Gary Zalepa, mayoral candidate, promises leadership for council, community

I have been a resident of Niagara-on-the-Lake since moving here as a teenager. I was a town councillor from 2008 to 2014, and have been the town’s regional councillor for the past four years. I have served on many committees, to name a few: chair, NOTL  urban design committee; chair, Region of Niagara budget committee of the whole; chair, Region of Niagara housing committee. 

Following high school I studied business and political science at Brock University. My wife Tammy and I live in the Old Town with our two sons, Nathan and Benjamin. I have more than 30 years business and volunteer experience. I have owned a local real estate brokerage, managed a large corporate firm in Toronto and now work from my home office for a national real estate company as vice-president of brand expansion. 

I have volunteered in many capacities, including referee and coach for NOTL Minor Hockey; coach of NOTL Minor Soccer; board member, Music Niagara; RiverBrink Art Museum; chair, 809 Newark Squadron sponsor committee, Royal Canadian Air Cadets and St. Mark’s Church.

I have always found ways to get involved, work with others and make things better. In my professional life and community involvement I gravitated to opportunities which built character and experience. My business experience and time on town council and regional council, including the various committee and boards, allows me to positively impact the community. I am experienced in leading functional meetings and ensuring healthy conversations. All participants need to be engaged, feeling that they contribute, and make a difference. 

I believe that public engagement in our community is damaged, and residents’ confidence in council is at risk. During this term, the town has witnessed a council member resignation and multiple councillors are not wishing to seek re-election. They cite lengthy, unproductive meetings and personal time commitments. Several senior staff have left town employment or been removed. This is a symptom of poor governance. 

During my past years on councils, I was able to voice my opinion in a fair and respectful environment, unconcerned about being isolated or bullied. A difference of opinion was accepted, in fact it made for better decisions and did not become a personal character issue. Today we have a dysfunctional culture that is harmful to our communities, damaging the Niagara-on-the-Lake image and impacting our sustainability. I promise to deliver leadership to council and the community, leadership that will listen, engage in the issues that we will face, and treat opinions and public with respect and fairness. 

I will lead council to identify its intentions in a collaborative strategic plan, developed at the beginning of our term, bringing sustainability and focus back to local government. 

Each candidate for lord yayor was asked to submit 500 words telling readers a little about themselves, their priorities, and their message to voters.