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Betsy Gross – Orillia Ward 3

I am the founder, honorary Big Sister and past president of Orillia Big Sisters and Orillia Business Women’s Association and served as a director of the chamber of commerce for three years. 

I was a sports writer (Sports Fan Fare & The Games People Play) and columnist “Orillia My Town” for eight years.  I was executive assistant of the  OSMH Foundation and have been a volunteer at OSMH for eight years.  I was a member of the Order of Orillia Committee (three years) and have served as chair of Orillia Commemorative Awards Committee (five years).

I started and operated three successful businesses and managed Manpower Temporary Services (four years) putting hundreds of people to work, many of which resulted in full time employment.  

Working with Orillia Big Sisters allowed me spend time with young girls and match them with role models to try to make their lives better by example and exposure to a different situation than their own.  Watching them grow in confidence was very gratifying.  We had an annual fashion show that brought tears to my eyes as the shy, retiring young girls found the ability to interact in social situations.

Working with OBWA and the chamber allowed me to help small business to find their way with networking and resources available to make them succeed.  OBWA just celebrated their 30th anniversary and still welcome newcomers and business women to meet mentors and feel at home in their new city.  I have served on many city committees and enjoyed celebrating the many hard working volunteers that make Orillia the award winning community that it is.

As a full-time member of council, I look forward to continuing that commitment to the city that I love by working on issues involving youth, opiod abuse, homelessness and senior citizen issues.  Transit, infrastructure, downtown and waterfront improvements are key interests, as we all developing  more government jobs at the HRC property.

Paul Whiteside — New Tecumseth deputy mayor

I, J.J. Paul Whiteside, am running for the office of deputy mayor in New Tecumseth as I have the required knowledge and experience to provide fiscally responsible representation at both the town and Simcoe County levels.

Being retired, I have the time to continue to listen to the concerns and suggestions of residents and businesses. I am a lifetime resident of Alliston and have served the community in many aspects including 17 years on the SMH Board (past president). I am a retired professional accountant (FCPA, FCMA) having several years of related experience in the accounting and municipal fields. In 2009, I retired after 28 years as the town’s chief financial officer/treasurer. I have served eight years as Ward 3 councillor and in 2018 served as the alternate Simcoe County councillor. During my term as councillor, I have served on the following committees: library board, physician recruitment committee, property standards/canine control committee, Alliston Memorial Arena Task Force, OSUM conference committee and New Tecumseth Improvement Society.

As deputy mayor, I will make the full-time commitment to serve and work with the residents of New Tecumseth to make the town a better place. I am a global thinker and consensus builder who is perceptive to the ideas of others and will work in the best interest of our town. I am an experienced leader who is accountable and transparent and will provide financial and business acumen.

My priorities include: Negotiating a new Collingwood water agreement; ensuring tax and utility rates remain reasonable; managing implications of rapid growth; public transit and traffic concerns; water pipeline to Tottenham; Beeton drainage issues.

It is imperative that council work jointly with other municipalities, our MPP and MP on the important issues.

On Oct. 22, elect J.J. Paul Whiteside deputy mayor for “leadership you can trust.”

Feel free to contact me by phone or email . Also visit my website: or Facebook page: