Once Jeff Lehman made it clear he was seeking a third term as Barrie’s mayor, the applause and praises followed.
Casa Cappuccino was packed with residents happy at the press conference held to announce Lehman’s municipal intentions. Ward 4 Councillor Barry Ward was all smiles as he watched on in the popular downtown coffee shop knowing he would possibly get another chance to work beside a man he greatly admires.
“I’m delighted,” said Ward. “I think Jeff has been a great mayor and provided excellent leadership and tends to be the kind of progressive thinker that I want to see in the mayor’s chair so I’m very happy with the news that he’s going to seek re-election. I think he really was struggling with the decision but I’m glad it was his decision to make; it also kind of gets me excited to get back to council with him being excited to run again for the mayor’s seat.”
Another familiar local politician issued a press release as soon as the news hit. Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard shared in everyone’s joy and noted that he looks forward to continue to work with Lehman to make the city stronger.
“This afternoon, Mayor Jeff Lehman announced that he will run for re-election as Mayor of the City of Barrie and serve another four year term, said Brassard. “Jeff has the passion, vision, and broad support he needs to complete another term as the Mayor of Barrie. I valued my time working alongside Mayor Lehman when I was a city councillor. I have great respect for the work he is doing and will continue to do for our city. I also want to thank his family (Jenn and Cassie) for supporting Jeff in his decision to seek another term. I know the commitment it takes and that commitment could not be done without a loving and supportive family. Barrie needs Jeff Lehman as Mayor.”
Downtown Barrie BIA Chair Wayne Hay was clapping when the announcement was made and for good reason; the downtown core is quickly become updated and an exciting place to be. Hay commends Lehman as a champion for that progress and is happy knowing that the team who has worked on many projects together could remain the same after the October 22 municipal election,
“This is great news for the whole city of Barrie but I’m really excited for the downtown core especially,” said Hay. “Mayor Jeff has always been a big supporter of the downtown area and I’m glad we can continue what we started. There were lots of rumours floating around but I was very happy to know that it was his decision and his family’s decision and that they all seem happy with it.”
Real estate agent and organizer of local charities Shannon Murree made sure not to miss the news conference and was overwhelmed at how many people came to see what the decision would be, with much speculation that Lehman may head for federal waters.
“Amazing news but I would support Mayor Jeff in whatever capacity he chose to run in and wherever he had decided to go, whether it was provincially or federally,” said Murree. “Jeff would be a great voice for the people he represents. I think its such great news for our city and I think looking around here today, everyone is happy with the news. I think it’s really good that he and the rest of council can just keep continuing what they are already doing.”
Another person who has had a close relationship with Lehman over the years is Financial Planner, recording artist and producer Glenn Coulson. Coulson has long been a vocal supporter of the city he loves and calls home and says that Lehman brings a quality that is rare with a mayor.
“I’m beyond excited like everyone else,” said Coulson. “Not has there ever been a time have we had a mayor that is so accessible. Jeff is willing to listen at any time to anyone about the vision and future of the city. It’s completely fantastic and though there had been some strong rumours on what he might do elsewhere, I’m very glad for Barrie that he is staying put.”
