Ward 6 candidate focusing on taxes, healthcare and local business

After knocking on hundreds of doors across Ward 6, Omemee resident Jasmine Marshall is asking voters to open one more — for her at city hall.

After graduating from Ontario Tech University, the 26-year-old chose to come back to Omemee, where she grew up, and begin a career in real estate. “That’s given me the opportunity to work with people and families throughout Kawartha Lakes and really see what makes each of our communities special,” Marshall said.

Since June, Marshall has knocked on more than 2,500 doors across the ward which includes Omemee, Dunsford and Downeyville. “I’ve had conversations with neighbours on their front porches, toured local farms, visited businesses, and met a lot of community members I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to meet otherwise.”

One issue she hopes to address if elected, is property taxes. “I want to go through the budget carefully, look for savings and efficiencies, question discretionary spending that isn’t delivering enough value for residents, and work toward keeping property tax increases as close to inflation as possible,” Marshall said.

She understands that prices everywhere are going up, and that the city has to pay for certain services and investments, but she won’t be afraid to ask direct questions about how money is being spent.

Healthcare is also at the top of her list. Marshall knows it’s a provincial responsibility, but it’s something that has fallen to the municipality to address. She would like to see the city find more ways to attract and retain doctors. “With an aging population, improving access to healthcare is exactly the kind of investment I think we need to prioritize,” she said.

Marshall also wants to see more opportunities for local businesses. “I want to look at where we can cut unnecessary barriers and red tape for the people already doing business here, while also being more proactive about attracting new investments. I’ve already spoken to businesses that told me they had to jump through hoops to get the permits they needed for growth. That puts all of us at a disadvantage. In the midst of a trade war with the U.S., the more goods, services and opportunities we can have close to home, the stronger our communities become.”

When she first put her name in, Marshall was expecting some hesitancy from residents to listen to her, based on her age. However, she said the support she’s received has been encouraging.

“I’m ready to bring new energy to city hall, work hard, listen to residents, and be a councillor who shows up, communicates and fights to make sure our communities get the attention they deserve,” Marshall said. “I’m not asking people to take my word for it. I hope the work I’ve put in throughout this campaign shows them the kind of councillor I intend to be.”

Kawartha Lakes Weekly is reaching out to all candidates running in the October 26 municipal election to give readers a broader view of the people seeking a seat on council. Additional candidate profiles will be published as interviews are completed.