Plenty of character at lunch

Plenty of character at lunch

Vaughan

Gossip shouldn’t tarnish city’s rep, says chamber boss
Stefania Lamacchia

The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce held a character luncheon yesterday to acknowledge local utility company PowerStream for its contributions to good character in the community.

But in light of this year’s controversies surrounding city politicians, is Vaughan’s character really good enough to instill values in its residents?

The York Region Character Community was established in 2002. Its goal is to nurture positive character attributes, which include respect, honesty, integrity and responsibility.  

“I think actions speak louder than words,” Mayor Linda Jackson said.

Although Ms Jackson refused to comment on the issues around the audit of her campaign finances and subsequent court challenge, she maintains she wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize her character. 

“Personally, I don’t think I ever would put any of the attributes into question,” Ms Jackson said. “Other people may not think it, but I know I live by them.”

Ms Jackson said it’s up to everyone to teach children if they don’t have good character, they don’t have much else.

But that same character is regularly challenged when it comes to Vaughan’s politicians. Even comments that the city should change their logo to the city above the law are now commonplace near and far.

“I think that’s an unfortunate monicker,” Ms Jackson said.

“Unfortunately, because of the things that have happened in the past, I can see why people call Vaughan that,” she said.

But president and chamber CEO Deborah Bonk doesn’t agree.

Ms Bonk said people’s gossip shouldn’t tarnish the image of a city that has so much to offer.

“Vaughan has so much to give and there are so many wonderful success stories,” Ms Bonk said.

The attributes of the character community is nothing new, but Ms Bonk said sometimes we need a little reminding.

“I didn’t think we would have to bring it up again, but obviously the more people speak about it, the more people are aware of it,” she said.

To view all the attributes adopted by the character community visit, www.charactercommunity.com

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