Perth East has two candidates running for Mayor for the upcoming 2022-26 council term.
Incumbent Rhonda Ehgoetz, a Sebringville native, is running against challenger Brenda Nurse, who resides in Rostock.
When looking at the last council term, Ehgoetz says she's proud that a new industrial park is being created outside of Milverton, and that more businesses continue to come to or invest in Perth East. She adds that, if re-elected, her main goal will be to continue making Perth East a great and affordable place to live.
"Try to make this a great place to live, try to keep the services that we have, and try to keep our taxes low. We are the second lowest tax rate in Perth County," Ehgoetz stated.
As far as a message to voters, Ehgoetz says she will continue to be open, honest, and reliable.
"I've always tried to be honest and open and help everyone in any way I can. I stood up at the last election and said I would fix some things in Perth East, and I did that. So, the people trusted me to look after the municipality, and I hope that they trust me going forward," she said.
Nurse, who served as a councillor in the former Ellis Township prior to amalgamation, says she's hopeful that people turn up and vote, stating over half the residents did not vote in the last election. She adds that, one of her concerns is people not being heard enough.
"Residents need to be heard, whether it's phone calls returned, if I don't know the answer, I'll certainly point them in the right direction. A lot of concern is just that people aren't heard," Nurse said.
Nurse adds that she wants voters to know that she is passionate about the community and the municipality, and she has skills that would make her an ideal leader.
"I would say I'm approachable, I'm friendly, I know the community, like I said, I've lived here my whole life. I would take concerns to council. I want to see it continue to grow, and be a great place to live. I've been a law clerk for 40 years, and my skills have provided me with knowledge of serving and dealing with the public, which I think would be an asset to council," Nurse shared.
The 2022 Municipal Elections are slated to be held on Monday, October 24. The Perth East website states that the Township of Perth East will use Internet and Telephone Voting for the 2022 Municipal Election.
More information for Perth East voters can be found here: https://www.pertheast.ca/en/municipal-services/2022-municipal-election.aspx.
Around Perth County, Jim Aitcheson was acclaimed as Mayor for Perth South, and Al Strathdee was acclaimed as Mayor for St. Marys.