Municipal Election 2026
Hometown News Election Centre
Perth
Meet Your CandidatesMeet The Candidates
MAYOR
Mayoral CandidateDavid Bird
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
With 43 years of dedicated public service in law enforcement and eight years on Council—including six as Finance Committee Chair—I offer integrity, experience, and proven leadership. I possess a deep, practical knowledge of the unique management challenges and realities facing our wonderful town of Perth.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
Managing community growth while navigating provincial cuts to municipal planning powers is vital for Perth. Infrastructure master plans and ongoing asset management provide the long-term vision needed to guide immediate decisions. To support these goals, we will continue pursuing cost-sharing partnerships with neighboring municipalities, sponsorships, and grant opportunities.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Once challenge is housing affordability. Perth must prioritize missing-middle options like duplexes and townhomes over single-family sprawl. By leveraging surplus municipal land, targeted Community Improvement Plans, and non-profit incentives, the town can create accessible rental options, ensuring young families, service workers, and seniors can afford to stay.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
As a full-time Mayor, my door will always be open. I am committed to creating accessible channels for meaningful, open dialogue where every resident feels valued. By actively listening, I will build trust, foster strong community relationships, and ensure local policies directly reflect our town's diverse perspectives and needs.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
To fund aging infrastructure without burdening taxpayers, Perth must maximize development charges and government grants. Leveraging my Council experience, I will secure upper-tier funding, corporate partnerships, and shared municipal user fees to deliver modern, accessible recreational facilities that keep our vibrant town thriving for families and seniors.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
With eight years on council, I thoroughly understand the Municipal Act, Conflict of Interest laws, and procedural rules. I will prioritize consensus decision-making, reject Strong Mayor Powers, and respect the legal and operational boundaries of municipal leadership. I pledge never to make promises I cannot lawfully keep.
Mayoral CandidateStephanie Drummond
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I’m an eighth-generation Perth resident and small-business owner for nearly 20 years. Perth needs fresh leadership focused on the basics and core services. I bring budget discipline that comes from running my own business, deep community roots, and practical experience managing costs through good times and hard ones.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
The previous council increased property taxes by 25% and operating costs by 37%. Meanwhile, our infrastructure decays and young families leave or choose not to come. I would put core services first, tighten financial management, rebuild reserves, restore roads and recreation facilities, and attract investment into our town.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
I would turn the Planning Department into a partner rather than a barrier to investment and responsible development. By streamlining processes and focusing on projects that expand the tax base, we can bring new businesses, jobs and homes to Perth, so services are funded by growth rather than higher taxes.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
On difficult decisions I would hear people out, weigh the facts and costs, then judge options against those shared priorities and explain the choice clearly.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
Balance comes from setting priorities on core services: maintain roads, sidewalks, fire protection, police, water, etc. Not from being all things to all people. We will review non-core spending and any external grants - and redirect savings to keep essential services strong and reliable without continual tax pressure.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
I would set a tone of respect, clear priorities, and accountability. Council should give staff focused direction, not extra make-work projects. Residents deserve transparency and answers. Professional working relationships start when everyone knows the job: serve Perth, focus on core services, spend carefully, be accountable.
Mayoral CandidateEd McPherson
Incumbent Deputy Mayor
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I have 38 years of proven senior leadership experience in both the municipal and health care sectors.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
Affordability. I would seek Council approval to implement a zero-based budget process to reduce taxation and implement strict spending policies for all budget requests.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Communication and active leadership. Provide clear, transparent, and responsive communications including a Mayor’s communication information page.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
Gather their insights via personal or electronic communication. Provide them with all relevant information and meet personally with them if they choose.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
Adopt a Zero based budgeting with strict prioritizing to core services and active lobbying of senior levels of government.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
Use my senior leadership experience gained over the past 38 years to lead by example. Be professional and respectful of others at all times.
Mayoral CandidateIsabel Anne McRae
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I am seeking the mayor’s office to provide efficient, accountable and fiscally responsible full-time leadership. I bring four years as a Perth councillor, experience as a school-board trustee overseeing a $400-million budget, and extensive service in business, recreation and volunteer organizations. I listen carefully, collaborate effectively and turn ideas into action.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
Perth’s most important issue is building economic prosperity with purpose—growing our economy while protecting affordability, community character and quality of life. I would establish an Economic Advisory Working Group, hire an Economic Development Officer, strengthen business retention and investment, and pursue new revenues to reduce reliance on property taxes.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Perth can do better at turning priorities into coordinated, measurable action. I would introduce a public Community Action Plan covering economic prosperity, roads and transportation, childcare, recreation, homelessness, climate action and volunteer service—with responsibilities, timelines, costs and measurable outcomes. Regular progress reports would show residents what has been achieved.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
I will invite perspectives from residents, including those who disagree, through community conversations and direct outreach. I listen, question and test assumptions against evidence. If consultation reveals stronger evidence or a better course, I will change direction. After weighing the options, I will decide, explain my reasoning and accept responsibility.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
Council should balance affordability and services through strategic financial planning, not short-term cuts or automatic tax increases. The annual budget and five-year Asset Management Plan should identify service levels, infrastructure priorities, lifecycle costs and funding sources. Council must protect services, phase projects, diversify revenues and explain tax decisions transparently.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
I would practise servant leadership through respect and collaboration. My experience building teams across council, education, business and community organizations has taught me to listen, prepare, clarify roles and build consensus. I would respect staff expertise, welcome debate, communicate with residents and address disagreements professionally, always putting Perth’s community first.
DEPUTY MAYOR
Deputy Mayor CandidateJamie Dyer
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I owned and operated a successful manufacturing business in the private sector for 25 years. Perth town council has raised our property taxes 21% in the past five years: driving up rents, squeezing small businesses and creating anxiety for homeowners on limited incomes. We need a better financial strategy.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
Property taxes cannot finance infrastructure replacement. They are funding clean drinking water, fire and police, the library, parks and recreation facilities, the library and seasonal road maintenance and repairs. There are provincial, county and federal grants for major projects available. Winning them requires a consistent, professional and laser focused approach.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Better financial management and strategic planning; better and safer pedestrian intersections, lower speed limits and increased enforcement. Foster a renewed community spirit by making our streets greener, more walkable, friendly and enjoyable. Led by a Council demonstrating vigor, verve and vitality.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
Council members do their work on specialized sub-committees assigned to identify and react to issues and needs, seek information via staff led investigations then make specific recommendations to Council as a whole. Publishing a list of sub-committee members would allow citizens to direct their concerns appropriately.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
Budgets are fundamentally about revenues versus costs. As other towns diversify their income sources and revenue streams there is no reason that we can’t do the same. Grants from other levels of government, opportunities to share costs for regional facilities, partnerships and sponsorships.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
The job of our Chief Administration Officer (CAO) is to manage up – as in provide impartial expertise in municipal law to council - and manage down - as in supervise town employees. Councils best function as a board of directors: establishing strategic plans, setting short and long- term goals.
Deputy Mayor CandidateRichard Schooley
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I am concerned about the medium- and long-term viability and sustainability of not just the Town of Perth, but the entirety of the Perth Community, 75% of whom do not live inside the Perth town boundary.
As Deputy Mayor I will have a seat at County Council where I will champion a united Perth Community recognition of issues governed at the County table. Do I want us to change, yes, but via informed evolution. I’d like to be part of a team that takes us there.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
The most important issue the Perth Community faces is a lack of understanding of us/ourselves. The Perth Community is not the 6400 people on the highway sign, it is 26,000 totally inter-dependent people, who when more than 50km of homes say they are from Perth, yet administer themselves with four municipal governments. Duplication and parochialism diminish our ability to remain viable and sustainable and be the us we are capable and deserving of.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Again, it is not what the Town should be doing better, it is what the people of the Perth Community should be doing better to realize and utilize the wealth and depth of knowledge and experience present and readily willing to contribute their skills but whom we disenfranchise because they live the wrong side of the Town line. That list far exceeds the space allowed here.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
We need to start by Better Understanding Us, the collective us. We have collective values and needs that as a community we frustrate responding to all too frequently. With collective understanding, sharing, reconciling, we would have far less disagreement and meaningful input would be enabled and considered.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
Property Taxes in the Town of Perth are not yet to the level of Smiths Falls, but we are heading there. We need to look no further afield that our own county, to the very successful Mississippi Mills to see what a community based property tax system could produce. Every property tax payor in Lanark County pays an identical tax rate for County services and our School Boards. For our municipal services and infrastructure, like Mississippi Mills we should embrace a community-based tax rate system.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
I am a collaborator, and innovator who looks for long term solutions, influenced by a solid understanding of issues and values intrinsic to the system, be they an operational challenge or long-term investments in infrastructure or human resources.
Deputy Mayor CandidateCatherine Schoular
Editor’s note: Candidate responses have been edited for length to a maximum of 50 words.
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
Perth is my hometown, and my husband and I returned to build our future here. I advise governments across Canada on investment and innovation, building partnerships and delivering measurable results. I would bring that experience and a next-generation perspective to council, focused on opportunity, fiscal responsibility and action.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
Perth’s biggest challenge is balancing financial responsibility, accountability and growth. I would scrutinize spending, measure results, plan investments before problems become more expensive, pursue grants and partnerships, explore shared services and attract appropriate investment and development. We need to maximize every tax dollar while creating new opportunities for prosperity.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Perth needs a more proactive economic strategy. We should actively pursue employers and investment, support existing businesses and make Perth easier to navigate as a place to do business. I would also pursue shared-service opportunities with neighbouring municipalities while preserving Perth’s identity and municipal independence.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
Strong decisions require facts and diverse perspectives. I would actively seek input, including from residents who disagree with me, and ensure people have clear information about costs, alternatives and trade-offs. Major decisions should be communicated before they’re made, with transparency about how resident input informed the outcome.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
We cannot indefinitely defer necessary infrastructure, but tax increases should not be the first solution. I would protect core services, prioritize infrastructure based on condition and risk, pursue efficiencies, shared services and outside funding, and grow Perth’s assessment and economic base so existing taxpayers aren’t continually asked to carry more.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
Good government is a team effort. I would respect the roles and expertise of council and staff, challenge ideas rather than people and build strong relationships across Lanark County. I see the Deputy Mayor as a connector—bringing people, resources and partnerships together to deliver tangible results for Perth residents.
COUNCILLOR
Councillor CandidateJim Boldt
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I am running for Council and seeking my fourth term for such. After 12 years as an incumbent I feel that there is so much more to be done given the political landscape we are now experiencing and given my years of experience on council to date I believe that I will have a lot to contribute in a positive way especially to newer councillors.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
I believe one of the most important issues upon us is Affordability and Accountability. The Cost of living for us all is spiraling out of control and along with it so is the cost of running the Town of Perth as a corporation. I have always stood tall when it comes to our overall spending and have insisted that we have to run a leaner much more efficient government. To that end I will continue to ask for more efficiencies starting with the cost of staffing, benefits and better ways to find overall savings within the corporation.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
I think the Town of Perth should be looking for better ways to find efficiencies in operations by doing some joint purchases with surrounding townships and the County when it comes to things like salt, sand, water treatments and such as well as doing an operational audit of all costs and spending from the top down.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
When it comes to input from all residents for issues that are tough to make I have always encouraged dialogue but I have always taken into consideration what is best for the greater good of the majority of constituents based on the nature of the issue at hand.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
Capital costs occur every year and are the necessary evils in running a Municipal Government. However, we have to control spending where we can and seek out as much of the funding grants available in the funding pie at all levels of government to help us achieve lower taxes and water rates. Core services have to maintained first and we have to budget wisely for what else we can spend money we have. I am very concerned about the proposed borrowing that is currently being flaunted and the costs associated with that. Hefty increases in taxes and sewer and water rates cannot be sustained at the current funding proposals. It is worth noting that I was the ONLY one on council to vote against this years tax and water rate increases.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
I have had many sometimes heated discussions with my council colleagues over the years because we don't see things the same way due to our varied political beliefs. Those that know me well know that I am a fiscally conservative thinker and believer. At the end of the day all of council is elected for a reason by the constituents and we should all treat each other with respect and professionalism once the final vote is cast on any matter because the Will of Council should prevail no matter what any individual thinks.
Councillor CandidateJudy Brown
Incumbent Mayor
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I am seeking the position of Councillor to continue serving my community to meet the challenging times ahead. I bring my experience and knowledge from my time on Council.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
The most important issue is to maintain our aging infrastructure without a large tax increase. I would encourage Council to seek new sources of income.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Though we have made changes to our communication system, I think that there could be even more improvements to better inform residents and make our operations more transparent.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
Being known in the community and being accessible is a good first step. Council is always available by phone and email. Providing more information when an issue arises, as we did with the new works garage.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
We are at a point where we cannot meet the requirements of our Asset Management Plan and maintain infrastructure and services without a noticeable tax increase. One possible measure is to lobby the provincial government to give us more money, for example a share of the gas tax.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
Respect for, and kindness to, others goes a long way. Express interest in their concerns. This has always been my primary motivation. Listen and respond.
Councillor CandidateMarlene Donoghue
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
Seeking the position as a concerned citizen who cares for the residents of the community I would listen and work to the best of my experience in 7 years federal government and 24 years of retail and with other fellow councillors to come to an agreement on a combined resolution to combat the problem.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
As said before it's the belief of residents that we're overbuilding the town. To remedy this I'd look twice on the building itself, whether it's the right location, appearance and number of units for single or multiple units.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
The town of Perth should listen more to residents that come with ideas or ways to improve the town as a whole instead of turning their nose up.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
I'd be honest and truthful, about a resident disagreement telling them that I'd think it's not going to work or be in the best interest not to follow that route.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
I'm not a mathematician, but we do have to spend on the most needed services in our town before emergency cases happen.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
To the mayor, deputy mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents to contribute in an effective and professional relationship I will listen, discuss the problem out and be helpful with a respectful solution.
Councillor CandidateSheldon Giff
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
With over 15 years providing budgeting guidance, strategic planning, and policy reform to government agencies, and non-for-profits; I bring experience where it matters. I intend to be a voice for all ages, not just for people of a certain age group.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
Economic development is the major issue which encompasses employment, investment, asset management, aging infrastructure, etc. I would advocate for the recruitment of qualified staff, disciplined and transparent budgeting, and citizen involvement.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Perth needs to look closer at how it spends taxpayers' dollars and be fully accountable and transparent when tax increases happen. I’d propose a thorough review of expenses and bring to light unnecessary spending. I also propose a full-term freeze on elected officials’ remuneration.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
If elected, I would continually listen to new ideas for ways to improve Perth, and be mindful of different viewpoints. How I’d vote or vocalize on matters would be determined by factful information, governing law, and input from Perth citizens. Disagreements will happen but listening to understand concerns is key to a prosperous town.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
Council should review and understand our annual budget, continue with cost sharing agreements where appropriate and create new agreements when able. Prioritizing necessity over nonessential spending should be the focus of the council over the next four years. Enhanced sponsorship opportunities and team-reviewed grant applications are also crucial in striking a financial balance.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
I would review and understand the legal responsibilities of the Municipal Act, town policies, bylaws, and code of conduct. Be prepared for meetings and events so as to reduce wasting staffer’s time and town resources. I’ll listen and advocate for the boards and committees I’m appointed to and I will respect the final decision of council even at times when I may not agree.
Councillor CandidatePeter Gardner Hallam
Awaiting Response
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
Awaiting Response
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
Awaiting Response
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Awaiting Response
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
Awaiting Response
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
Awaiting Response
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
Awaiting Response
Councillor CandidateRamsey Hart
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I see being on council as an interesting and challenging way to contribute to our community. I will bring a deep concern for everyday struggles to afford basic necessities, an interest in finding win-win solutions for affordability and the environment, and the knowledge and skills of an effective organizational manager.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
I wouldn’t say one issue is most important but ensuring the right type of residential development is crucial. This means development that addresses community needs, including affordability, protects the environment, and fits within our fixed infrastructure. I will use my votes and my voice to advocate for this at every opportunity.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
We could be more proactive in attracting and retaining businesses and institutions to ensure a sustainable economic base. I will propose striking an economic development committee and work to find creative uses of now abandoned industrial infrastructure. The current Business Retention and Expansion program should be a permanent program.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
I have felt shut-out from decision making myself and want to ensure we operate as transparently and with as much consultation as possible. I will be respectful of all citizens and give their concerns my full attention and consideration before making up my mind on how to vote at council.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
This is a fundamental challenge. I am especially concerned about rising taxes for seniors and people living on lower incomes. We do, however, need to raise funds to meet community infrastructure and other needs. Wherever possible we can seek out external funding, must manage all expenses carefully and should actively pursue responsible development to increase our tax base.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
I think it’s all about respect and empathy. Being able to put yourselves in someone else's situation and appreciate their perspective even if it’s not one you share. My ten years managing the Table Community Food Centre gave me ample opportunity to practice relationship building with people of diverse perspectives.
Councillor CandidateTrevor Oattes
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
My perspective is that of an early 30s working person who has felt underrepresented by council in recent years. Common issues for my demographic — including a lack of reasonably priced housing, limited numbers of good jobs, environmental concerns and affordability struggles — are not prioritized as much as they should be.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
Housing is a major issue. I have assisted in supporting affordable housing in Perth as a board member of Linden Housing Co-operative, which is currently building dozens of units in town. Beyond that, I believe the best thing we can do is prioritize tenant voices in council.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Perth needs to focus on future-proofing our infrastructure. For example, we must be prepared for electric vehicles to become the dominant form of transportation: we should mandate that all municipal parking lots include EV chargers and that all future municipal vehicle purchases be EV only.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
I believe that democracy is something that should extend far beyond election season. I intend to hold regular community meetings where residents can voice their opinions, have a say on my decision making and, when necessary, express their frustrations. Our people deserve to have their voices heard.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
I would work to find inefficiencies in our budget to fund infrastructure projects rather than increase property taxes on working families. For example, several recent beautification efforts in town have received middling reviews from residents despite their cost; this money should instead be used to fix sidewalks and potholes.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
I would commit to regular one-on-one meetings with other councillors, and would respect staff expertise. As for the residents, I would work to ensure myself and my colleagues remained transparent and accountable through frequent community meetings.
Councillor CandidatePaul Quinnell
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I grew up in social housing in rural England. Affordability was never abstract in my house, and it isn't now. I live on Garden Avenue with a young family. Perth is growing fast. Who that growth is for gets decided this term, and I want a say.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
Homes people already living here can afford. Zoning and approvals should serve residents, not builders. The Official Plan targets 25% of new rental and ownership housing as affordable, but nobody reports whether approvals hit it. Council should see that number before it votes, not years afterward.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Fund climate work before the repair bills arrive. The Strategic Plan commits to applying a climate lens to asset replacement. The 2026 budget document states plainly that the Asset Management Plan does not account for climate adaptation. The specific change: close that gap in the next asset plan update.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
Response not provided
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
If development charges fall, someone still pays. It shouldn't be the existing taxpayers. The 2026 budget raised the levy 7%, added $2M in debt, and says reserves keep declining without further increases. About $50M more debt is implied by 2034 against a $40M threshold. Growth should carry its share.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
Disagree with the proposal, not the person. Don't ambush staff: if I have a hard question about a report, they should hear it before the meeting. And show up. Under strong mayor rules it takes five votes to override a veto, so attendance changes outcomes.
Councillor CandidateKassina Ryder
Awaiting Response
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
Awaiting Response
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
Awaiting Response
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Awaiting Response
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
Awaiting Response
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
Awaiting Response
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
Awaiting Response
Councillor CandidateGary Waterfield
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I am seeking to be re-elected as Councillor to continue serving fellow citizens of Perth. I am serving in a variety of roles such as Chair Development Services, Chair Committee of Adjustment, Chair RVCA, Board Member Perth & District Union Library & two County Committees. I stand on my record.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
Fiscal Management to make Perth affordable & long term financial stability .I will advocate for increasing shared services with neighboring municipalities to achieve economies of scale, seek increased use of Sponsorship by the private sector, stronger analysis during budgeting for identifying core services vs non essential expenditures.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
We have to be more aggressive pursuing Economic Development .I would advocate for regular consultation with local business leaders, target businesses & Professional Organizations, continue building relationships with all levels of government & analysis of the Business Retention & Expansion consultations.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
It is essential to continue to actively listen to all citizens & seek to understand their concerns. A fellow citizen who has a different opinion may change my mind .I always endeavor to actively listen to citizens with respect. I ultimately advocate & vote for what I think is in the best public interest for Our Town.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
Property tax is the major source of revenue. I want Perth to be affordable. Strong fiscal management as indicated in Question two. Association of Municipalities of Ontario & Rural Ontario Municipal Association are advocating for a change in Municipal funding. We can't wait for that to happen. We need to act now.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
My record during my time on Council, on various Boards & Committees and throughout my whole career in my community, personal & professional life. Treating people with respect, active listening, seeking to understand perspectives & keeping discussions issue based.
Deputy Mayor CandidateDerek Zeisman
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I’m running for Council because I love Perth and want to protect what makes it special while preparing responsibly for the future. My volunteer leadership, legal and policy expertise, and background in negotiation and economic development would bring new energy, focus, cooperative problem-solving, and a strong work ethic to Council.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Perth, and what would you do about it?
Perth’s biggest challenge is balancing economic growth and investment with affordability, infrastructure capacity, heritage conservation, and environmental protection. I support well-planned development that expands housing, jobs and our tax base without overwhelming roads, community facilities, schools or health services. Growth should strengthen Perth and respect what makes our community special.
3. What could Perth be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Perth must do better at renewing its deteriorating infrastructure, especially our roads. I would set clear priorities, strengthen preventative maintenance, coordinate upgrades with planned growth, rebuild financial reserves and pursue provincial and federal funding. Council should report publicly on timelines, costs and progress, so residents can see plans becoming results.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
Disagreement is not an obstacle; it is valuable information. I will listen respectfully, ask tough questions, seek common ground, and communicate openly about the evidence, costs and trade-offs. I will remain accessible both before and after decisions, because consultation must be genuine and respectful disagreement should never end the conversation.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across the town?
Affordability and reliable services are not opposing goals. Council must scrutinize spending, prioritize projects by urgency and public benefit, address repairs before small problems become emergencies, use reserves responsibly, coordinate work with the County and pursue outside funding. Sound long-term planning protects both taxpayers and the infrastructure they depend upon.
6. How would you contribute to an effective and professional working relationship among the mayor, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
Professional relationships require preparation, respect, honesty and clear priorities. I will always come prepared, debate ideas rather than personalities, respect staff expertise, ask constructive questions, and communicate openly with residents. I will work to bridge differences while challenging outdated assumptions. Perth’s best interests demand both professional cooperation and public accountability.
Advertisement
Advertisement
How to VoteOfficial Information
October 26, 2026Election Day
Online and Telephone votingVoting Method
Update via Perth Voter PortalRegistration
18+ Canadian citizen Eligibility
Town Hall Kiosk TerminalVoting Locations
Municipal election pageOfficial Website
Official Voting Information
Visit the municipality's election website for the latest official instructions.
