Three years ago you, the people of the Municipality of Meaford, chose me to be one of your councillors. I have been honoured to follow my great grandfather, my grandfather and my father as a representative of the people in our local government.

During my time as councillor, I have served the community as:
· Chair of Finance and Administration,
· Chair of Environmental Services (Waste Management),
· Chair of Meaford Hall and Culture,
· a member of Public Works and Property,

I have been appointed by council to:
· the Meaford Public Library Board,
· the Beautiful Joe Heritage Society Board and
· the Georgian Trail Board.

During the past three years, significant progress has been made in bringing openness, stability and fiscal responsibility to the governing of the municipality. I have supported the determination to keep taxes level for these three years. I have helped create the system of Public Advisory Committees that has made our government completely open to the public. Never before has there been this opportunity for the taxpayer to be so much a part of local government. I have listened to your concerns, answered your questions and have been pro-active in seeking out comments from residents.

This election year, I am asking you to again support me as part of the new council, as Deputy Mayor.

If elected,
· I will continue to represent you with enthusiasm, commitment and fairness.
· I will continue to work to keep taxes as low as possible.
· I will spend significant time and effort in the out-lying areas of our community to make sure their concerns and issues are heard and addressed.
· I will work to make Meaford Hall a focal point for our entire community. The theatre and cultural events held there will not only enhance our community, but bring expanded commercial business to the municipality. This, in turn, will ease the residential tax burden for all of us.
· I will pressure the Provincial Government to allow proven alternative technology to deal with garbage issues to preserve our environment.

The Municipality of Meaford is a fabulous community that I have always called "home". To be able to live and work in this beautiful setting is a "dream come true". For those of us who have realized this dream, there is a tremendous responsibility to preserve it. Our area has undeveloped potential and real challenges in the immediate future. I pledge to do my best to deal with those challenges and realize that potential, not just for ourselves but for future generations.

In order to serve our community to the best of my ability, I am convinced that we must have strong representation on County Council. Many of our issues are county-wide and need a county based solution. For that reason, I am asking you to support my move to Deputy Mayor.

For more information, please visit my website

Francis Richardson