My friends often ask me, why are you running again Jim? “Take it easy, enjoy retirement. You’ve had long careers in both the private sector and public service.

I am putting my name in the ring again for 2022 municipal elections in October because I care about Markham, York Region and the GTA’s economic and environmentally sustainable growth.

I applaud all those that put their names forward in an election, it takes courage, time, personal sacrifice. I also believe you must run based on strong convictions to do what’s right and to put forth a vision of why you deserve to be elected. What’s your game plan? What will you be fighting for and promoting?

I am motivated to present by vision created through years of research, collaboration with experts in all walks of life - urban planning, environmentalists, engineers, transportation, energy experts and economists.

This plan, started from the observation that there’s a hydro corridor flanking the 407 Highway from Milton to Oshawa, holding thousands of acres of land, sitting idle. How can we best deploy this strategic land mass for the betterment of all residents in the GTA and especially at its core, Markham and York Region?

The Plan that I’ve developed will contribute to Markham’s Quality of Life:

• A made in the GTA economic boom delivering years of sustainable growth by managing and meeting the population requirements for Markham.
• Generational high-quality employment for families living in Markham, York Region and the GTA
• Environmental, Social and Governance - responsible policies and reporting
• Science based environmental planning based on real data
• Internet of Things technologies for efficiencies and public transparency
• Efficient, intelligent, transit that is flexible and meets the needs of our residents
• Innovative urban vertical farming producing food locally
• A major Multi-Purpose Sports Training Facility right in the heart of Markham

We must plan for the future as that is where we will spend the rest of our life.