Editor's note: OrilliaMatters has asked council candidates in neighbouring Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn townships to provide a synopsis of why they are running in the Oct. 24 municipal election. The following was submitted by John Bard who is running in Ward 2 of Oro-Medonte Township. For more election coverage — including candidate profiles and other election news — visit our 2022 municipal election page by clicking here.
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My name is John Bard and I am proud to be running for Oro-Medonte Council to represent my neighbours in Ward 2. I love where I live. I am grateful that Rosalee and I have been able to raise our family in such a beautiful place.
I am an educator and a volunteer who cares deeply for my community and its natural surroundings.
I grew up on the family dairy farm. Milking, haying, and tending to the animals instilled a sense of responsibility and an appreciation of hard work in me at a very early age. I am the fourth generation to raise my family on the Bard farm.
I believe that the beautiful farms, forests, and lakes of Oro-Medonte are precious for the services and recreation opportunities they provide. If elected, I would commit to conserving these vital ecosystems through local partnerships that can both raise awareness and take tangible steps towards preservation and restoration.
Being involved in the community has always been important to my family. I have coached in our community for over 30 years, being involved in over 80 community teams. I’ve held a variety of leadership roles as either a coach, trainer, manager, and minor sport executive board member.
My experience volunteering in the community has shown me the importance of working as a team and respecting others. If elected, I promise to work with fellow council members and staff for the greater good of Oro-Medonte.
I have been a high school geography teacher in Orillia for 23 years. As an educator, I encourage diversity, inclusion and open mindedness. I have met many Oro-Medonte families throughout my career. I know the people in this community have valuable insight into what needs to be done to make Oro-Medonte better.
If elected, I pledge to engage citizens in a meaningful way by seeking out different perspectives, and listening to the input of Ward 2 residents to help shape the development and implementation of local policies.
I hope to connect with you in the next few weeks as I seek to hear your concerns and direction for our community. Please reach out to me at [email protected] to let me know how we can keep Oro-Medonte a place that we proudly call home.
