At the January 12th Council meeting, I announced that I will not be running, for any position, in the 2026 municipal election. Being the Councillor for Ward 5 has been an experience I have loved. I have won 4 municipal elections starting in 2010. During each term, I have given “my all” while serving my constituents and the Township as a whole. Doing so has been truly a privilege. There is no comparison to any other job: for the satisfaction of meeting the needs of a resident, for the frustration and disappointment of failing to do so, and for the responsibility of making policy decisions which are the foundation for King’s evolution over the next 20 years.
Over the 16 years that I have served, the make up of Council has varied and the staff have changed. But throughout, I have always been very proud to be a Councillor of King Township. It has been a rich and personal growth experience.
I acknowledge having some regret at not continuing as I know that there will be exciting challenges for the new Council, but I think it is time. My years of experience are of benefit, but fresh eyes can bring new questions and ideas as to how to achieve sustainable outcomes.
I am making this announcement well in advance of May 1st when election candidates can register their nomination. I’m doing so to be transparent about my intentions. I also want to alert citizens about the election schedule. I encourage those who are interested in running to not wait until May 1st to start planning their campaign. As well, there are likely people who would be effective at the Council table but they may need encouragement from their neighbours and community to run. In Ward 5 there will be no incumbent which is a great opportunity to seek a position at the Council table. And of course election time is an opportunity to challenge an incumbent. The Association of Municipalities (AMO) is offering educational sessions in February and April to assist new candidates. Information regarding these sessions can be found at amo.on.ca.
I hope that the residents in Ward 5 will have some great choices of candidates on October 26th, election day.
It has truly been an honour to have represented the residents of Ward 5 on Council for the last 16 years.
Oh, Deb – what a class act you are. Your ethics, your principles, your values your maturity, your generosity are all on display with how and when you announced this decision. I will miss your blogs – SO informative, so thoughtful, in incisive, so relevant. You are the BEST! and I wish you all the very, very best.
Thank you for your contribution in keeping the roots and environment of King Township. Hopefully the best of King is maintained. Debbie the very best to you in years ahead.
Oh, Debbie, what is Arts Society King going to do without you, your wisdom and enthusiasm.
Of course, as you know, I COMPLETELY understand 🙂
Wishing you all the best. We will have to make these final months even more exciting!
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for serving as a Councillor for all of King Township. I have appreciated your efforts to communicate the important items on the agenda for those (like me) who aren’t watching the agenda each time and don’t even live in your ward.
I hope that you know of someone who may be interested in seeking to be your replacement.
Thank you again for all your work on Council. For conscientous people like you, the job is very time consuming.
I know that you were debating last time as to whether to throw your hat in the ring again, and I was so glad that you did.
Oh Deb, you will be very much missed. You are such a hard worker and so trustworthy.
I truly hope you enjoy a retirement that you have earned.
You leave big shoes to fill.
Thank you for your service Debbie. I always appreciated your attention to the finer details of municipal politics. No matter who someone was, you grilled them thoroughly when they appeared before Council. Unfortunately while York Region’s and provincial policies undermined many of your thoughtful recommendations and those of local residents in more recent years, you have nonetheless addressed every issue with enthusiasm and vigour. Best wishes! Sheila
Debbie, you have been such a delight to work with and interact with over the past few years in my various volunteer roles. You are always supportive, responsive and present. We will miss your smiling face, your insight and your positive contributions. Thank you for your years of dedicated service and for leading with integrity, compassion, and respect. Your commitment to King Township has made a lasting difference, and your legacy will be felt for many years to come. I know we will continue to see you around supporting the many organizations that benefited from your presence. Wishing you a fulfilling and well-earned next chapter.
Thank you so very much for taking on such an immense challenge for so many years. We have been privileged to have had you on council, and your impact has been a tremendously positive one. King is a better place for your dedication.
Debbie you will be sorely missed in Ward 5 and in the Township as a whole. I would like to express my appreciation for your enthusiasm and fighting spirit and all that you have accomplished over the years. Your replacement will have big shoes to fill. I look forward to continuing to bump into you at events around the Township.
Debbie you have been a wonderful asset for ward 5 in the years you have served. We wish you all the best in your retirement. You will be sorely missed as our councillor.
We will certainly miss your blogs.
All the best to you.
Jacquie Whitten
Debbie you have been a wonderful asset for ward 5 in the years you have served. We wish you all the best in your retirement. You will be sorely missed as our councillor and we will certainly miss your blogs.
All the best to you.
Jacquie Whitten
Thank you for sharing your news.
Ward 5 has been fortunate to have been & to continue to be represented by such a comitted, consistent, dedicated, diligent, disciplined councillor. Thank you.
For sure, it is time to enjoy more of your own time -reading tombs of your choice every other weekend & with no pressure.
Thank you so much for raising matters of importance to all of those who are lucky enough to live/ work in the Township of King.
We know you will continue to advocate for those things about which you are passionate & help those who share similar perspectives with your experiences.
Be happy that there will be no GO Train HOOT in a farewell fanfare
Thank you so much.
Dear Debbie, congratulations on your legacy of accomplishments in this community. We will all miss your wisdom and grace, but much of what you imparted will surely be sustained. On the shoulders of a giant the council will go forward and carry on your work. Your sober second sight, your presence and sincerity, your personable ways set you apart in a fast paced and conflicted world. I am grateful to have your friendship, and hope our paths cross often as you continue to enjoy community events and a relaxing life in good health and happiness.
Hi Debbie, we have been so lucky to have you representing us in 16 years, voicing up residence’s concerns, debating the importance of nature environment, putting senior rights and transportation in high priority, etc.
Your leadership, dedication, and thoughtfulness, along with your clear presentation skills, are truly admirable.
We all love you, care deeply about you and wish you all the very best!
Congratulations, Debbie, on your retirement from municipal government. Thank You for your excellent representation and support of your constituents, as well as, the wider King community. I think your dedication, hard work, and leadership are unmatched. We were very fortunate to have you as our Councillor. All the Best for a more relaxed, yet still fulfilling, next chapter.