Regional Councillor and Deputy Mayor candidate: Tom Vegh

Name: Tom Vegh

Position for which you are running: Deputy Mayor & Regional Councillor

Do you reside in the ward for which you are running? (council candidates):

Outline your background/experience (100-word limit):

I grew up in Newmarket and was first elected to Newmarket Council in 2000.  I have held numerous leadership roles and committee assignments on Council, including:

• Acting Mayor

• Chair, Site Plan Committee

• Chair, Smart Newmarket Task Force

• Chair, Newmarket Library/Town Financial Efficiency Task Force

Professionally, I have over 25 years’ experience at the executive level in the non-profit and career transition sectors, managing multi-million dollar budgets and working with all levels of government. I am currently an independent business management consultant, helping small and mid-sized organizations meet their revenue goals. 

What are the top four qualities required to be an effective municipal representative? (4-word limit):

1. Knowledgeable
2. Professional
3. Responsive
4. Empathathic

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate. (100-word limit)

I am seeking the position of Newmarket Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor because I care about our quality of life and have a stake in our community.

As a parent, homeowner, and businessperson, I know the importance of getting value for our tax dollars, while keeping taxes low.   

As the only sitting member of Council seeking the position of Deputy Mayor & Regional Councillor, I have a solid understanding of the issues and needs of our town and have a proven track record of getting results.  I will continue to take action on issues that matter most to residents.

What are the two most important issues for your ward/constituents? (200-word limit)

1. Newmarket’s senior population has grown by 30% in the last decade, but housing options for our seniors have not kept pace.  To address this, I will

   1. Double the number of housing subsidies available for seniors.

   2. Provide incentives to build apartments and condominiums in Newmarket.

   3. Triple the number of spaces available for affordable supportive seniors housing.

2. Speeding on residential streets is the most frequent complaint received by York Regional Police and the Town.  Enforcement and education efforts have not had any lasting impact on this problem. I am in favour of installing speed humps, where necessary and when a significant number of community members request it.  They are effective in Aurora and Markham and they will be effective in Newmarket, too.

What will you do to ensure you are accountable to your constituents? (50-word limit)

• Engage constituents in decisions and activities to better understand and represent their needs.

• Be transparent with information that constituents need to make an informed decision.

• Communicate updates on local matters and Town policies via digital and paper methods.  

• Be accessible through community drop-ins, home phone number, business cards.

What is the most important issue for council/school board to address in the next term? (100-word limit):

Managing growth along the Yonge Street and Davis Drive corridors, while protecting and enhancing existing residential neighbourhoods.

Describe your dream project that would result in a better quality of life in Newmarket: (100-word limit)

Our senior population has grown by 30% in the last decade; however, housing options and services have not kept pace.

I am committed to increasing the number of housing options by doubling the number of housing subsidies for seniors, providing incentives to build apartments and condominiums, and tripling the number of spaces available for affordable supportive seniors housing.

The existing Seniors’ Centre is too small to accommodate the growth and a new library is long overdue.  Another priority is to build a new seniors’ centre and library, with both sharing parking and other resources to maximize operational and capital savings.

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? No

Do you support tax increases to pay for the purchase of properties, such as Mulock Estates? Yes

Should opening a second branch of Newmarket Public Library be a top priority for the next term? Yes

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? Yes

Should there be fixed terms for councillors? No