Jake Tucker is determined to represent Ward 7 in Innisfil despite some of the obstacles that are in their way.
Tucker, a Lefroy resident and the co-founder and President of Innisfil Pride, has their sights set on the Ward 7 council seat, For them, this is absolutely the right time, and they are the right candidate.
“As a long-time resident of Innisfil, I have come to realize the time for change is needed now more than ever,” they said. “I vow to ensure the issues brought forth by the residents of Innisfil are heard (and) to hold accountable all members of council - including myself - of fiscal responsibility, transparency, diversity and inclusion.”
But before Tucker reaches the ballot box, they might be in the defendant’s box.
In April, Tucker was hit with several exploitation-related charges, including exploiting and controlling a woman, two counts of receiving material benefit obtained through the commission of an offence, advertising sexual services, assault, and communicating to obtain sexual services.
The allegations have not been tested in court and Tucker steadfastly maintains their innocence.
A publication ban was put in place to prevent the potential identification of any witnesses or complainants in the case. Tucker’s lawyer, Matthew Giesinger is attempting to get a similar ban put in place for his client in order to protect them from further stigmatization from the general public.
Tucker remains defiant in the face of the charges and will not let the accusations deter them from running to enact change in Innisfil.
“As my lawyer has informed many media outlets (including InnisfilToday), there is a publication ban in place that prevents me from being able to publicly defend myself, whilst the opposition and media are able to attack my character, ethics and goodwill,” Tucker said.
“What I can tell you is that these charges are based off of false allegations and my lawyer is fighting them in court. These charges have not had a tremendous impact on my campaign or my willingness to continue my active role within my community and remain supported by many outstanding residents of Innisfil.
“When fighting for change, there will always be someone waiting around a corner to try and stop you, overwhelm you with negativity or cloud opinions with fallacy,” they continued. “I look for the light at the end of every tunnel and continue marching forward.”
That march forward involves championing and embracing diversity as a town councillor.
“As co-founder of Innisfil Pride I have been very fortunate to be able to partner with local organizations whose goals align with achieving a more inclusive and diverse community,” Tucker said. “This goal includes expanding the message through events designed to promote and build an awareness within the community that assists towards accepting and embracing diversity.”
Tucker has designs on revitalizing and improving waterways and roadways in Innisfil, while protecting Lake Simcoe and its surrounding area, as well as developing proper transit to connect Innisfil through strategic planning.
Providing youth with more opportunities is something they would want the next council to accomplish early in its term.
“The younger crowd of Innisfil are suffering with very little to do in the more remote areas without adequate transportation,” Tucker said. “Within my first 100 days, I plan to put forward a proposal for a long overdue youth centre in the Gilford and Cookstown area as well as a revamped proposal to our current transit crisis to get Innisfil on the move.”
Tucker and their husband, Clay, have one daughter, Ava. Tucker previously ran in the 2018 and 2022 provincial elections.
To learn more about Tucker’s platform, visit their Discord or Facebook pages, or attend their meet and greet at the Grange Hall in Lefory on Sept. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fred Drodge and Kevin Eckhardt are also in the running to replace Coun. Rob Nicol in Ward 7, who is seeking the deputy mayor’s position.
Election day is Oct. 24.
With files from Village Media.
