Community Advocate Enters Race for Wilmot Township Ward 1 Council Seat
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW HAMBURG, ON – July 19, 2018 –Never one to apologize for wearing her heart on her sleeve or speaking up when it truly matters Angie Hallman, who many affectionately call the “Splash Pad Lady”, is pleased to officially announce her candidacy for Ward 1 councillor in Wilmot Township. Ward 1 encompasses parts of New Hamburg, New Dundee, Haysville, rural Petersburg, Manheim and the rural residents in between that are the glue of this community.
Born and raised in New Hamburg and currently residing between New Hamburg and New Dundee, Hallman, has been a Registered Massage Therapist for the past 15 years. For the past ten years this New Hamburg based entrepreneur has operated a successful wellness focused business.
With an unstoppable passion to help others and motivated to assist communities to flourish, Hallman felt it was time to take a fresh approach to making a difference in the community she loves. She has been leading the charge to reinvigorate volunteerism within Wilmot Township for several years. A personal mandate of hers is to promote how volunteering can add to the quality of one’s life and to others.
Hallman has been working hard on behalf of the residents of Wilmot Township over the past 8 years. Most recently as the Canada Day in Wilmot and Canada 150 Committee Chair and an Executive Committee member of the William Scott Festival and Soap Box Derby. Additionally, she volunteers as a Mental Health advocate and an Impact Speaker on Suicide Prevention and Awareness. This former Girl Guide leader has been a member of the New Dundee Public School Parent Council since 2012 and an Advocate for the Agricultural and Rural Community. She organized and lead the "Wilmot Splash Pad" Committee through successful research and fundraising initiatives. This effort resulted in being selected as one of the top ten national community-driven projects by TSN’s Kraft Celebration Tour. This recognition placed New Hamburg and Wilmot Township in the national spotlight with a live TSN Sports Centre' broadcast from New Hamburg highlighting our community’s spirit.
Her community-focused efforts have resulted in being presented with several honours. In 2017 she was a recipient of a Kitchener-Conestoga Canada 150 Award. Previous to that she was a 2016 K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year Nominee. In 2014 she was recognized with a Citizen of the Year Award, a CTV Kitchener - Local Hero of the Week and a 570 News Above and Beyond award.
It’s heartwarming, humbling and an honour to be recognized by the community and various organizations. But that’s not what drives me. What inspires me to work as hard as I do is seeing a tangible return on investments that result in improved quality of life ultimately benefiting families, businesses and the community.” said Hallman.
Working with Wilmot Township council members and staff on various community projects has given Hallman a sold grasp of key Township matters and processes to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome. As an entrepreneur, she understands the differences between complacency and responsible investment that follows a methodical path leading to tangible results.
Being a mother of three has taught her patience, the ability to multitask and the full importance of family. She believes that the community plays a crucial role in helping families raise compassionate, inquisitive, active and accepting children who will also shape our communities and guide us all into the future.
ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE
Improving Mental Health support in our community
The well-being of children; helping them find a balance between technology and activities that encourage active play and through organized sports
Lower speed limits in our school zones
Continuing to champion the benefits of community volunteerism
Appropriate investment of tax dollars with a projected return, executed through a methodical path to growth
Addressing major flooding concerns in New Hamburg and throughout Wilmot Township
Developing a more proactive and engaging approach to local tourism leading to further prosperity for local businesses
Effects of Highspeed Rail on family and commercial farms in Wilmot
When asked about her not announcing sooner Hallman stated: "As a proud Canadian and resident of Wilmot, I first wanted to fulfill my commitment to the survival and success of our local Canada Day festivities. I needed to stay focused to honour the relationships I’ve established with our corporate sponsors, service clubs and our valued volunteers before making the decision to officially run for council.” Municipal elections in Wilmot and all of Ontario will be held on Oct. 22, 2018.
Stay connected with Angie and join the conversation on Twitter at @AngieHallman on Facebook at @VOTEAngieHallman