No one can deny Maddie Di Muccio’s passion for politics.

The outspoken Ward 6 Councillor constantly pushes for transparent and accountable local government, never hesitating to ask questions.

Though some would argue she’s been making headlines for the wrong reason, Ms Di Muccio has managed to engage the public with Newmarket council.

Her run-in with an integrity commissioner twice this year, with the latest resulting in her losing nearly $3,600 in wages, hasn’t fazed her.

Instead, she said she is more determined than ever to follow through on her 2010 campaign promise to change the status quo.

“I do believe in teamwork, but I also believe, in this particular job, we are all individuals because all of us have been elected for different reasons and we have to make sure we represent those people,” she said. “Teamwork has to do with respect of democracy and respect of everybody’s ideas and the welcoming of discussion about the ideas.”

Adding the importance of opposition, Ms Di Muccio said that’s what her constituents elected her to do.

“I believe people want to see strong people in office who don’t back down,” she said, adding she’s not afraid of getting challenged because she’s confident in her representation role.

Speaking openly about what goes on in council chambers through Twitter, her blog and Toronto Sun column, she said her strength is in communicating with others.

“My biggest rules for social media are to be sincere and be provocative as well,” she said, adding talking about local issues and commenting on broader ones, but also sharing how you genuinely feel, has helped her gain a following.