Sigmund Lee

These are overlapping forecast periods. The 6.0% figure covers the full nine years, including the first five.

After allowing for projected assessment growth, the corresponding averages are 5.4% and 4.2%. The forecasts are in constant 2026 dollars and exclude inflation. They concern the City’s tax levy, not the total tax bill for an individual home, and are not approved annual tax increases.

The report also identifies the forecast capital spending level as unsustainable and says reducing its scale would help limit tax levy increases and the need for debt.

As a CPA and FCA (Ireland) with more than 30 years of experience in auditing, finance, oversight and corporate restructuring, I bring the skills to examine those commitments, challenge assumptions and press for changes. I would examine spending priorities, test funding assumptions and ask what can be phased or changed while protecting essential services. Residents deserve clear explanations of the costs and choices before commitments are made.

• I will listen carefully and be honest about what I can deliver.
• I will ask direct questions about costs, priorities, risks and expected results.
• I will exercise independent judgment and consider different perspectives.
• I will explain the reasons for my decisions, including costs and trade-offs.
• I will follow up so residents know whether their concern was examined and what happened.

Residents should be heard, the facts should be examined, and an honest answer should be provided.

1. Listen: Understand what the resident is experiencing and what needs attention.
2. Check the facts: Identify the issue and which government or agency is responsible.
3. Examine the options: Review the practical, legal and financial consequences of possible action.
4. Pursue a solution: Work with staff, residents and Council colleagues on a reasonable way forward.
5. Report back: Explain what happened, including when the outcome is not what the resident hoped for.

Forwarding an email should not automatically end 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.

A councillor cannot guarantee that every proposal will pass. Effective representation requires gathering facts, presenting a clear case, addressing costs and objections, and working to build support among Council colleagues.

When appropriate, I would bring forward a motion or amendment to pursue a solution. Whether or not it succeeds, residents should know what I proposed, how I voted and what Council decided.

I would make the effort and the outcome clear, so residents can assess my work.

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.

For each major proposal, I would ask:

• What need does it address, and how does it rank against other priorities?
• What are the initial and ongoing costs?
• How will it be funded, and what are the trade-offs?
• What alternatives and risks have been considered?
• How will Council and residents measure the results?

The City’s Financial Master Plan (PDF) provides background for examining Richmond Hill’s long-term financial outlook.

If elected, my commitment is to personally knock on doors across Ward 2 at least two or three times during my four-year term. These visits would be opportunities to ask how I can help, 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 to better understand what residents are experiencing.

Public events and ceremonies are part of the role. Regular neighbourhood contact and follow-up would also be part of my work throughout the term.

You do not have to agree with every position I take. I ask that you consider my experience, judgment, work ethic and approach when deciding who should represent Ward 2.

My commentary and updates explain how I approach Richmond Hill issues. Read the reasoning, compare the candidates and decide for yourself.