It’s election year in municipalities across Ontario.
On Monday, Oct. 25, North Perth residents will choose their next local government to lead this community over the next term.
It’s coming down to the wire. Interested candidates have just a little more than a week to file their nomination papers if they hope to return to their seat in council chambers or obtain a seat from someone else.
Incumbent North Perth Mayor Ed Hollinger is seeking re-election. He’s up against North Perth Deputy Mayor Julie Behrns, which will make for an interesting race. Former Listowel mayor and warden of Perth County, Vince Judge is running for deputy mayor. In the Listowel Ward, Coun. Doug Kellum, Matt Richardson, Ron Scott and Coun. Terry Seiler are looking for a council seat. Three are up for grabs. Coun. Dave Johnston withdrew his name from the deputy mayor nomination and Coun. Randy Pettapiece has stated that since he intends to seek the nomination of the Progressive Conservative party for Perth-Wellington in the provincial election, he won’t be running for council in the fall election.
Five candidates – Coun. Robert Martin, Coun. Jeff Bannerman, David Ludington, Matt Duncan and Kenneth Buchanan – are running for one of three seats on the Elma Ward. So far, only two candidates are in line for the two seats on the Wallace Ward, Coun. Paul Horn and Coun. Meredith Schneider.
This participation is a great thing. It shows the taxpayers have a strong interest in the community and how it’s run. Several have chosen to get involved, whether it be out of political interest, to perhaps steer the community in a different direction or because of that age-old saying – if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.
It shows plenty of people have been thinking of ideas and methods and changes they feel would make our community better. Perhaps they want to get on board and help with what current council members are doing. This many candidates can make for a tight and interesting race to the finish line. Lastly, competition for their seats helps keeps current council members on their toes.
With this many candidates, it’s up to voters to listen to each one carefully. Members of the public may prefer the current way of doing things, or they may prefer different ideas. Current members may have the experience, while new members may have fresh methods. We have a strong suspicion there’s going to be plenty of interesting dialogue coming forward in the near future.
The Listowel Banner has been keeping readers informed of who’s decided to run in the municipal election so far. In the coming weeks, we’ll continue to keep you up to date on who’s filed papers and what candidates feel the issues are. After all, an educated decision is key when marking a ballot come election day.
In addition, everyone who is able is encouraged to attend an upcoming all-candidates’ meeting. See The Banner for date, time and location. We’ll hear our candidates’ ideas, what they’ve contributed in the past, their municipal experience thus far and what they feel the biggest issues are for the residents of the Municipality of North Perth.
These meetings are invaluable. Candidates gather together in one place at one time to present their thoughts to voters and answer questions. Do make attending a priority.
That’s half the journey. The other half is actually voting. Don’t take our democratic rights for granted.
Make sure you cast your vote on Oct. 25. Everyone needs to have a say in the direction this community goes.
Good luck to all the candidates.
- S.B.