There will be at least one new face on the 2019-2022 term of city council.
Ward 1 councillor Sarah Valiquette-Thompson has decided she will not seek re-election in October’s municipal election. At least not in Orillia.
However, after much soul-searching and lots of debate and input from family and friends deep into the night last night, she has decided she is not leaving politics entirely. She will run as a Ward 5 councillor in Severn Township.
Valiquette-Thompson owns and operates R Cottage in Washago with her husband, Ian, and they now live in Ward 5 in Severn. She has also had two children since winning a seat at the Orillia city council table and believes being a councillor in Severn will require a little less commitment, allowing her more time with her family.
“I spoke with a few members of Severn council and it sounds like the balance is very good and a better fit given my life right now,” she said.
Life right now is primarily about family. Daughter Hailey-Jane is two-and-a-half, while Harvey is eight months old. Harvey was born with Down syndrome, a label his parents try to downplay. They have become advocates for those with Down syndrome and helped promote World Down Syndrome Day in May.
She said she wants to continue to “advocate and be a strong voice in the Down syndrome community. (There are) lots of legislation changes needed.” She plans to work on advancing those changes.
While excited about that and the prospect of serving on Severn Township council, she said she will “absolutely” miss being a city councillor. Prior to her council term, she served four years on the Downtown Orillia Management Board and is proud of her eight years of civic service.
“Politics and the City of Orillia are sincere passions for me, working for the people, connecting and communicating for the people, fighting for change, and trying to be a voice of reason,” Valiquette-Thompson told OrilliaMatters. “I will miss the people, problem solving, investigating, researching, relationships, staff and my fellow council members: the whole package.”
Looking back at this council’s term, she said much was accomplished.
“There are so many things to be proud of,” she said. “I feel our council pushed a lot of tough files forward and delivered some good debate representing both sides which is always refreshing to see and hear,” she said, referencing the recreation centre, new port building, improved transit service, new budget allocations, Smart Cities initiative, waterfront development plan and other items. “I feel like we did a lot together these past four years.”
But there are regrets, she conceded.
“The biggest disappointment is not properly engaging the public on the Hydro One deal and factually knowing what the consensus was on whether we should sell (the distribution arm of Orillia Power) or not,” Valiquette-Thompson said.
She added it’s disheartening to see the division that decision has created: “That file could have unfolded so much differently.”
Despite that, she said being a city councillor was “an outstanding experience.”
She hopes engaged citizens will step forward to seek election. “I strongly encourage anyone with a love for Orillia, politics and honesty to put their name on the ballot.”
Citizens can do just that until July 27; the deadline to file nomination papers is 2 p.m. July 27.
Valiquette-Thompson is the lone current city councillor, to date, not seeking re-election in Orillia.
Mayor Steve Clarke, in addition to councillors Ted Emond, Rob Kloostra, Mason Ainsworth, Pat Hehn and Tim Lauer have all publicly announced their intention to run again.
Ward 2 councillor Ralph Cipolla and Ward 3 councillor Jeff Clark have not yet announced their intentions.
Two political rookies have also thrown their hats into the ring: David Campbell in Ward 1 and Harold Dougall in Ward 2.
The municipal election will be held Oct. 22. For more information about becoming a candidate or to see what ward you are in, visit the 2018 Election page at www.orillia.ca
