With a number of upcoming challenges on the table, North Perth’s new mayor certainly has his hands full.
However, Todd Kasenberg said after just his second council meeting, he’s really enjoying his new role.
"It's been a very interesting first week. I've had opportunities to meet with significant leaders in Ontario, I've had an opportunity to help open a new small business in our community, I've attended concerts and participated in events. I've gotten deep into the work of council," he said.
Mayor Kasenberg said that the 2019 budget will be a big upcoming challenge, and the budget committee was formed Monday night with Deputy Mayor Doug Kellum sitting as chair and Kasenberg as vice-chair. He said there are a few big capital projects to attend to, including one affecting downtown Listowel.
"I'm certainly quite concerned about the deteriorating state of the main intersection at Main and Wallace in Listowel," he said. "I think that's a very significant construction project that we're going to have to find funds for."
Mayor Kasenberg said on top of new capital projects, provincial funding cuts are a concern, particularly in regards to things like planned local transit.
"We're quite concerned about intended plans toward transit in the county which may be stalled by the Ford government's changes in terms of funding," he said. "So it's something that we're going to have to look at, but that's a regional issue, not just a North Perth issue, but it's really important to us."