Jay Millington, Lincoln, Ward 3

In broad terms, I really like how the town of Lincoln is run, but it’s time for some new blood in Ward 3, and I want to be that new blood. Four months ago, running for council hadn’t really even crossed my mind. A number of people suggested I enter provincial politics and run for the PC nomination in this riding when Tim Hudak stepped down, but it wasn’t the right fit or the right time for me. Now it is the right time, and municipal council is the right fit.

Back in May, I read a snippet on CKTB’s website about the Town of Lincoln going ahead with a three year pilot project to put Wi-Fi into both Charles Daley Park and the Beamsville Lions Park. These are the parks where we take our children to get outside and be active, away from electronics, and now we’re putting internet access there? For what reason?

Of course I have things I’d like done in Lincoln which would directly make my own life better, but that’s not why I’m running. I’m running to make sure that our town hears from its residents about both the things they love, and those of which they do not approve, to make this the best place in Ontario in which to live and to visit.

What do I see as priorities?

• More sidewalks, to increase pedestrian safety;
• Upgrades to the Jordan Lions Park, including air conditioning for the arena for the sweltering summer months during which the arena hosts town-run day camps;
• Ensuring that we maximize the potential of the proposed Beamsville GO Transit station, making plans for not just the station site, but for how the train station will affect the immediate area, and the town as a whole, as far as traffic, population density, and new businesses that may be attracted to the area;

And,

• Supporting local businesses and tourism, so that Lincoln continues to attract visitors and new residents.

Who am I?

I’m a photographer and a communications professional, a father, husband and a problem solver. I spent years working in provincial politics at Queen’s Park, most recently for our previous MPP, Tim Hudak. Following that, I spent some time working in the arctic, for the Town of Inuvik, until a former colleague asked me to come back and work with them at the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association.

Why will I make a good councillor?

• I’m a good listener. If you have an issue in town, you can send me an email telling me about the problem, but I’d rather sit down with you for a coffee and really hear about the issue and how it affects you;
• I have common sense. I spent years working at Queen’s Park during the Common Sense Revolution, and it kind of stuck with me;

And,

• I ask a lot of questions, and I don’t make important decisions until my questions are answered to my satisfaction.