Following the success of our first Town Hall in January, Focus Burlington is excited to invite you to the second event in our Beyond the Ballot series on Thursday, February 26th. This free, public meeting will take place at the Burlington Lions Club on Martha Street, beginning at 7:00 p.m. All Burlington residents are welcome.

Titled “Taking the New Big Step,” this session is designed for anyone interested in running for municipal office—or helping someone who is. Whether you’re a potential candidate, campaign manager, volunteer, or engaged citizen, this discussion will provide practical insight into what it really takes to win a local election.

Attendees will hear from a panel of experienced local voices who will share real-world advice on campaign financing, strategy, organization, and effective communication. You’ll learn how successful campaigns are built from the ground up—and what to start doing now to be ready.

With the municipal candidate filing deadline less than three months away, the time to prepare is now. This is your opportunity to connect with like-minded residents, meet prospective candidates in your ward, and play a role in shaping Burlington’s future.

Come learn, connect, and take the next step toward building a better Burlington—together.

Stephen White and Eric Stern, the founders of Focus Burlington will be joined by:

Liz Galvin:

Liz is a Community Builder involved with several local groups, including the Oakville Communication Association and the Property Taxpayers Alliance, and has helped to organize many local events, such as the Oakville Crime & Safety Fair, a Photoshoot with Santa, as well as public advocacy to bring property taxation back to sustainable levels. Liz’s background is in Business Development and Partnerships, Media and Government Relations, and Education. The founder of New Leaf Network, she is currently helping common-sense candidates across Ontario who want to run in the 2026 Municipal election by offering election training sessions and strategic partnerships to discuss best practices. She has helped on several election campaigns

Mark Carr:

Mark is the retired Executive Director for not-for-profit agencies and has involved with politics and public affairs through his program The Issue on YourTV for 28 years. 

He has been campaign manager for successful provincial and a federal elections and has moderated debates, including provincial, municipal and Mayoral debates on Cogeco television.

Mark is a former member of Burlington City Council where he was Chair, Planning and Development committee and Budget and Strategic Planning and is the recipient of the Ontario Public Service Award and Medal of Volunteerism, Government of Canada.

He has volunteered his time with Community Cares Halton (Police Services); Community Conflict Resolution Services Halton; Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation;  and Bereaved Families of Ontario.

Mark is an honours graduate in Communications and Conflict Management from the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies at Conrad Grebel/University of Waterloo and is a long-time resident of Burlington.

Please take a minute to RSVP: