I have been on Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn for about 3 years now, hoping that it could be an effective tool to connect with our community. For the most part is has been. Unfortunately, there is also a destructive, mean-spirited side to the way some people use Social Media.

I am troubled by the tone of the debate and the proceedings which we have witnessed in the past few months. They have been unproductive. Emotion, accusations, rhetoric and hyperbole have distracted council from doing the very work that our residents sent us to Town Hall to accomplish when they voted last October.

I dislike tax increases as much as the next person, however, a responsible budget (and a responsible council) balances the increase in taxes with the delivery of services that Newmarket residents ask for.

We are at an important crossroad for Newmarket. The world around us is changing and how we respond will determine the future we leave for our children & grandchildren.

Now the cost for proposed renovations to the Old Town Hall is estimated to be $8.4 million, up from the $6 million estimate as recently as November last year. It begs the question, what is an appropriate investment in this building to best serve the community? Here is the background.