By Pepper Parr
May 26th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
“Spring is finally in the air and that’s not the only fresh change on the horizon, Ward 4 has a new face on the scene by way of Shawna Stolte.” With that the woman prepared to run against long time incumbent Jack Dennison has her hat in the ring.
The Gazette is going to be “municipal light” at least until we know who the next Premier is going to be. That race is proving to be a bit of a stunner. Our political correspondent weighed in on that in his column earlier today.
Jack Dennison – ward 4 incumbent
Stolte is pretty direct when she says: “I am running in Ward 4 with the goal of replacing veteran Councillor Jack Dennison, who has sat on city council for the past 24 years. Jack has enjoyed a long run with the city council. I’m sure whomever replaces him on city council will appreciate the wealth of experience he has to offer, but Burlington is changing as a city and I know that the people of this community are looking for change, transparency and a new direction for city council.”
Shawna Stolte – 2018 candidate for ward 4
Stolte adds that she has been “fascinated with our city council process over the past few years, have attended city council meeting regularly, have educated myself on many issues and concerns regarding Burlington as a strong, sustainable city and feel we, as a community, can and should do better. I’m passionate about citizen empowerment and community development. I believe in a ‘bottom-up’ rather than a ‘top-down’ approach, starting with the principle that in any community there is a wealth of knowledge and experience which can be channeled into collective action to achieve the community’s desired goals. The citizens of Burlington have great ideas and want their voices heard and respected at City Hall. The responsibility of a City Councillor is to amplify the voices of the community they represent, and I am committed to doing just that.”
Stolte has her web site in place – We were impressed at the detail on what she wants to get done. Many candidates talk in platitudes and seldom set out measurable objectives – she doesn’t mince her words.
Worth watching – www.stolte4ward4.ca
Carol Gottlob – 2014 candidate for ward 4
In 2014 Carol Gottlob, an unknown took on Dennison and got 35% of the vote with a really skinny campaign team. Gottlob has said she is waiting until the end of June before she decides if she will run again. Were she to decide to run that would split the opposing voters and allow the 22 year incumbent to remain in office.
Gottlob has had three years to put together a stronger team and build the foundation on which she could raise the funds it takes to win an election. She did neither.
Another possible candidate for ward 5
There might be a candidate for the ward 5 seat. A credible individual who is working on the campaign for one of the provincial legislature seats will wait until the 7th before declaring.
With Councillors Taylor and Craven deciding to make the 2014 their last run for municipal office – there is the sense that a new wind is in the air.
The Gazette will focus on the municipal election campaigns – there is five months before the ballots are cast – once the provincial race comes to a close. It will be pivotal.
After a lengthy absence from Burlington, I return to be completely discouraged with the direction of Council over the last year. However, I am encouraged to see a host of well-qualified candidates competing in the ward races, challenging the incumbents. As noted, there are also several exceptional women (Lisa Kearns, Shawna Stolte) amongst the slate of candidates . Hopefully, come October we see a brand new Council with change in all wards and a women as Mayor for only the second time in the City’s history.
Welcome back Mike. I absolutely agree and trust that wards 5 and 6 will also see strong challengers sweep out the current incumbents – entitled, arrogant ‘place-holders’ who have treated citizens with cynicism and open disrespect, in my opinion. Only Marianne Meed Ward deserves to be returned, but as Mayor this time – a strong, principled leader with a strong, new, principled team.
Very impressive website indeed! I haven’t seen such a clear articulation of a policy platform coming out of Ward 4 in years. And it resonates. Respect for the public voice, a more open local government, need for an increased size of Council, investigation of term limits, a referendum on the new Official Plan, credible options for housing and transit. It looks like Ward 4 may actually be a race – if the field doesn’t become too crowded. Time for change.
A serious contender in ward 4…..impressive website!
Hear hear Stephen!
Great website Shawna.
Ms. Stolte has an impressive website, and her social work background and community involvement is commendable.
After years of acclamations and status quo candidates it is refreshing to see a number of capable, talented individuals coming forward across the City to offer their candidacy. It is also reassuring to see a number of very credible, well-qualified women running for Council this time. Hopefully, this will contribute to a more respectful, tolerant tone at City Hall.
Wow – Shawna’s platform is outstanding. She has the guts to stake out a very clear platform. The other candidates need to read her website and learn how they need to up their game.