Paul MacPherson, Lincoln, Ward 3

It is an exciting time to be in Lincoln. We are now one of the fastest growing communities in Niagara. And will no doubt be in the lead position in a couple of years. Your 2014-18 council has worked very hard to plan for and manage that growth. Starting with a fully public process to create a Community Vision for Lincoln …A Place to Grow, A  Place to Prosper, A Place to Belong. We’ve set the groundwork to guide our decision making for years to come.

I have had the privilege of representing the residents of Ward 3 (Vineland/Jordan) and the Town of Lincoln for the past 4 years. During this term of office, the council took on an aggressive agenda in our ‘Future Focus’ work plan laying out key strategic initiatives in the areas of Communication / Economic Development / Cultural Planning / Customer Service & / Roads, Transportation & Traffic. All issues I heard on the campaign trail back in 2014. I’m pleased to report that we have successfully completed many of our stated goals in the plan. As a member of the Planning and Infrastructure Committees I’ve been involved in many key decisions shaping our community. From the Prudhommes Secondary Plan & new housing developments across Lincoln to increased investment and improved safety on our road system we have set a defined plan. Your council has put significant effort into making key decisions a very public process. It was our goal to listen to our residents in helping to shape Lincoln. Having over 100 residents attend each of our Ward 3 meetings is a strong message that you are engaged in what is going on in Vineland & Jordan.

I’m especially proud of the work this council has completed on the Economic Development file. Of note has been our addition of Paul DiIanni as our Economic Development Officer who has made a significant impact in the short time he has been on board. Paul is getting ready to bring forward to council an ‘Economic Development Strategic Plan’ that will set out the focus for the next 5 years…and beyond. As the Chair of the Economic Development Committee I’ve worked closely with Paul and the rest of council to bring focus to our opportunities for growth. This is just one example of the many initiates your council has completed or been working on this past term.

I strongly believe in the direction this term of council has set for Lincoln. I know that change is sometimes difficult, but I can assure you that every effort is being made to strategically plan for our growth as a community. I’m confident we’ll continue to look and feel very much like the town we are today down the road….with the growth we need. I continue to see great potential in Lincoln. I look forward to knocking on doors seeking your input to what needs to be done to make Lincoln realize it’s potential.

There is much more work to be done.