Beginning her Council involvement in 1985, Marlene has found municipal politics a most rewarding experience and enjoys helping residents understand local government and the services available to them. As a graduate of the Municipal Administration Program offered by the Association of Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario, Marlene believes that we should continually renew our knowledge, seek out and implement new ideas, and be conscious of the impact decisions of today have on our future. Marlene has also earned a Master’s Certificate in Municipal Leadership from the Schulich School of Business through York University.
Councillor Johnston enjoys contributing to our communication strategies to ensure residents receive the benefit of open dialogue and an opportunity to shape the character of our future. Seeking public input in all that we do gives us an opportunity to explore new ideas and expand our knowledge base so that we can deal effectively and creatively with imminent growth. She is adamant in her belief that we must always remember that Council’s most important job is “representation” and “policy making”. Good policies lead to knowing that all residents are treated fairly.
Marlene served as Deputy Mayor for 6 years, and has chaired numerous Committees of Council during her tenure, including 12 years as Chair of Finance and Budget. Councillor Johnston’s other committee responsibilities have included all of the Town’s advisory committees at one time or another, including the Web Site, Environmental Services, Physician Recruitment & Retention, Business Development (including the Farmer’s Market), Saturday Night Car Show at the Civic Square, and she is East Gwillimbury's representative on the York Region Character Community Coalition. Marlene has served for several years on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity, York Region.
Marlene was the driving force behind the Town’s Blue Box and Composting programs and is proud that East Gwillimbury was one of the first municipalities in the area to get seriously involved in waste reduction programs. This set in motion her commitment to improving our environment in many other ways over the years. In 2001 Marlene was awarded the “In Celebration of Women” Political Municipal award for her commitment to the environment. Recently, her leadership has resulted in the commencement of our annual Town-Wide Community Clean up days, subdivision agreements that encourage the use of clothes lines to reduce energy consumption, and the mandating of the “Switch-Out” program for safe removal of Mercury Switches from vehicles. East Gwillimbury is the first municipality in Canada to mandate the Switch-Out program. As a strong supporter of our “Thinking Green” initiatives, Marlene is often found spreading the word to encourage other municipalities to follow East Gwillimbury’s lead.
Along with her husband Alvin, the Johnstons have been residents of East Gwillimbury since 1972. The Johnston family includes Sean and Lori, Bob and Val, and granddaughters Alysia, Sheridan and Stephanie.
Message to Residents: East Gwillimbury offers the best of both worlds – a great place to raise a family, start a business, or create something special from your efforts as a volunteer. Please call or email when you have an idea to share, or a concern to express. I look forward to hearing from you.