Why Me? Quick Read Version!

Fenwick has been my family's home since 1956; I grew up here and have now retired here.

Like the people I meet, I value our quiet, clean, open, green environment, and how friendly, helpful, and caring our neighbours are. I want to help ensure that Pelham's development and growth occur in ways that complement the essential character of our town.

My work experience has contributed to the development of skills useful in Town Council: listening, responding, communicating results; strategic planning, decision making, problem solving; negotiating; performance management.

In my career, I have been successful in dealing with community infrastructure issues in the past, including housing, transportation, security, safety, electricity, water, communication, recreation, and doing this within budget and within the expectations of the community using the services. This was work I enjoyed, and I look forward to doing more of it here for the benefit of Pelham.

My desire to be on Town Council has also been affected by my experience on Pelham's Committee of Adjustment over the past four years. This has given me valuable insight into the concerns and aspirations of our residents, and the bylaws and standards that guide decisions in the town.

I believe that the best way forward is by listening, proceeding strategically, and respecting our taxpayers' money.

Richard Rybiak
Tel: 905-892-2105 FAX: 905-892-9506 email: rrybiak@gmail.com

Richard Rybiak Announces Entry to Pelham Ward 1 By-Election

Richard Rybiak announced today that he has filed documents at Pelham Town Hall to stand for election as Councillor for Ward 1 in the by-election to be held on June 20, 2011.
"I am motivated to run by two things: a desire to give back to the home town which is so important to me, and to be part of an exciting and forward looking town council," Rybiak said. "We have a mayor whom the citizens of Pelham overwhelmingly recognized for his principles, values, and talent, and councillors who are greatly committed to the success of the town, and I would love to contribute what I can to making Pelham the best place in which to live."

"My time with the Committee of Adjustment has also sharpened my taste for public service. I found it quite satisfying to help resolve resident’s concerns within town requirements when the two might be a little out of sync. You also get a good sense of what people are trying to accomplish in their lives from this perspective. I look forward to participating in the broader business of the town in Council," Rybiak said.

Rybiak has deep roots in Ward 1, from childhood on Foss Road where his family made a home in 1956, to returning in 2003 and purchasing the same family home from his parents when he retired from his career in Human Resources around Canada and abroad. He and his wife, Wieske, consider themselves to be "semi-retired" as they are kept busy managing the Fenwick rental development constructed by his father, Joe Rybiak, in 1989.

Rybiak expects to campaign actively in the Ward, and has opened a blog at http://www.voterybiak.ca/ to keep in continuous contact with residents.

For more inforrmation: Richard Rybiak 905-892-2105 rrybiak@gmail.com

For Release April 6, 2011