Who is running for town council in Stratford

Stratford will see big changes to council coming out of the 2022 municipal election as both incumbent councillors in Ward 2 did not reoffer, and one from Ward 1 is seeking the mayor's chair.

Stratford has three wards with two councillors being elected per ward. People will vote for up to two council candidates of their choice in their home ward to represent their neighbourhood on town council.

There are about 6,600 voters in Stratford, although that figure is fluid with people moving in and out of communities, according to Elections P.E.I.

Here are the candidates registered with Elections P.E.I. running for town council in Stratford for the 2022 election on Nov. 7, listed first by ward and then alphabetically by first name.

• Ward 1 — Kelly's Cove
• Ward 2 — Stewart Cove
• Ward 3 — Tea Hill

Ward 1 — Kelly's Cove

Incumbent town councillor Gail MacDonald is running for mayor in the 2022 election. 

Derek Smith

1. Why are you running for council?

I wish to continue to make critical decisions on the on-going growth that is happening in Stratford, P.E.I.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Health, safety and well-being of the citizens.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

1. More medical services are needed in the town. 2. Cost of living and its effects on the population. 3. The large developments needed in Stratford will have to be reassessed as to their importance because of high interest rates.

Gordie Cox

1. Why are you running for council?

I have lived in the same house in Ward 1 for 28 years. This is where my wife Melanie and I have raised three wonderful children. There are lots of changes happening in this riding and Stratford. I want to make sure this ward is well represented. In 2015, I was honoured to be selected as Stratford Volunteer of the Year. I have always cared about the community where I have proudly volunteered for the past 28 years as a coach, fundraiser, event organizer, Morris Pond rink maker, etc.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Stratford has under gone lots of changes the past few years and that has caused a lot on concerns and prompted many questions from its residents. The people in this ward need a representative who has deep roots in the community, understands the key issues and who will put their interests and concerns first. The reason I have lived here so long is that I believe Stratford is one of the nicest places to live in P.E.I. I will do everything in my power to make sure it remains this way.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Cost of living, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. Stratford needs to be an affordable community for current and future residents.

Ron Dowling

1. Why are you running for council?

Having volunteered in various capacities throughout adulthood, including fourteen years service on Summerside council, I have found the challenges and civic engagement in service on municipal council to be personally fulfilling and it is an area of service where I know I can help bring about the most direct benefit to our community. I want to put my experience to work during my pending retirement years to further enhance the excellent quality of life and security offered in Stratford.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

To ensure the focus remains very strongly on safety and security for all residents through continued support for our emergency response services and personnel, including enhancement of our emergency preparedness planning and working collaboratively with other levels of government to ensure we are well positioned for any future catastrophic events.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Holding the line on residential and commercial tax rates through continued, well-planned and sustainable growth, while maintaining the integrity of zoning designations; further development of neighborhood and recreational infrastructure needs such as additional sidewalks, street lighting, active transportation corridors, sustainable environmental projects and to partner with other levels of government to construct a recreational facility and more sports fields near the new high school.

Ward 2 — Stewart Cove

Incumbent town councillor Jill Burridge is not reoffering in the 2022 election. 

Incumbent town councillor Darren MacDougall is not reoffering in the 2022 election. 

Jeff MacDonald

1. Why are you running for council?

I have a young family. I believe it's important for town council to have voices on it that can speak to the needs of families raising children in the town. I have heard loud and clear from residents that there is a need for better and more accessible recreational facilities and active transportation infrastructure. This will be a priority for me, if elected.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Today, inflation is negatively impacting family budgets. Those same inflationary pressures will impact the town's budget. Proactive and thoughtful actions will be required so that the town can continue to meet sustainable growth objectives. As much work and development has been accomplished by past councils, much work remains as we build our community together. Strong and experienced leadership is required. It would be my honour to serve my fellow townspeople.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Stratford has experienced a period of rapid expansion in the past few years. The town will need to make a lot of important decisions in the near future about how it grows. I believe my experience and vision will be an asset to the town as it sets its sights on how to progress over the next four years.

Jill Chandler

1. Why are you running for council?

I love living here and I think it's a very exciting time for the town of Stratford. I have a genuine interest in representing the residents of Ward 2, and it's crucial that the council reflects a broader perspective, including the voices of women and people raising young families here.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

I think that recovering from Fiona has shifted concerns, for the residents of Ward 2, and all Islanders. I think that collectively, we are still reeling a bit and questioning how we can be better prepared for future storms — within our own communities and our province. I do think that COVID-19 and Fiona have been really hard on people — and that it's never been more important to connect and come together in our community.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

As Stratford's population grows, I think it's important that the town continues to expand its services and amenities so that residents can live, work, play, shop, dine, learn and more, here, in the Town of Stratford.

Ryan Bradley

1. Why are you running for council?

My wife and I made Stratford our home over 20 years ago. I've watch my family and the town grow over the years and I would like to be part of the town's decisions for a vibrant future.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

I think the number one concern is the cost of living, housing prices and taxes are a big part of that.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Sustainable growth and the essential supports for a growing community.

Ward 3 — Tea Hill

Gary Clow

1. Why are you running for council?

I want Stratford to be a sustainable community where the needs of the community will being taken care of, now and in to the future. I enjoy working for the residents in Stratford and my goal is to maintain the tax base and continue to work with the RCMP to make Stratford a safe and desirable place to live.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Going door to door, the number one concern I am hearing is the cost of living. Residents are concerned with the increase of oil, gas, groceries, mortgages coming due with the interest rate increasing. Residents are asking about whether the town will be increasing their taxes over the next budget year. Residents are still working with the aftermath of Fiona with the cost of cleanup and asking how can we be better prepared for future storms.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Holding the line on residential and commercial tax rates. We have to look at all future infrastructure projects and look at the impact they'll have on future taxes. Active transportation to meet the needs of all residents of Stratford. We have to meet with residents to see what their needs and wants are so we can try to deliver.

Jody Jackson

1. Why are you running for council?

As a long-time resident of Stratford, I feel extremely fortunate to live in a progressive community that celebrates our differences and respects the healthy exchange of ideas and opinions. I am passionate about community service and improving the lives of my fellow Stratford residents. I feel that my extensive community and work experience would make me an effective new voice for the residents of Ward 3.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Affordability continues to be a top concern for residents of Ward 3. The current economic climate of high inflation, sky-rocketing interest rates and high petroleum prices are stretching residents of Stratford to the breaking point. As a town, we must continue to provide essential programs and services while maintaining our current property tax rates and fee structure. I look forward to speaking with residents over the coming days to explore this and other key issues and concerns within Ward 3.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Stratford must continue to invest in critical infrastructure, such as the recent emergency services facility and the exciting community campus project but do so in a manner that maximizes the impact of these investment opportunities for the benefit of all residents. All infrastructure projects have to consider the impacts on future tax rates and include extensive consultation with residents to ensure we are fiscally and environmentally responsible.

Steve Gallant

1. Why are you running for council?

I'm running for re-election as I enjoy working with and for the residents of Stratford. Its been exciting to witness firsthand the changes and growth of the town over the past four years. If re-elected I will strive to continue the town's plan to support the development of infrastructure including Stratford's community campus, a new waterfront development, sustainable subdivisions with a strong interest in affordable housing and the creation of a vibrant downtown core.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Currently I'm most concerned about Stratford continuing to grow without the additions of a high school and recreational hub. Stratford is at the point where it should be able to host and facilitate students and athletes who looking to succeed in both academics and athletics. The campus will also be a strong factor in the health of families and seniors as they too will be able to access this facility.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

In Ward 3, I would like to highlight the needs of more active transportation for the residents. I would like to continue to improve the trail system, community sidewalks and parks. As per water/sewer, I believe that an extension is warranted to connect safe and accessible water to more residents.