Editor's note: Council candidates in neighbouring Oro-Medonte Township were asked to provide a synopsis of why they are running for public office. The following response is from Shawn Scott, who is running for council in Ward 4. Municipal elections take place Oct. 24. For more election coverage, visit our 2022 municipal election page by clicking here, where you can find candidate profiles and other election news.
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Who am I? “A lifelong commitment to community service”
My family and I have lived in Oro-Medonte for nearly 20 years, having owned a home on Lakeshore Road and our current rural property home, both in Ward 4.
I retired in 2016 after serving almost 33 years with a large municipal police force. I retired as a sergeant and served as an acting staff sergeant for three of my last five years.
My career afforded me the opportunity to experience a wide range of policing functions – Uniform, Investigative, Intelligence, Internal Affairs, Communications, Operational Planning and guest instructor on ‘Leadership’ at the Canadian Police College. I was awarded the Police Exemplary Service Medal with bar for my service, and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for my contributions to Canada.
As a volunteer I have acted as a track official for the Oro Worlds Fair for the past seven years, was a non-parent goalie coach and trainer, and served as the chair, co-chair and/or participant for numerous campaigns; Victim Services; Cops for Cancer; United Way; MS Walk; Juvenile Diabetes, and Autism Awareness.
“Being a volunteer in the community is more than representing a group or organization, it’s about giving to others.”
What have I done in the past four years? “Identifying problems and promoting solutions.”
Utilizing my research and police planning experience, I’ve promoted initiatives that are fostering a greater community. The following are business cases and reports I researched, prepared and delivered to council:
- Naloxone – now available on all Fire vehicles, Municipal Law vehicles and public buildings
- Please Slow Down campaign and formation of the Traffic Safety Task Force
- Municipal Law ‘black and white’ vehicle
- Pedestrian only walking trail proposal
- Community Safety Committee proposal
- Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market proposal
- Motion for Council to support funding requests (provincial & federal) to help clean Lake Simcoe
- Motion for Council to support a provincial moratorium request on future aggregate licences, specifically the Oro Moraine
Why vote for me? “Integrity, responsibility, transparency, accountability, honour”
These words I have lived by my entire life. They are not part of an empty campaign slogan or platform. I have proven throughout my life that I am an honourable servant of the community and will continue to do so if given this honour and responsibility, representing all of Oro-Medonte with no hidden agendas.
