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THE DIFFERENCE

Vision

Candidates for office are often asked about their “vision”. Most times, their answers are typical statements about improving the town or enhancing the quality of life. How to do this is the real question. My vision and mission statements are specific, and as you can see, they take more than a few sentences.

Experience

I have lived in Aylmer since 1970 and have paid taxes here since 1973. I grew up on a tobacco farm along Lake Erie. I was taken out of school when I was 13 to work on the farm for 5 years. I became the Principal of the High School from which I was a drop out. I have been married to Judith for 54 years. I have been a Councillor and Mayor of Aylmer.

Leadership

Leaders lead. Aylmer needs a strong leader to counter the negative image some have painted us with. Leaders propel us forward with a vision and make the tough decisions. Aylmer needs a leader who knows how to bring Council to the future; to navigate through staff demands; to be an ambassador for the town; to have a passion for the community. I have continued to hone those leadership skills which I developed as Principal of a large secondary school and as a former Mayor and Councillor. I am currently the Board Chair of two large community organizations (the East Elgin Family Health Team and the Aylmer Area Community Foundation) and also a member of the Aylmer Police Services Board and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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MY COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Aylmer needs a leader who knows how to bring Council into the future; to navigate through staff demands; to be an ambassador for the town; to have a passion for the community. I have continued to hone those leadership skills which I developed as Principal of EESS and CECI and as a former Mayor and Councilor.   I am currently the Board Chair of two large community organizations (the East Elgin Family Health Team and the Aylmer Area Community Foundation) and also a member of the Aylmer Police Services Board and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Previously over the years, I was the past chair of the Elgin-St. Thomas Public Health Unit, a volunteer at the Aylmer Fair(past Treasurer for 5 years) and even wrote a book on the Aylmer Fair because it's such a cornerstone of our community history. I am active and committed to our community.

ABOUT ME

I have lived here  since 1970 and have paid taxes since 1973.  I grew up on a tobacco farm along Lake Erie.  I dropped out of school when I was 13 to work on the farm and later became Principal of the same school I dropped out of. When I was a young boy, I managed the tobacco farm while my father was ill for some time. This taught me a lot about putting in the hard work to make progress. I worked at McConnell Nursery for several years and also at the Flue Cured warehouse where I became the youngest tobacco grader.  Why are these notes important? Because they were the foundation upon which I developed my work ethic, my drive, understanding of finances and also to acknowledge the help and community of others. I then shifted my focus  back to my education and I obtained a Master of Arts and a Master of Education. Looking back on my childhood, career and retirement I am grateful for my experiences and journey I am on.

FACEBOOK

CONTACT >

E: jcouckuyt2@hotmail.com

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