My Approach To Public Service

Public Service Begins with Listening

Long before I was elected to Council, I spent many years serving on boards and committees throughout my professional and volunteer life. Those experiences taught me that good public service isn't about personalities. It's about listening, respecting different perspectives, asking thoughtful questions, and always putting the interests of the people you represent first.

Leadership Means Accepting Responsibility

Throughout my career in public service and volunteer leadership, I've come to believe that leadership isn't about being in the spotlight. It's about accepting responsibility, earning trust, and being accountable for the decisions you make.

Why I Believe in Stewardship

Over time, I've come to realize that the word that best describes my approach isn't leadership, it's stewardship.

To me, stewardship means recognizing that a seat on Council doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the residents who have entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them.

My role is to listen carefully, exercise independent judgment, make thoughtful decisions, and always act in the best interests of our community.

Independent Judgment

I believe every issue deserves to be examined on its own merits. Before making a decision, I strive to understand the facts, listen to different perspectives, consider the long-term impacts, and make the decision I believe is in the best interests of our community.

Respect

Good governance doesn't require everyone to agree. It requires people to listen respectfully, debate honestly, and respect the democratic process once a decision has been made.

Accountability

Residents deserve more than a vote at election time. They deserve a Councillor who is accessible, who explains decisions, follows up on concerns, and remains accountable throughout their term of office.

A group of people, including a woman with glasses, a man in a checkered shirt, a man in a blazer, and a man in a plaid shirt holding a coffee mug, are engaging in conversation at an indoor event. The setting appears to be a conference or event space with chairs, a barrier with 'Richmond Hill' and 'Event Services' labels, and a brick wall in the background.
A group of people, including a woman with glasses, a man in a checkered shirt, a man in a blazer, and a man in a plaid shirt holding a coffee mug, are engaging in conversation at an indoor event. The setting appears to be a conference or event space with chairs, a barrier with 'Richmond Hill' and 'Event Services' labels, and a brick wall in the background.
Councillor Thompson meeting a Ward 2 resident
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About Me

My connection to Richmond Hill goes back generations. I am a sixth-generation descendant of William and Hannah Thompson, early pioneers of Richmond Hill.

My wife and I purchased our first home here nearly 30 years ago, and it is where we raised our two children and built our lives.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to give back to the community in a number of volunteer roles, including serving on the Committee of Adjustment, coaching minor hockey, and volunteering as Media Coordinator with the Richmond Hill Ringette Association.

Richmond Hill isn't simply the community I represent on Council. It has been home to my family for generations, and it is where my wife and I chose to raise our own family. I have always believed in giving back to the community that has given my family so much, and that sense of responsibility has been an important part of both my community involvement and my public service.

Four people engaged in conversation inside a building near the entrance. Two men and two women are standing, each wearing casual winter clothing. One man is holding a coffee cup. Background shows a sign that reads 'GYM AB&C' and a set of chairs.
Two people, a man wearing sunglasses, a blue cap, and a light purple shirt, and a woman wearing a hijab, patterned coat, and carrying a megaphone, standing outdoors in front of a building with several other people in the background.
My Priorities
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