A brief break from campaign topics for an important public service announcement.

Canada’s blood supply has declined by nearly 20% since June 1, far more than the usual decrease experienced during the summer months.

Canadian Blood Services is asking eligible donors of all blood types to book an appointment as soon as possible. Blood is needed every day for surgeries, cancer treatments, emergencies, trauma care, and other essential hospital services.

If you are eligible to donate, please consider making an appointment. A little time out of your day could make a lifesaving difference for someone else.

Learn more or book an appointment:
Canadian Blood Services

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

After knocking on thousands of doors across Ward 2, one comment comes up again and again.

“Politicians only come to my door when they want my vote. Once they’re elected, you never see them again… until the next election.”

I’ve heard this from residents of all ages and from every part of our community. Whether they’re concerned about traffic, speeding, development, parks, or simply feeling disconnected from City Hall, many people tell me they want their elected representatives to be visible and engaged throughout the entire term, not just during election season.

That is one of the reasons I began campaigning early. My goal has never been simply to ask for votes. It has been to listen, learn, and understand the concerns that matter most to Ward 2 residents.

Every conversation is different. Sometimes we discuss local issues. Sometimes residents share ideas for improving our neighbourhoods. Occasionally they simply want someone to listen. Those conversations have been invaluable, and they continue to shape my understanding of what residents expect from their local government.

I believe public service should not begin a few weeks before an election and end the day after. Residents deserve a councillor who is accessible, accountable, and engaged throughout the entire four-year term.

Thank you to everyone who has taken a few minutes to speak with me at your door. Your feedback, encouragement, and ideas are greatly appreciated.

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

Canada Day is a time to celebrate the country we call home, but it is also a reminder that strong communities are built by neighbours who care and get involved.

I spent part of Canada Day out in Ward 2, meeting residents, delivering campaign literature, and listening to the issues that matter most to our community.

Every conversation is different, but many residents share the same hope: keeping Richmond Hill a great place to live while making sure City Hall remains accountable, practical, and focused on residents.

I am grateful for the friendly smiles, conversations, and words of encouragement throughout the day.

As we celebrate Canada’s history, diversity, and freedoms, let us also look ahead to the future we want to build together, one with responsible leadership, safe neighbourhoods, fiscal discipline, and a strong sense of community.

Happy Canada Day to everyone. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

After spending time knocking on doors and speaking with residents across Ward 2, I recently came across a classic comedy routine by George Carlin called In Defense of Politicians.

While it is comedy, one point stood out to me.

Carlin reminds us that politicians do not appear out of nowhere. They come from the same communities they serve. Whether people agree with his conclusion or not, it is a reminder that democracy is a shared responsibility between elected officials and the citizens who elect them.

As a candidate, I believe residents deserve accountability, transparency, and responsible decision-making from their elected representatives. At the same time, strong communities are built when residents stay informed, ask questions, participate in local government and take the time to learn about the choices before them.

You do not have to agree with everything in the video, but it certainly provides an interesting perspective and a few laughs along the way.

Viewer Discretion Advised: This video contains strong language and mature themes that may not be suitable for children or viewers under 18 years of age. Viewer discretion is advised.

Video: George Carlin – In Defense of Politicians

Campaigning often involves serious discussions about taxes, traffic, development, and community safety. But every now and then, a resident says something that makes the whole day memorable.

One of the funnier moments happened while I was door-knocking recently.

A resident asked me why I was campaigning so early.

I smiled and replied:

“Well, the early bird catches the worm. Maybe I can win you over now.”

Without missing a beat, she replied:

“Too late, I’m already married!”

Needless to say, we both had a good laugh.

Door-knocking can be challenging. There are plenty of steps to climb, long walks between homes, and many unanswered doors. But conversations like these make the experience enjoyable and remind me why meeting residents in person is so important.

I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to chat, share ideas, offer advice, ask questions, and occasionally keep me laughing along the way.

Ward 2 residents have been welcoming, thoughtful, and full of good humour. Every conversation helps me better understand the community and the issues that matter most to residents.

And yes, I’ll still be trying to catch that worm. 😊

During recent door knocking, a few residents told me something that stayed with me:

“I only opened the door because I recognized you.”

It made me reflect on how much both campaigning and society have changed.

Many people today are understandably cautious about opening their doors to strangers. Concerns about scams, safety, and security are real. More people screen calls, ignore unknown visitors, and avoid unsolicited contact altogether.

That reality creates a significant advantage for incumbents and well-known candidates. Recognition and familiarity often matter before a conversation even begins.

For challengers, the first hurdle is often not persuasion. It is simply getting the opportunity to be heard.

This experience also reinforced the importance of visibility during municipal elections. Residents cannot evaluate candidates they never encounter. Whether through community events, local engagement, campaign signs, or conversations at the door, visibility plays an important role in helping voters become aware of their choices.

At the same time, I am grateful to every resident who has taken the time to speak with me, share concerns, and engage respectfully about the future of Richmond Hill.

These conversations matter.

Ward 2 deserves to be heard.

Related: For additional background on why visibility matters in municipal elections, you can read my commentary on election sign visibility and its impact on challengers.

Read my published letter to the editor on election sign rules

Over the coming weeks, I will be out across Ward 2 meeting residents door-to-door, listening to concerns, and delivering campaign flyers.

I believe the best conversations happen face-to-face. Hearing directly from residents helps me better understand the priorities and concerns within our neighbourhoods.

Many residents have already shared concerns about affordability, property taxes, responsible spending, traffic, community services, and accountability at City Hall.

If you see me in the community, please feel free to say hello, share your concerns, or ask questions. I would be pleased to hear from you.

Thank you to everyone who has already offered encouragement, feedback, and support. I truly appreciate it.

Email: votesigmund@gmail.com

Today, I officially registered as a candidate for Richmond Hill Council in Ward 2.

Over the past several months, I have spoken with many residents across our community. Seniors, families, and longtime homeowners have shared a common concern: they expected more from City Hall.

They expected stronger accountability. Responsible spending. Better representation. And clearer value for the taxes they pay.

A recent consultant report warned that Richmond Hill may face property tax increases of 6 to 7 percent annually.

That should concern every resident.

When families face financial pressure, they review spending, tighten budgets, and focus on essentials. City Hall should be expected to apply the same discipline. Residents should not be asked to fund everything that is desirable if it is no longer affordable.

We need to ask the right questions, focus on what is essential, and make sure residents receive clear value for what they pay.

I am running to bring stronger accountability, responsible spending, and practical representation to Ward 2.

You can learn more about my background, priorities, and positions on local issues at:

sigmundlee.com

I would be pleased to hear from you.

Email: votesigmund@gmail.com