More than 70 municipal candidates in the county have signed the Simcoe County Green Belt Coalition pledge
More than 70 municipal candidates from across Simcoe County have signed a pledge created by the Simcoe County Green Belt Coalition to be leaders in sustainability and “class.”
Called Community Leaders for a Sustainable Simcoe (CLASS), the pledge signed by the candidates covers topics such as a commitment to transition to renewable energy, making communities more affordable with more types of housing and limited expansion, ensuring that public spaces are safe and vibrant, protect water and farmland, and increase food security.
The public can find out which candidates in their community have signed the pledge at https://bit.ly/SimcoeCLASS.
You will need to submit your email to receive a list of signatories, as the group is being cautious with the rules surrounding municipal elections.
Margaret Prophet, executive director of the Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition (SCGC), said the initiative is meant to be the first step.
“We are all getting tired of petty politics. People want to know that their governments are focused on improving their well-being, now and in the future, and not constantly distracted by divisive politics,” Prophet said in a press release. “They want to know that their representatives are using reason and evidence to make decisions instead of prejudice or influence from bad actors who only care about personal gain. A promise like this is attractive to candidates who put people and community first. For voters, it helps them see who is willing to put their money where their mouth is and publicly commit to a positive, community-focused set of values. Going forward, help citizens hold leaders accountable for a positive vision of what our communities can be.”
As part of the CLASS initiative, the coalition also hosted three webinars for municipal candidates on food insecurity, protecting local water, and addressing the housing affordability crisis. According to the coalition, more than 100 city leaders attended the webinars, which are available on the coalition’s YouTube channel.
The coalition is committed to providing ongoing support and networking with municipal leaders as part of the CLASS program.
“The problems we face are too serious to expect our city leaders to go it alone,” Prophet said in the news release. “We all need to pitch in. It starts with supporting hopeful leaders and then connecting as a community to move forward together toward a better future.”
