Mayoral candidate says he’s running on "eight pillars"

Uxbridge resident Ian Giffin is running for the mayor’s seat in the upcoming municipal election. Photo from Facebook

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ian Giffin says his campaign for the mayoralty will be built around "eight core pillars."

Giffin is, as of press time, the only candidate running for the position of mayor in this October’s municipal election. Uxbridge’s current mayor, Dave Barton, is expected to file his nomination papers at a later date.

Giffin says he believes the township is at an important turning point.

"Residents want leadership that is accountable, transparent, financially responsible and focused on practical results that improve everyday life," he told the Cosmos. "My campaign is built around eight core pillars: safe communities, reliable infrastructure, responsible growth, economic development, affordability, accountability, environmental stewardship and a higher quality of life for residents across every part of the township."

Giffin points to his background in public service, volunteerism, emergency management and leadership, business and community involvement.

"Effective leadership is not about noise and photo ops, but preparation, communication, sound judgment, and follow-through," he said.

Giffin said Uxbridge deserves "a collaborative, professional and forward-looking approach" that keeps long-term community interests at the centre of every decision.

Two more candidates have stepped forward with their nomination papers. Jacquie Hermans will be running in Ward 3 against Craig Marlatt, with both seeking to replace retiring Ward 3 councillor Zed Pickering. Karen Wood has filed to run for Ward 1, currently held by councillor Pam Beach,