Erik Gordon
Erik Gordon
Candidate for Ward 4 Councillor
Erik Gordon has been a Stouffville resident for two decades, and the former high school principal spent the last 14 years living in Ward 4.
He cited his experience in education and community involvement as preparation for municipal office, and his campaign centres on listening to community members and ensuring development serves both existing and future residents.
- Professional Experience: Recently retired after nearly 20 years as a public high school principal and administrator.
- Community Involvement: Served on the Townâs former Bylaw Appeals and Property Standards Committee, led a youth basketball program, and volunteered as a Sunday school teacher.
- Growth & Development: Identifies responsible development as a leading concern in Ward 4, with multiple areas planned for or already undergoing development.
- Resident Engagement: Wants to create more accessible opportunities for residents to share concerns and influence municipal decisions, including through ward forums.
- Family-Friendly Communities: Says development should consider the needs of current residents and create spaces where people can connect and build community.
- Council Approach: Plans to draw on his experience listening to different stakeholders and using their feedback to inform decisions.
What is your background, and why are you running for office?
Gordon says he has lived in Stouffville for 20 years, including 14 years in Ward 4, and is a husband and father of two sons who were raised in the community.
During his time in Stouffville, he served one term on the Townâs Bylaw Appeals and Property Standards Committee, led a basketball program for children aged eight to 10 through Stouffville’s recreation department, and volunteered as a Sunday school teacher.
Gordon recently retired after about 19 years as a high school principal and administrator, having previously worked as a teacher with the Toronto and York Region school boards. He says he hopes to bring the communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills he developed in education to municipal government.
Ultimately, Gordon says he is running because he values the community where he and his family have lived and wants to give back by serving its residents.
What is the leading issue facing residents in Ward 4, and how would you address it?
Gordon identifies growth and development as the leading concern he hears from residents while door-knocking. With multiple areas in Ward 4 planned for or already undergoing development, he says residents want to see growth managed thoughtfully and responsibly.
He acknowledges that development is expected under provincial and municipal plans, but argues that it must also account for the needs of people already living in the community. Rather than simply adding houses, townhouses, and condominiums, Gordon says the Town must consider how new development will serve residents and families while and creating spaces and opportunities for people to connect.
If elected, Gordon says he would prioritize listening to members of the community and ensuring they have accessible ways to communicate with Council. He wants to better accommodate working families, and proposed ward forums where residents could share their concerns and ideas.
Gordon says his approach would reflect his experience as a school administrator, where he listened to different stakeholders, including staff, parents, students, and unions, and used their input to inform decisions.
