Working Together For Vaughan

Over the past two years, the Members of Council have made considerable progress. Our accomplishments include establishing a funding commitment for the new hospital, creating the Office of the City of Vaughan's Integrity Commissioner, expanding the Greening Vaughan initiative, launching Vaughan Tomorrow, our growth management strategy and, in 2008 alone, we opened more than a dozen new parks across the city.

These initiatives are significant, but they have been overshadowed by a myriad of internal problems. This is not in the best interest of the people of Vaughan. The public expects and demands that elected officials approach their job in a civil, responsible and professional manner. No one person is to blame for the recent political difficulties, but I firmly believe now, the beginning of the New Year, is the time to turn the page and move forward together.

That's why I am launching the "Working Together For Vaughan" campaign. It is my commitment to work with all Members of Council to try and set aside our personal differences, return professionalism to City Hall and improve accountability and transparency.

A key component of the campaign is to strengthen the existing City Expenditure Policy. My goal is to make the City of Vaughan the standard bearer in Canada for accountability and transparency when it comes to expenses. We want to raise the bar to an entirely new level.

Enhanced and concise expenditure policies will provide clear guidelines for Council and staff throughout the City, protect public funds, and assist in maintaining the responsible delivery of the high level of services we are committed to providing our residents. I do not want the issue of expenses to become an impediment to the important work we have to do at City Hall.

All of the Members of City Council have been working hard on behalf of their constituents, but we can and we must do better. There is too much yet to accomplish. We must begin, "Working Together For Vaughan."

Sincerely,
Linda D. Jackson
Mayor

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