As one of the youngest sitting councillors in the past two terms of Huntsville Council for Chaffey Ward, we reached out to Councillor Jonathan Wiebe. We asked him why he isn’t running again, whether we might see his name on a future ballot, and what advice he has for new councillors.
Below are his answers.
I’ve really enjoyed my time on council. It’s been incredibly rewarding serving the community and meeting and working alongside so many great residents.
I’ve decided to focus more of my energy on building and helping others to build more efficient, more resilient and more environmentally conscious homes. My hope is that a greater number of people can access housing that’s more affordable not only to own but also operate on a daily basis.
I don’t know if you’ll ever see my name on a ballot again but anything is possible.
The advice I would give to the new members of council would be twofold: firstly, focus on one or two things you really want to have an impact on besides the typical issues and decisions that come with the post. Don’t be afraid to take charge in those areas and push ideas forward. Secondly, I would steer clear of the constant negative comments you typically find on social media. Feedback and communication is very important but sometimes the comment section devolves into a pile on of complaints and those voices shouldn’t be the only ones heard. Reach out to constituents and ask for their opinions. I always enjoyed chatting with folks about what’s happening around the council table.
I want to thank the proud residents of Huntsville for entrusting me at the table these last eight years. I always did my best. I also wish to thank Mayor Terziano and Deputy Mayor Alcock for their leadership and guidance through an unprecedented phase in our history.
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Joanne Tanaka says
Thank you for being a councillor and your interest in housing. Good luck in your future efforts. I am glad you have an interest in much needed adaptation and mitigation of climate change in our buildings. One of my current councillors has not responded in any way to my question about her thoughts about climate change. Perhaps she is too busy with her regular full time job, even as she is campaigning for re-election.
ReubenPyette says
Johnathan I believe was an asset to town council and I wish him well. I would hope that he will reach out to counsel and myself for his personal perspective on affordable housing and Housing First. He has demonstrated the understanding for and need for affordable alternatives while others failed to understand.
Sincere regards
Michael Lowe says
Jonathan
I am sorry to see that you decided to step down from the Huntsville Town council.
I found your thinking and well read/researched opinions were much needed during council sessions. You brought a depth of knowhow and knowledge so required these days in these complicated times. You succeeded in raising the bar which I give sincere credit to you during your time in the role.
Huntsville will be missed without you on the Town council.
Michael