Featured Candidate | CLYDE SMITH | Ward 3 Whitchurch Stouffville

Clyde Smith

Address: 6 Connaught Ave.; Preston Lake
Phone: 905-888-1302
Email: clyde.smith@rogers.com

CLYDE SMITH, WARD 3

Experience/Community Involvement:

Councillor - Ward 3 (since 2003)

Lemonville Community Centre Committee (since 2004)
Preston Lake North Shore Roads Committee (since 2004)
WS Museum Committee (since 2007)

Stouffville Igoma Partnership Vice Chair (since 2004)
WS Community Prayer Breakfast Committee (since 2007)
Rouge Park Alliance Board Member (since 2004)
Bruce’s Mill Master Plan Committee (since 2006)
WS Operations Centre Steering Committee (since 2009)

It has been my honour to have served as Ward 3 Councillor for seven years. My previous 25 years corporate business management experience has been a great asset, as the “business” of the Town has expanded rapidly in response to the recent growth. I have a proven seven year record of hard work and dedication in representing the residents of Ward 3. My experience is important in addressing the complex issues our municipality faces.

Most Important Issues Facing The Town.

The last four years have been both challenging and rewarding, as the infrastructure and facilities needed to support our growing population needed to be planned and implemented. Major new facilities have been built, or are under construction. They include an Arts & Culture Centre, 24/7 Fire Hall, Twin Pad Arena, Operations Centre, new Sports Fields, and a new Town Administration building.

All this while continuing to maintain high standards of service to Ward 3 residents, and while keeping our tax increases in line. Our Town continues to have residential tax rates much lower than other northern York region municipalities - 38% lower than Newmarket and 26% lower than Aurora.

The main challenge ahead is to continue to provide the right mix of quality services and programs to our growing population while keeping our taxes in line. Much has been done in the last 4 years to plan and implement the infrastructure and facilities needed. More is yet to be done. Long term plans are in place, and the financial planning has been done. Our latest financial plan tells me we can both expand what we provide and keep our taxes much lower than towns around us. 

Goals for the Next Four Years

The residents of Ward 3 want value for the taxes they pay. My goal is to ensure that the level of basic services (fire service, road maintenance, garbage, recycling, etc.) remains high while tax increases remain modest. That the availability of programs and other services meet the needs of rural residents: leisure, arts, culture, seniors, library, etc.

It is important that  rural issues continue to be dealt with in a timely and effective manner, and that the agricultural and rural business community is proactively supported. Buying local, sustainable development, improved fire service, and controls on growth are all initiatives I have and will continue to support.

I have been pleased to have contributed to what has been accomplished under the excellent leadership of our Mayor, Wayne Emmerson, and our very dedicated Town staff. Experience is important in facing the complex issues that lie ahead. I have the experience that the residents of Ward 3 can trust.