Editor's note: Council candidates in neighbouring Oro-Medonte Township were asked to provide a synopsis of why they are running for public office. Municipal elections take place Oct. 24. The following response is from Peter Lavoie, who is running for council in Ward 4. 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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This election is about you, not me.
Oro-Medonte is a beautiful township and I would like to help you keep it that way. Whether your family ties and roots run deep or whether you recently joined the township, we all have a stake in living up to the community we want to be.
My desire is to see that the development of the township’s residential, commercial and industrial zones are thoughtfully planned, while preserving the environmental and agricultural heritage for the benefit of generations to follow.
This vision is not just about one person, nor one idea. To do this sometimes we have to look beyond ourselves and ask what we might do to bring people together, serve a community purpose and to imagine how we can leave a better place.
My conversations with many members of this community have led me to believe that this is what you would like too. There are countless people who care about others and the well-being of our community, whose voices, suggestions and offers of help need to be heard.
In addition, there are as many as 14 residents’ groups in Oro-Medonte, a unique resident resource and tradition that distinguishes Oro-Medonte from any other township. When people choose interest over apathy it is to be encouraged and celebrated.
This tradition of civic participation should be channelled and focused to the benefit of all so that a legacy of engagement can thrive. The experience, skills and abilities gained through my multi-varied career in industry, as a professional practitioner and problem solver have prepared me for this next opportunity: to be your councillor in Oro-Medonte’s Ward 4. This is how I would like to help.
Soon, as fall begins to settle upon us, campaigners will be knocking on your door asking for your vote. I will be among them. Please share your concerns, visions, ambitions, hopes and desires for the next generations. Because this is about your voices rising to the top. It is about civic engagement and community. To improve the township and leave behind something better.
I ask for your vote so we can do this together.
