Ward 6 candidate prioritizes growth, spending and rural priorities

Mary Ann Martin is no stranger to city council, having served on council in 2014-2018 for then Ward 15. Now, she’s ready to be back at the council table. 

Martin is an active community member in Omemee, involved with the Lions club for more than 10 years, the Omemee downtown revitalization committee, and being a supporter of the Downeyville Hall. 

“I bring a strong understanding of our community, the issues that matter to residents and have always been a strong, experienced voice at council. I will bring a careful, practical approach to municipal finances. Council must examine the budget and expenses closely, and spend money where it’s needed first, not wanted,” Martin said. 

Martin said a key priority for her is focusing on ensuring Kawartha Lakes has the correct resources in place for expected growth. “Our infrastructure, including police, ambulance, fire, medical care, water, sewer, and housing, need to be studied before we have the 10,000 new residents expected to come to Kawartha Lakes in the next few years.” 

She’s also heard directly from builders that the process for obtaining building permits is too slow. “Other municipalities have committed to a faster process and been quite successful, this has to be looked at,” Martin said. 

If elected, the Omemee resident said she’ll work to ensure rural residents are getting the same consideration for their needs as in urban areas. “Our farmers and farm families, seniors, small businesses and rural communities need respect and representation as they work incredibly hard, yet many feel their voices are being overlooked. They deserve to enjoy the communities they call home.” 

“Our farms aren’t just pieces of property, they are families, businesses, livelihoods and are part of the history and future of Ward 6…. I promise you that nothing should be decided about rural life without first listening to the people who live it,” Martin said. 

Martin said she would also bring forward a motion to rescind the recent pay increase council approved of earlier this year. “(I would) bring forth another motion to freeze the salaries for councillors, the mayor and the deputy mayor for this upcoming four-year term. This will be a good start to save taxpayers money that could be used somewhere else in the budget for their wards.” 

Martin said with her previous experience on council and as a school board trustee, she knows what Ward 6 residents want. “I will use my experience, knowledge and dedication to help create the best possible community for everyone. I will bring my knowledge of how to get things done to council, I’ve done it before and I’m ready to do it again.” 

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.