representative? (4-word limit):
1. Communicator
2. Competant
3. Insightful
4. Practical
Explain why you are the best qualified candidate. (100-word limit):
I am driven, compassionate, and practical and love my community. I have lived and served as a mother, friend to the community and business women my entire adult life here. I am bold and not afraid to stand up and give a voice of reason to fight against injustice and represent the best interests of the people. I am concerned for the vulnerable and the needy and want to see every resident of Newmarket being given the opportunity to improve their quality of life. I love to build community in which I will dedicate myself to continue building as Newmarket’s vision...
What are the two most important issues for your ward/constituents? (200-word limit):
1. Speed is a major concern for constituents in our ward. Every door that I knock on it’s the same issue being raised. We need to provide a solution for our neighbourhoods to slow people down keeping our families safe.
2. School crowding and a new school for Copper Hills that was promised to the residents when they purchased their homes. There is a growth of young families again in Ward 1 which is wonderful but causing Stonehaven to become crowed which brings all sorts of issues for teacher, students and concerned parents. Also Copper Hills is a large community and a property is designated for a school to be developed which was promised to the residents there. I will help fight for that development.
What will you do to ensure you are accountable to your constituents? (50-word limit):
I am a strong communicator; service excellence and people are my priorities. I will communicate effectively through social media, emails and direct phone calls when required. I will hold Quarterly public meetings to allow for constituents to be informed and to allow for the public to speak openly about concerns.
What is the most important issue for council/school board to address in the next term? (100-word limit):
I think Newmarket needs to focus on the growing population of seniors we have. Affordable housing, accessibility and facilities for them to gather and feel honoured in our town.
Describe your dream project that would result in a better quality of life in Newmarket. (100-word limit):
I would love to establish a youth council committee that would encourage strong leadership and insight for youth ages 13-25. This would greatly encourage involvement with town projects and initiatives being introduced to our town. Youth have the ability to deliver fresh and insightful ideas that will help plan for Newmarket’s future. The first initiative that I would love for them to work on would be reducing plastic waste. Working with businesses to ban plastic bag use in the city. Working with a youth council committee would strengthen the council for more creativity and youthful insight.
Answer Yes or No? (1-word limit):
Should salaries be reduced for the mayor and councillors? Yes
Are taxes too high for the services provided to residents? Yes
Do you support tax increases to pay for the purchase of properties, such as Mulock Estates? NO
Should opening a second branch of Newmarket Public Library be a top priority for the next term? No
Should the town continue to give incentives and loans to Main Street businesses as part of its revitalization strategy? Yes
Should the town provide additional incentives to developers to encourage more affordable rental units? Yes
Should councillors be required to provide more fully itemized and detailed expense reports, accessible online at no cost to the public? Yes
Should the mayor and councillors block followers on their town social media accounts? No
Should there be fixed terms for councillors? Yes
