A Better Richmond Hill

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is “A BETTER RICHMOND HILL”?
  1. We are a group of community-focused residents who are concerned about poor governance in Richmond Hill. We value a better Quality of Life that includes public safety and reasonable limits on development.  Our mission is to encourage and endorse municipal council candidates who are committed to enacting the values that we support: Integrity, Transparency and Accountability.
  2. We have registered as a third-party advertiser under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O.1996 c.32, which will allow us to participate in the 2022 municipal election and going forward. Our role will include interviewing and endorsing candidates who align with our values, helping to ensure that residents are aware of the relevant history and facts about candidates whose voting records are not aligned with our values.
Why should I care about ”A BETTER RICHMOND HILL”?
  1. Residents have the power to vote for a council that puts our community first. A Better Richmond Hill will promote candidates who sit as representatives of the people, providing an alternative to candidates funded by special interest groups.

  2. In the view of our organization, Richmond Hill residents are not sufficiently informed about the voting history, positions and conduct of its councillors and candidates. Instead, the indication is that people vote for the candidate with the largest or most colourful street sign or direct-mail advertisement, or the candidate that gave them a tangible gift.  It never occurs to most voters that they may be unwittingly supporting candidates who vote on and allow development and in-filling proposals which are against their residents-supporters’ interests, ruining the neighbourhoods in which they live.  These candidates also repeatedly vote against progress and improvements at City Hall, as it is not in their interests to allow the public better access to information and a greater voice.

  3. It is time for a fresh approach in Richmond Hill. Taxpayers deserve a Council that works together, promoting progressive policies that not only solve current issues but modernize how Richmond Hill does business.  A Better Richmond Hill will support candidates with ideas and plans that move our city forward in a sustainable way.

  4. In the recently released Ontario 2021 Municipal Democracy Index the City of Richmond Hill ranked last amongst 32 municipalities. In essence, this index measures the “political health” of the top 32 municipalities in Ontario.  The fact that our City ranked last should be a wake-up call for all of us.  We have a right to expect better from our elected officials and City staff.
Are you aligned with a political party?
  1. Absolutely not! And we do not support municipal councillors and candidates who align themselves with provincial political parties, whether through photo-ops or other methods to build their base.
What is “A BETTER RICHMOND HILL” trying to achieve?
  1. We firmly believe that greater civic engagement and increased voter turnout is the only way to ensure good governance in our city.

  2. We aim at having a slate of candidates for ward councillors, regional councillors and a mayor who share the community values of our city and oppose over-development that puts a strain on the resources and residents of our city. We will encourage the election of members of council who engage residents to help shape our City’s future.

  3. We want councillors who show respect for each other and for the residents, their homes and neighbourhoods.

  4. We want councillors to work in the interests of the residents to improve processes, staff responsiveness and policies which have at present shown themselves to be unfair, non-responsive and antiquated in the delivery of municipal services.
Your name implies a criticism of our current Richmond Hill council. What don’t you like about Richmond Hill currently?
  1. Councillors are insufficiently community focused.

  2. Our focus is on having a mayor and council that are effective, demonstrate courtesy and respect in meetings, and conduct themselves consistent with the dignity and privilege of their office.

  3. We need a council that reflects the ethnic diversity of the community as well as a male/female balance.
Is “A BETTER RICHMOND HILL” a front for some special interest group?
  1. No! What you see is what you get. We have put our names up front.  We are not funded by any hidden sources.  Nor do we hide our identities.

  2. A Better Richmond Hill is for the people of Richmond Hill. We are not backed by any political party or special interest group.  All donations will go to supporting our work as a third- party advertiser for this mayoral by-election.
You are an open community group. How can I get involved?
  1. We are a group of residents who share our community values. Any resident of Richmond Hill who shares our values can join us.  We need people to spread the word about A Better Richmond Hill.  Talk to your neighbours, help us engage residents to vote.  If you have a little more time, help us research candidates, help to fund-raise or contribute to our social media platforms.

  2. Here is our email address to start the ball rolling: abrh.info@gmail.com
383