By Sean Delaney
The latest campaign posed unique obstacles for candidates. With a short election period and the challenges of reaching every household, this election had those hurdles for Tom Rakocevic, but the experience remained overwhelmingly positive.
“I was really humbled by the positive response I received from people at the doors—residents our office has helped, community members I’ve met at meetings or events, and many new faces,” Rakocevic said. “It was truly a wonderful and warm experience despite the chilly weather.”
One of the biggest differences in this election was the compressed timeline, requiring candidates to move quickly to reach as many voters as possible. Rakocevic noted that despite the short campaign period, he valued connecting directly with residents and hearing their concerns firsthand.
“It’s always an incredible experience to get out and meet people where they are,” he said. “This time, it was even more important to listen carefully and respond to the community’s needs because so much is happening in the world that affects our daily lives.”
He emphasized that this election reinforced the importance of strong leadership during uncertain times. Economic pressures, global trade instability, and political unpredictability are weighing on many Ontarians. Rakocevic believes Ontario must focus on policies safeguarding its residents from external instability.
“There’s so much uncertainty, especially with the United States as our largest trading partner,” he said. “We need to build a stable and self-reliant economy, and that will be my focus moving forward—being a strong voice to protect families and communities across the province.”
Despite these challenges, Rakocevic remains optimistic about the future and the opportunity to work across party lines for the benefit of Ontario. He expressed hope that bipartisan collaboration would lead to meaningful policy advancements in the coming years.
“There will be some great bipartisan legislation and work ahead because we are all in this together,” he said. “It’s important that we keep the focus on what truly matters—helping people and making life better for our communities.”
He also took a moment to acknowledge the tireless work of his campaign team, volunteers, and staff, who played a crucial role in helping him secure another term.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support of my team. Their passion and tireless efforts were instrumental throughout this campaign, and I couldn’t have done it without them,” he said. “Hundreds of volunteers gave their time and energy to this campaign, and I want to recognize their dedication.”
Beyond politics, Rakocevic reflected on his family’s role in his journey. Balancing public service with family responsibilities is never easy, but their support has been invaluable.
“My family has been my rock throughout this entire process,” he said. “Being in politics is a balancing act but knowing that I have their love and encouragement keeps me grounded.”
As he embarks on his next mandate, Rakocevic remains committed to his constituents and the work ahead. He also shared his appreciation for community-focused journalism, including the Emery Village Voice.
With another term ahead, he looks forward to continuing his advocacy, ensuring that local voices are heard, and working to strengthen the community through meaningful policies and initiatives. His next appearance at Queen’s Park is scheduled for April 14, where he will officially return to his duties and continue his work on behalf of his constituents.