A little more than a year after the 2022 municipal election, BradfordToday reached out to the nine members of council to ask them to reflect on their accomplishments and challenges so far, as well their priorities for the remainder of the term.
This is the fourth article in a five-part series that shares their responses. Today, they answer the following question: What is unique about this council compared to past Bradford West Gwillimbury (BWG) councils?
Mayor James Leduc
The most unique and exciting aspect of our 2022-26 council, as compared to previous councils, is the demographic range — specifically in age. I am officially the oldest council member, which hasn’t been the case in previous terms. This offers a truly unique and different way of thinking or responding to/working through challenges.
Deputy Mayor Raj Sandhu
I am glad to be working with such an informed group where each person brings their knowledge to the table to working toward (the) common goal of serving the residents of this town. It is a diverse council and mixed council where we have experienced councillors who guide us with their past experiences and new councillors who bring new perspective to the table.
Ward 1 Coun. Cheraldean Duhaney
I am the first Black female elected to the town council and the only female that sits on the council; also I bring a unique viewpoint to the discussions being held.
Ward 2 Coun. Jonathan Scott
I served two years on the previous council, and it was very collaborative; we’d have our debates but got along well and made it a point to disagree agreeably.
This council is far more diverse in outlook; we have people on council who are brand new to town; on the whole, we’re significantly younger than last term (no offence, guys); and of course in both Cheraldean Duhaney and Raj Sandhu we have a council that is more reflective of the town’s changing demographics, which is a good thing to help us make better informed decisions.
Both councils found ways to work as a team, and I believe that is key.
Ward 3 Coun. Ben Verkaik
Last term, we had a very stable and experienced council. This was especially important when we had to face challenges like the (COVID-19) pandemic. They had eight years together and accomplished a lot. Now we have a lot of new faces on council, with a lot to learn. This is a good thing as we have a fresh perspective on things and new ideas to bring to the table.
Ward 4 Coun. Joseph Giordano
Action and results towards community safety are more than talking points — but actionable goals as a top strategic priority. In addition this council is built with several strong and talented do-ers that show up prepared, are hyper-responsive and dialed into the business of “getting the right things accomplished for the best value” and delivering next level results for families with fiscal considerations.
Ward 5 Coun. Peter Ferragine
Our current Council has four new members on it, which has brought in many new ideas. Council's core values are the same in what we would like to see for our community, but there are refreshing new takes, thoughts and ideas on how to accomplish the goals that have been set out.
Ward 6 Coun. Nickolas Harper
There is no more distinction of the old boys club; we have reform and fresh ideas from a lot of great modern thinkers that service a diverse scope of areas and aspects that impact all of Bradford West Gwillimbury. We are maturing into a modern leadership. It’s not just about special interest groups, or going to events and taking selfies. You have to have way more engagement and you see that from most councillors doing the work and adopting new motions, amending outdated bylaws and upgrading and revisiting past policies to make them work for the future of BWG. The policies and guiding principles that govern us is the most unique aspect of this new council.
Ward 7 Coun. Peter Dykie
There is a totally different dynamic from previous councils, and it is refreshing to hear the input from such a broad spectrum of individuals. Not only does the new mayor come from a totally different background than his predecessor, the council members also come from different backgrounds, all of which have different values and experiences.
The fifth part of this series, which will be released tomorrow (Nov. 10), will answer this question: What is your top priority for the remaining three years and why?
If you missed the third instalment and want to see what each council members said was the greatest challenge of the term so far, read it here.
