Janice Maynard

Ameliasburgh Ward Four

Janice Maynard is hoping that the third time is a charm. She has already completed two terms on council, having her voice heard around the horseshoe since 2010. In those eight years, Maynard has seen a lot of changes in the County. Some good. Some not so good. Issues like affordable housing, property tax and a new hospital are things that were probably on the horizon eight to 10 years ago, but no one back then could anticipate how rapidly these issues would progress. Being a member of council while these issues are becoming more important means some tense times around the horseshoe. Throughout all the stresses that come with being a councillor in times like these, Maynard appears to possess the same drive and passion that got her into municipal politics years ago. She was the general manager of The Boathouse restaurant in Belleville for 20 years, with a prior life in administration, accounting and purchasing. She is also a mother of two. Her daughter, Rachel, is 23 and her stepson, Dustin, is 22. Maynard’s approachable nature has always made her a good sounding board for residents in the community when it comes to important municipal issues.

“Back in 2010 there were issues that I guess I organically became the community spokesperson for. Back then a lot of concern came out of Consecon with the water issue. I was chosen to attend some committee meetings and then they asked me to do the deputation to council on their behalf,” says Maynard.

Her connection to people and representing their needs is something she needs for this job. It is also an aspect of the position she takes very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that she claims to have no real agenda. Her main goal and duty as councillor is to serve the public and honour their needs at council.

“My job is to represent the people that elect me. I’m trying to be the voice for my constituents. I truly care deeply about my community. I also try to do more listening than talking. You have to take in a vast array of concerns and ideas from people who are very passionate about their position on things,” says Maynard.

Maynard’s past two terms have provided her with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the workings of council and how to get things accomplished around the horseshoe. It is something she has worked hard at and hopes to continue with. There is also the matter of unfinished business and being able to see some initiatives that Maynard has been a part of through to the finish line.

“There’s always unfinished business I guess, but we have a lot of great momentum going right now and there are certain issues that I would like to see through to fruition,” says Maynard.

The rural nature, and the fact that it is in the north end of the County, give Ameliasburgh its own unique set of problems. Issues facing Ward Four according to Maynard are infrastructure, roads, property taxes and spending money wisely. Being fiscally responsible is a serious concern for Maynard, who calls herself frugal, but jokingly says that her friends have a different name for it. She also thinks that it should be a priority to spread out the tax dollars somewhat evenly, so the smaller communities have a better chance and no one in the County is left out.

Because the County has had a lot of success and some decent economic growth, Maynard thinks the challenge will be to manage that growth so that all the residents benefit. When asked if she thinks the County is growing too fast, Maynard’s response was no, but she did point out that where there is growth you need to be cognizant of how you’re managing that growth and, most importantly, that the benefits are well dispersed to try and avoid that division.

“I like to think that I’m a good team member, too, from my sports background. I know that you’re not always going to win, but sometimes winning means coming up with the best compromise. It’s not a consensus, it’s everyone conceding a little.”