Why Sigmund Lee
Independent judgment. Financial discipline. Visible representation.
Residents deserve more than broad promises. They deserve to know how a candidate will listen, evaluate information, make decisions, and remain accountable after the election.
I am running to bring a practical and disciplined approach to Ward 2. That means listening carefully, asking difficult questions, understanding the costs and consequences, and following an issue through until residents receive an answer.
The question is not only what a candidate promises.
It is how that person will approach decisions after the election.
What Makes My Approach Different
- I will listen carefully without promising that every request will automatically be approved.
- I will ask direct questions about costs, priorities, risks, and expected results.
- I will exercise independent judgment rather than simply following the loudest voice in the room.
- I will explain the reasons for my decisions, including the costs and trade-offs.
- I will follow up so residents are not left wondering whether their concern was examined.
Representation does not mean saying yes to everything. It means making sure residents are heard, the facts are examined, and an honest answer is provided.
How I Would Handle a Resident’s Concern
When a resident raises an issue, I believe a councillor should:
- Listen carefully and understand what the resident is experiencing.
- Confirm the facts and identify which government or agency is responsible.
- Review the practical, legal, and financial consequences of possible action.
- Work with staff, residents, and Council colleagues to pursue a reasonable solution.
- Report back and explain what happened, even when the final answer is not what the resident hoped to receive.
Forwarding an email should not automatically be the end of a councillor’s involvement. Residents should know who is dealing with the issue, what the next step is, and when they can reasonably expect an update.
Turning Concerns into Council Action
Richmond Hill Council consists of nine members. No individual councillor can honestly guarantee that every proposal will pass.
Effective representation requires more than being the loudest person in the room. It requires gathering the facts, presenting a persuasive case, addressing costs and objections, proposing a motion or amendment when appropriate, and building enough support around the Council table.
On a full Council, forming a majority normally requires at least five votes. I may not always succeed in building that majority, but residents should know that a genuine effort was made, how I voted, and what Council ultimately decided.
Fighting for residents is not about volume.
It is about doing the work needed to turn a concern into possible action.
Financial Oversight and Responsible Decisions
A consultant report commissioned by the City warned that Richmond Hill may face property tax increases of 6 to 7 percent annually.
York Region has also reported nearly $5 billion in financial pressures over the next decade. These pressures matter because approximately half of a typical Richmond Hill property tax bill goes to York Region.
As a CPA and FCA (Ireland) with more than 30 years of experience in finance, auditing, oversight, and accountability, I believe residents deserve careful review before new financial commitments are made.
A proposal may sound worthwhile, but Council must still ask whether it is necessary, affordable, properly funded, and supported by a realistic understanding of its long-term cost.
Good intentions are not enough.
Residents deserve responsible decisions and measurable results.
Visible in Ward 2 After the Election
I do not want residents to see me only when I am asking for their votes.
If elected, my goal is to personally conduct two or three ward-wide door-knocking rounds during the four-year term. These would not be election canvassing visits. They would be opportunities to ask residents what is happening in their neighbourhoods, hear concerns directly, and remain connected to the people I represent.
When appropriate, I would also visit the location of a traffic, road, property, safety, or development concern so I can better understand what residents are experiencing.
Public events and ceremonies are part of a councillor’s role, but community presence should extend beyond public appearances and photographs.
Contact with residents should continue between elections.
It should not begin again when it is time to ask for another vote.
What I Stand For
Responsible spending
Clear priorities, careful review, and respect for every taxpayer dollar.
Reliable services
Strong attention to roads, infrastructure, maintenance, safety, and the everyday services residents depend on.
Responsible growth
Development that reflects infrastructure capacity, traffic, services, neighbourhood character, and community needs.
Transparent communication
Clear information about what is happening, what decisions will cost, and why a decision was made.
Visible representation
Ongoing contact with residents, attention to neighbourhood concerns, and follow-through throughout the full term.
A Record of Community Commitment
My commitment to service did not begin with this campaign. It includes leadership with Skills for Change, more than 200 blood donations over four decades, and volunteer work helping Richmond Hill seniors stay connected through technology.
Helping Richmond Hill seniors build confidence and stay connected through technology.
More than 200 blood donations reflecting a commitment built over four decades.
Read more about my professional background and community service
The Choice
You do not have to agree with every position I take. I ask only that you consider whether my experience, judgment, work ethic, and approach are what Ward 2 needs at City Hall.
If you are looking for a representative who will listen, ask difficult questions, examine the costs, exercise independent judgment, remain visible, and follow through, I would be honoured to earn your support.
See How I Think About Richmond Hill Issues
My commentary and updates show how I approach real decisions, not simply what I promise during an election.
If you live in Ward 2, I would be honoured to earn your support and your vote.
Vote Sigmund Lee for Ward 2. Practical leadership you can trust.