Just Sayin’ Caledon is committed to helping residents get to know their candidates so they can make an informed decision at the polls on October 26. To this end we sent a set of 10 key questions to every candidate and will publish the answers here of those who responded.
Note: Anthony Caputo did not respond to the questions.
Just Sayin' Caledon: How long have you lived in Caledon? What does a sustainable future for Caledon look like for you?
Click on a candidate to see their answer to this question.
Diana Mollicone: I’ve lived in Caledon for 12 years, immediately following my wedding. Sustainable future for Caledon is growth without compromise to current residents. That means ensuring our services, recreation, infrastructure, schools, commercial district, etc. all keep pace with the incoming growth while we continue to protect what makes Caledon a desirable place.
John Muir: For the past 26 years, my wife and I have called Caledon home, raising our two daughters in Bolton. We’ve watched the community grow and change over the years, and we have deep roots here. Caledon isn’t just where we live, it’s home.
Just Sayin' Caledon: What do you feel are currently the four highest priority concerns for the ward(s) you are running to represent? Explain why.
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Diana Mollicone: 1. Peel Regional service downloads and impact on tax payers. We need to understand the long-term operating and capital costs.
2. The truck traffic and illegal truck depot yards. From a land-use compliance enforcement as well as a traffic issue.
3. Infrastructure not keeping pace with the incoming growth. Planned alongside the growth.
4. Economic development and revitalization of the historic downtown. Our historic downtown has potential to be an amazing tourist destination, would like to see continued investment to support our existing businesses and attract new ones.
John Muir: Based on the feedback I have heard from residents, the four highest priorities are managing the impact of truck yards, improving infrastructure, strengthening community safety, and supporting seniors. Residents have raised concerns about increased truck traffic and development, as well as the need for roads, sidewalks, transit, and other infrastructure to keep pace with growth. They also want safer neighbourhoods, roads, and public spaces for families and residents of all ages. Finally, supporting seniors through accessible services, transportation, programs, and opportunities to stay connected is an important priority that I will continue to advocate for.
Just Sayin' Caledon: What do you consider to be the role of a Councillor? Why are you running for this role?
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Diana Mollicone: The role of the councillor is the first point of contact for residents to raise issues within their neighbourhood without intimidation. And the role is the bring those concerns to the council table is they cannot be solved internally with sta.. I am running for this position because I feel I’ve established a trustworthy ground within the Bolton community through my outreach work at Coffee Time and paired with my initial career in engineering; I feel I bring a unique skillset to the chamber at a pivotal time. Bolton saw me become a homeowner, wife, mother, business-owner, and community-organizer; I want to help IT grow now!
John Muir: I believe the role of a Councillor is to listen to residents, represent their concerns, and work collaboratively to find practical solutions. Building strong relationships with Town staff and management is also essential to understanding how the organization works and moving issues forward effectively.
I am running because I bring energy, professional management experience, a collaborative approach, and a strong work ethic.
Just Sayin' Caledon: As a new candidate, what has been your level of involvement in Caledon politics? What specific experience do you have that you feel has prepared you for this role?
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Diana Mollicone: My direct involvement is limited and mostly recent. I’ve listened remotely, and only delegated three times and helped others with theirs. I bring experience from both the technical and community sides of the role. I’m a licensed Professional Engineer who spent 10 years in design-build and construction project management where I had to understand complex projects, budgets and infrastructure. In the last 5yrs I’ve owned and operated a small business in Bolton which gave me hands-on experience with employees and budgets which keeping me closely connected to the residents.
John Muir: My level of involvement in Caledon politics has been as an engaged and interested member of the community. I have followed local issues, discussions, and decisions that affect residents, and I have taken an interest in understanding the needs and priorities of the community.
My professional experience has also prepared me well for this role. I have experience in leadership, working with diverse stakeholders, building partnerships, problem-solving, and making balanced decisions. I am accustomed to listening to different perspectives, working collaboratively, and finding practical solutions. I believe these skills, combined with my involvement and interest in the Caledon community, would allow me to contribute effectively in this role.
Just Sayin' Caledon: Do you support the use of an ecosystem approach for development applications?
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Diana Mollicone: Yes. One of my bigger gripes with the current planning process per the province is how easily individual applications can be considered in isolation. I want to look beyond and consider cumulative impacts on the neighbouring areas including roads, infrastructure, and water.
John Muir: I 100% support an ecosystem approach because it balances development with protecting the environment and our communities.
Just Sayin' Caledon: If elected, would you support passing the new site alteration bylaw or would you support improving and strengthening the current fill bylaw?
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Diana Mollicone: Staggered approach, fix anything non-conspicuous now (ex: enforcement) to update the current by-law while simultaneously working on the Site Alteration By- Law to be in Compliance with provincial regulations. For the new by-law I want all applicable agencies and approval authorities to complete their requirements first with Caledon acting as the final gatekeeper before a permit is issued. As well, should those permit with the other agencies lapsed / be revoked, Caledon to have (where legally permitted) the authority to issue a stop-work notice and demand the operator to either regain compliance or complete site remediation.
John Muir: I would support the approach that best protects our community and environment while being fair and practical for residents and landowners.
I believe both options should be carefully reviewed before making a final decision.
Just Sayin' Caledon: Do you feel more can be done to improve recreational programming in smaller Caledon towns and villages?
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Diana Mollicone: As Ward 5 is the most densely populated ward, I feel I cannot properly answer this question. As a regular user of Caledon’s recreation facilities, I would happily look into continuous improvement for our recreational programming.
John Muir: With my background in youth recreational programming, I believe supporting youth all sports and recreation should be a priority. I would like to see more opportunities and accessible programs available to children and families in Caledon’s smaller towns and villages.
Just Sayin' Caledon: What more do you feel can be done to alleviate traffic safety and volume concerns in your ward(s)?
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Diana Mollicone: Traffic and safety are not one in the same. Safety-wise, I support stronger enforcement and traffic calming measures where possible. Traffic needs to be assessed from the source. This could mean utilizing the new tools against the illegal yards (Bill 119 and the Entrance By-Law) as well as ensure new developments in logistics/warehousing have appropriate truck routes.
Truck safety, I appreciate our council’s advocacy for OPP blitzes to evaluate the vehicles. I’d also like to see more advocacy for more stringent licensing requirements based on class of vehicle.
John Muir: As Caledon grows, our road infrastructure needs to keep pace. I support expanding capacity on major roads and corridors, improving traffic flow, and looking at options to better separate heavy truck traffic from passenger vehicles where practical.
Just Sayin' Caledon: Do you feel Council and Town staff need to operate more transparently to the public?
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Diana Mollicone: I’d opt to see clearer communication around major decisions and better (more “laymen’s” terms) explanations of the long-term impacts.
John Muir: Communication is always key to success. I believe there is always an opportunity to improve communication and transparency. Our goal should be to ensure residents feel informed, heard, and confident in the decision-making process.
Just Sayin' Caledon: If elected, would you be agreeable to researching a system that enables issues to be resolved without threat of unnecessary Integrity Commissioner complaints?
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Diana Mollicone: I’d support an initial mediation process before immediate escalation to the IC. Serious Code of Conduct concerns should still have a clear path to the IC.
John Muir: Yes. I would be open to exploring options that encourage communication and help resolve concerns early and fairly.
At the same time, it is important to maintain accountability, transparency, and a fair process for everyone involved.
