Tom Jarmai

I have known Joe and Marilyn Belanger for 33 years. Joe has been a dear friend in in all aspects of my life and consider him family. My wife Linda and I spend many good times with them annually, whether on the golf course dinner or just quiet times hanging out at our homes.

If asked to describe Joe the words driven, hardworking, caring and giving come to mind. Joe has always strived for excellence and finding ways to improve the lives of those around him and to maximize the benefit derived by his constituents / colleagues. He is task oriented and once on the job I would not bet against Joe.

The most relevant story I can share with you that depicts Joe’s character was when I first met him in Oakville as my next-door neighbor with Marilyn and his kids. Joe had a swimming pool, and I did not. We were out golfing one Saturday morning and he said to me he would like to build a gate in our fence so that my kids and I could enjoy the pool. As I had young kids, this was a life changer for the quality of our life. That is Joe, he asked permission to help me. Analyzes the risks in a situation and goes all in to help. That is Joe!

So, when you evaluate a councilor to choose between the right course or wrong, I would ask about the most important set of values that define character.

Joe as a friend, husband and family man, employee, and now councilor is tenacious and driven to contribute and grow for those he represents. He is exactly whom I would want in my corner to represent me. His integrity and caring is undoubted. Wasaga Beach is the beneficiary of my loss as a next-door neighbor though I know I always have an enduring dear friend.

Re-elect Joe for the benefit of Wasaga Beach.