Name: MELISSA WILLIAMS
Position for which you are running: Ward 4 Council
Do you reside in the ward in which you are running (council candidates): Yes
Outline your background/experience (100-word limit):
My husband and I have called both Ward 4 and Newmarket home for the past 18 years. This is where we live, work, play and actively volunteer. We’ve grown deep roots in this community.
I’m an award winning entrepreneur with two successful marketing businesses on the go and a Yoga Teacher Training School. Prior to striking out on my own, I studied employment law and Human Resources management – and enjoyed a rewarding career as a corporate mediator.
Throughout my life and career, I’ve been privileged to pursue my passions for helping others; for building and nurturing diverse, inclusive communities; and for healthy living, as a Yoga Teacher and Training Director with more than 20 years experience this is a top priority.
What are the top four qualities required to be an effective municipal representative? (4-word limit):
1. Accountable
2. Accessible
3. Trustworthy
4. Committed
Explain why you are the best qualified candidate. (100-word limit):
With more than 20 years business experience, I am driven and reliable. Over time, I've developed a reputation for bringing people together and getting things done. I'll bring new ideas and a fresh approach to representing the residents of Ward 4 and Newmarket concerns and ideas in Council. I will work with Council and our community to get good things done together.
I believe strongly in our responsibility, as individuals, for being the change we want to see. I hope to contribute to the health of our democracy – by engaging our community in a more productive, more rewarding process. When ...
What are the two most important issues for your ward/constituents? (200-word limit):
Through conversations that I have with residents I am hearing from many residents that their taxes are too high – residents are very aware that that we are paying more property taxes than our neighbors like Woodbridge and surrounding areas. While our property taxes are on the high end – there continues to be levies added and high fees for community leisure activities, this is for residents, becoming more and more unaffordable.
Another issue is that residents are finding that there is not enough transparency and consultation when it comes to decision making. When it comes to infrastructure or large monetary investments, decisions are being made with inadequate opportunity from residents – this is a major concern.
What will you do to ensure you are accountable to your constituents? (50-word limit):
Every newly elected councillor has a duty to familiarize themself with (and abide by) the town’s policies. I’ll accomplish that, in large part, through a continued review process. Additionally, I expect all Councillors to be responsible for holding each other to account, and for acting on policy improvement opportunities.
What is the most important issue for council/school board to address in the next term? (100-word limit):
We want to ensure that local businesses continue to thrive and we need to start the process of preparing our infrastructure to accommodate the growth and success that Newmarket is heading toward. We will continue to build Newmarket as it is currently one of the top 25 places to live and raise a family. We need to focus on what businesses need in order to help them thrive and in turn attract and retain new talent to Newmarket. There is not enough affordable housing and this includes housing for our aging population we need to work toward at bringing a ...
Describe your dream project that would result in a better quality of life in Newmarket. (100-word limit):
Plastics are in a vast number of products of our daily use items today and as a result, invariably in the environment. Plastics are not biodegradable. Around the world, we are looking for an alternative environment friendly product. I believe that we can begin locally and start the phasing out of single-use plastics in so that we can protect our future and environment.
Answer Yes or No? (1-word limit):
Should salaries be reduced for the mayor and councillors? NO
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
