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Orangeville councillor Joe Andrews seeking re-election this fall

June 16, 2022   ·   0 Comments

By Sam Odrowski

Coun. Joe Andrews recently filed his nomination papers at Town Hall seeking re-election as councillor this fall.

He says the fact that’s he’s been a part of Orangeville’s fabric for over 30 years and committed to the region as a leader in education, business, and volunteerism, makes him qualified to continue serving on Council.

Coun. Andrews added that strong integrity, fiscal responsibility, professionalism, and accountability are other attributes that he’s demonstrated through his four-year term.

“I have consistently displayed my ability to focus on the key issues affecting our Town today and for the long-term,” he said. “I brought to the table years of senior-level experience in both the public and private sectors which has paid huge dividends. This Council has worked together and has done so for the betterment of our community. I am proud of what has been accomplished, yet there is so much more to do.”

Looking back at accomplishments during his term on Council, Coun. Andrews noted his work on the Business Economic Development Advisory Committee. He said he was able to provide timely responses to the needs of the local business community through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Work that’s been done while co-chairing the Town’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee with Coun. Lisa Post is another area of achievement. Coun. Andrews said the committee’s helped to get Orangeville on the beginning steps of training and meeting requirements from a human rights perspective and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Being on the Men’s Homelessness Committee, which evolved into a review of the need for affordable housing in Orangeville, Coun. Andrews said it allowed for the development of affordable housing at 236 First Street.

“Also, what evolved in that dialogue over a number of months… was the development of a crisis care facility, which is still very much in its infancy, but one that we will be looking at supporting at the former fire station,” Coun. Andrews noted.

He said traffic mitigation and increasing safety, through listening to residents’ concerns and bringing them forward at Council, were two priorities during his last four years on Council as well. This was seen with the addition of stop signs and reduction of speed limits from 50 to 40 km/h on residential streets in Orangeville.

With Coun. Todd Taylor seeking the deputy mayor seat and Coun. Lisa Post vying for mayor, Coun. Andrews told the Citizen it’s imperative for him to have representation on Council because of the experience that he brings, providing familiarity, stability and civility.

“I bring senior level experience that is really needed in these times as we navigate through inflationary concerns, and a ton of projects that are on the table that benefit the community. But a number of these projects really require individuals who have an understanding of what the implications are and what those financial commitments are,” Coun. Andrews remarked.

“The luxury that I have is I didn’t need a long runway to understand the needs of the community, someone that doesn’t have that experience is going to take a long time to kind of get a handle of what municipal politics is all about how you navigate through the processes.”

He said he sees himself as a consensus builder, and it’s important to have a strong background and history in the community to fulfill the roles on Council.

“Anyone who is considering running, they have to be prepared for a lot of work. As much as this is defined to be a part time role it is a full-time commitment,” Coun. Andrews noted.

“If someone is thinking that this is just an easy opportunity to get involved, it is a lot work. You have to roll up your sleeves, you have to be connected to so many different levels of government, be that the next tiers up. But also, being aware of the needs of our community and being available to respond to people in the community when they have questions, whatever those may be.”

In the coming weeks Coun. Andrews said his official re-election platform will be released and after the nomination period closes later in August, he’ll ramp up his campaign.

“I look forward to connecting with the residents of Orangeville throughout the summer and early fall to listen to what is on their minds, and to ensure that their voices are heard,” he noted.

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