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When I arrive at Stonehaven Avenue – just by Stonehaven Elementary School - Vegh lawn signs are everywhere. 

Take a look now.

My canvassing falls into the usual pattern. I knock on doors with a Vegh lawn sign outside. 

I look for people who will actively defend Vegh and his record. There are none. 

I want to hear what people see in Tom Vegh.

I am happy to spend as long as it takes to talk about Tom Vegh’s record – how he took money from the very people who want to redevelop the old Police recreation lands at Stonehaven. I can name names. And I do. 

Joanne Barnett of Marianneville gave money to Tom Vegh in 2018. Along with lots of other developers.

People are concerned about what may happen to their neighbourhood. And the views that will be lost forever. (photo: right)

Vegh's support is flakey to non-existent.

As I am walking back to my car I see a couple gazing at my lawn sign on the other side of the street.

She has her phone out, taking a photo of my QR code. This is the first time in the campaign that I have actually witnessed someone doing this.

I cross over the road and get talking to them.

We talk about things.

And I don't ask them for their vote.

There's no need.

Gordon Prentice 19 October 2022

 

 

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Tom Vegh's Signature Promise in the 2018 election was a new Library and Seniors' Centre. (see Tweet right)

It all turned to dust.

If Vegh had argued the case with his council colleagues in early 2019 and lost, I would have forgiven him. That is the way the world turns.

Instead, he chose not to make the case for a new library - as he had promised the voters only a few months earlier. He stayed silent. It was monumental cowardice.

I suppose he has learnt his lesson. In this election he is promising nothing.

He says he wants to finish projects started by others.

Gordon Prentice 19 October 2022

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Tom Vegh’s latest post on Facebook is inaccurate and misleading. (see right and below)

Vegh says:

“York Region Official Plan protects 71% of all York Region from residential, industrial or commercial development and does not allow these types of developments on environmentally-sensitive lands.” 

The York Region Official Plan says:

“York Region contains some of the most significant and environmentally sensitive geological landforms in Ontario, of which the most predominant is the Oak Ridges Moraine.”

Vegh voted for the development of Oak Ridges Moraine land in Whitchurch and Stouffville.

He says:

"The York Region official plan allows municipalities to build parks, playgrounds, sports field and trails on environmentally sensitive lands."

But only because he voted to change the official plan - which has now been submitted to the Province for approval.

Newmarket's Mayor, John Taylor voted to reject amendments which would allow prime agricultural land to be converted to other uses such as tennis courts and soccer pitches. Vegh voted in favour.

Vegh voted to open up over 12 square miles of open countryside for development. Taylor voted against.

Gordon Prentice 19 October 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Regional Councillor Tom Vegh, a former Executive Director of the Inn From the Cold, sits on his hands and refuses to speak in a debate at York Regional Council last month when his own Mayor, John Taylor, is making the case for a $1M capital grant to the homelessness organisation.

What's that all about?

What is going on?

What's the story?

Gordon Prentice 18 October 2022

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The population of York Region is bigger than five Canadian Provinces: PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and it’s rapidly closing on Manitoba. Yet the person who leads York Region, Wayne Emmerson, is indirectly elected by 20 people.

He is now seeking a third term from his 20 strong electorate.

He steers policies and strategy. He can declare a state of emergency. 

And his vote has the same weight as the directly elected Mayors and Regional Councillors who serve on the Regional Council.

He should be elected by the voters at large not by a tiny group of his colleagues.

In March 2016 I made the argument to a Committee in Queen's Park. The case for direct election is as compelling as ever.

Here is my take on it all.

Gordon Prentice 19 October 2022

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