Who is running for town council in Stratford

Stratford has three wards and the two candidates from each ward that receive the most votes will form government.

The number of registered voters has grown in Stratford over the last five municipal elections, from roughly 4,300 in the 2000 election to over 6,000 in 2014.

Here are the candidates registered with Elections P.E.I. to runfor council in Stratford for the 2018 election.

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

Ward 1 Kelly's Cove

Keith MacLean, an incumbent in Ward 1, is not re-offering.

Denise Dawn MacLeodLing

Why are you running for council?

I love my community and want to make it more self sustaining and bring new schools and more retail to the community. I want to help develop the school campus for my children to enjoy.

What is your number one concern in your ward?

Schools.

What is the one thing you would change in your ward?

Traffic issues round the bridge as well as the Glen Stewart Drive entrance.

Derek Smith

Why are you running for council?

Both my wife and I strongly believe in Stratford and have been actively involved in the town on numerous town committees. Therefore, I decided to take the next step by offering my name to become a councillor in Stratford.

What is your number oneconcern in your ward?

In talking with the residents, the three main concerns are schools, traffic and taxes. However, the majority of citizens seem to like the direction the town is heading.

What is the one thing youwouldchange in your ward?

I would like to have an overall traffic plan conducted for the town to accommodate our size. This plan would make it safer now and into the future. I will also try to have the MP for Cardigan have some office hours in Stratford.

Gail MacDonald

Gail MacDonald is an incumbent in Ward 1.

Why are you running for council?

I enjoy interacting with residents, finding out what's important to them and then having a say on how we can make things better. I've enjoyed my last fouryears on council and feel with that experience I can impact things even more.

What is your number oneconcernin your ward?

Speeding seems to be one of the major concerns I've heard going door to door. Speed bumps have worked in some areas but a larger police presence may help deter this offence. We have many residents who enjoy walking as well and everyone should feel safe doing so.

What is the one thing you wouldchange in your ward?

Our council team always looks for what's best for all residents.However, looking at Ward 1 specifically, with the increased development at the Sobeys intersection and near the entrance to our schools, I know residents want safe traffic flow. We would continue to work with the province to ensure safety is everyone's priority for Ward 1 and the town.

Wade Munn

Why are you running for council?

I am running for council to have more community service experiences.

What is your number one concern in your ward?

The number of employment opportunities in the municipality of Stratfordas well as the number of businesses.

What is the one thing youwouldchange in your ward?

I would like to reduce the speed limit on the Trans Canada Highway through the Town of Stratford.

Ward 2 Stewart Cove

Jody Jackson and Steve Ogden, both incumbents in Ward 2, are running for mayor. Diane Griffin was elected to Ward 2 alongside Ogden, but the seat became open when she was appointed to the Senate. Jackson won the seat in a byelectionin May 2017.

Dan Larter

Why are you running for council?

So I can give back to Stratford. A town which has given me so many wonderful opportunities.

What is your number one concern in your ward?

Traffic and preservation of our remaining green space.

What is the one thing you would change in your ward?

Pondside Watershed needs a complete restoration. Development over the past decade has almost completely filled in all three ponds. We must fix it now.

Darren MacDougall

CBCwas unable to reach Darren MacDougall and will update this when he responds.

Jill Burridge

Why are you running for council?

The last few years I have been serving on a few Town of Stratford committees. I thoroughly enjoy my time spent in this capacity and appreciate what a great opportunity it would be to take it to another level on council. My intention is to positively impact the quality of life within our community.

What is your number one concern in your ward?

Rapid growth. We are changing significantly. Our schools are bulging at the seams, we see increased traffic challenges and significant development pressures to name a few. We need to build some strong strategies to steer us through the next few years and beyond.

What is the one thing you would change in your ward?

Connectedness. Residents want to walk out their front doors and head to destinations with friends and family to spend time together. We need to rethink parks and how our lands are dedicated. We should look to create areas of value to residents that are walkable, easily visible and inviting.

Patrick Ross

Why are you running for council?

I care greatly for our community and its success. The town will be dealing with some large financial decisions in the near future and I want to make sure that residents' best interests are present at council discussions.

What is your number oneconcernin your ward?

Taxes first and foremost is a huge concern with large projects in the forecast with some being immensely over budget. Policing must be an immediate discussion topic when the new council is formed as there are serious concerns with visibility and response times.

What is the one thing youwouldchange in your ward?

Neighbourhoods want town spending reduced and they want safety measures like crosswalks and feeder road sidewalks put in place for walking, running and biking.

Rob Harding

CBCwas unable to reach Rob Hardingand will update this when he responds.

Ryan Bradley

Why are you running for council?

I have always been actively involved as a volunteer with different charities, boards and sports organizations and would bring to council an extensive background in finance and technology.

What is your number one concern in your ward?

New school infrastructure is a topic that comes up most often.

What is the one thing you would change in your ward?

Welcoming business development environment.

Ward 3 Tea Hill

Randy Cooper, an incumbent in Ward 3, is not re-offering. As only two councillors are running in the ward, both Gary Clow and Steve Gallant will be acclaimed.

Gary Clow

Gary Clow is an incumbent in Ward 3.As GaryClowand Steve Gallant arethe only two candidates registered, they will be acclaimed ascouncillorsfor Ward 3.

Why are you running for council?

To be a voice for the Town of Stratford

What is your number one concern in your ward?

Traffic enforcement.

What is the one thing you wouldchangein your ward?

Transit.

Steve Gallant

As Steve Gallant and Gary Clowarethe only two candidates registered, they will be acclaimed as councillors for Ward 3.

Why are you runningforcouncil?

I am a very proud citizen ofStratfordfor the past 15 years. We are now currently the fastest growing community in the Atlantic region now, behindDieppeN.B. I want to be part of council to make those tough decisions as we grow together to continue to be one great and prosperous community.

What is yournumberone concern in your ward?

Taxes, speeding, rising costs. Young people who want to raise a family in this great community. Seniors who want to retire and remain in the community.

What is the onethingyou wouldchangein your ward?

I will be transparent and accessible to the citizens and be a strong voice in representing them in Ward 3Tea Hill inStratford.

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