I was deeply fortunate to have represented Ward 2 in Pickering for seven years as City Councillor and Regional Councillor, from 1997 to 2004, before going on to serve the community as MP for Ajax-Pickering.

 

I care deeply about the work we were able to do together during those years and have felt fortunate to see it carried on by Mara Nagy as your current Councillor. We have worked closely together on issues that have impacted Pickering, and I was always impressed not just by what she has accomplished, but how she has done it. She is thoughtful, authentic, and deeply cares about Pickering and the people she represents. What makes Mara particularly effective is her ability to work across different levels of government. She understands that delivering results for residents requires building relationships and credibility beyond city council chambers, and she has done exactly that.

 

Her roots in Ward 2 run deep; she has lived here most of her life and is now raising her family here. Her background spans environmental advocacy, where she successfully fought to repeal the wetlands MZO in south Pickering, to education and community development, and she is currently completing her PhD at York University studying community development and local history in this region. That depth of knowledge makes her a more effective advocate, because she is not just asking for things, she is making the case for them with clarity and purpose.

 

I appreciate your consideration of Mara on October 26th and am pleased to offer her my endorsement for the upcoming election.