NEWS RELEASE
THE LEAP BARRIE
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The candidates running in the Ward 3 byelection say they understand the need to move the city forward when it comes to tackling the climate crisis, affordable housing, transit solutions and a living wage.
In a recent questionnaire sent by The Leap Barrie to all eight candidates running to fill the seat on council left vacant from Doug Shipley’s move to federal politics, nearly everyone expressed an urgent need to address some of the major issues facing our planet and people.
“It is clear that we are moving into a new era in municipal politics,” said Michael Speers of The Leap Barrie. “Our planet is facing a climate crisis, inequality is growing and many residents of Barrie are feeling left behind by members of council who cater to the rich and powerful of our city.
“The status quo is no longer good enough, and it seems that — with the exception of a few who are stuck in the old way of doing politics — most of the people running to represent Ward 3 are realizing this.”
Stephen Ciesielski, Ram Faerber, Ann-Marie Kungl, Gerry Marshall, Kelly Patterson-McGrath and Tanya Saari filled in the nine-question survey of byelection candidates. Two candidates — Devin Scully and Peter Silveira — did not provide The Leap Barrie with responses.
Nearly every candidate who responded to The Leap Barrie questionnaire said they understood the city’s responsibility to do its part in addressing the climate crisis. Affordable housing and transit expansion/fares are other issues where candidates offered up a variety of solutions, while every candidate said they believe that all city workers should be paid a living wage.
“Members of council say the right things, but action is often missing,” Speers said. “The idea of a living wage is a good example. Council in the past has said ‘no’ to ensuring all municipal workers are paid the prevailing living wage. I hope the results of our questionnaire mean that new voices are ready to shift the conversation to where ideas like paying a living wage and electrifying transit are things the city will adopt.”
To see all the candidates’ responses, visit The Leap Barrie’s Facebook page (@BarrieLeap).
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