Name: Ilona Matthews
Occupation: Owner and operator of Transformational Tutoring
Contact information: ilonamatthews2022@gmail.com; Facebook.com/ilonamatthewsFDM
Previous political experience: Ran for federal office as the NDP candidate (Simcoe-Grey)
Why have you decided to run? I have principles and they are simple: when one is elected to a council, there is only one goal, and that is working hard for the best interest of the people in this town and the preserving and enhancing of the environment we live in. Keeping residents informed and encouraging their input on major projects is paramount.
How will you embrace and champion diversity in this role? In the workplace, for example, creating awareness and speaking openly about diversity is imperative. Hence, education plays a very important part in enabling everyone to go about their day without fear of judgment or harassment.
What are your top three issues? Controlling development to protect valuable farmlands and the natural environment in compliance with our official plan and NVCA; Create a climate action plan to mitigate climate change; Negotiate with the province for a walk-in clinic. As well as many other equally important issues for which there is no room here.
If elected, what do you plan to champion in your first 100 days? Hire a climate specialist or form a climate action planning committee including staff and volunteers, as other municipalities have done in the area; Abolish deferred development fees; Bring back a system of enforcement for licensing of short-term rentals, and the paying of commercial property taxes; Begin negotiations with the province for a walk-in clinic.