ACW Council Candidate: Patti Wilkins

By: Kate Smith

Patti Wilkins has been an ACW resident, small business owner, journeyman, and active hobby farmer for almost 20 years.

Wilkins is running for councillor for the second time.

Grateful for those who voted for her last election, Wilkins vows to continue to listen to the needs of ACW’s citizens, while remaining honest, accessible and transparent.

Over the years Wilkins has volunteered with many organisations including Huron Hospice, IODE Goderich, The Look Good Feel Better Program, Crime Stoppers, Huron County Poultry Club, as well as the Auburn and Goderich Horticultural Society.

Wilkins work as a hairstylist for over 40 years has given her the time to develop her listening skills, building trust and having open and honest dialogue with residents.

Wilkins believes that lived experience of public service sets her apart from the other candidates.

“All the candidates are to be commended, and I wish them well, as it is never easy to put yourself in the public eye,” Wilkins reflected.

If elected Wilkins would like the first meeting to be held in a building, perhaps the Dungannon Community Centre, where many citizens can attend and see their elected officials be sworn in. 

Wilkins believes there are three top priorities when it comes to serving the people of ACW. That includes focusing on safe drinking water, aggregate issues and agricultural preservation.

Safe drinking water is essential to everyone and with a population of over 7,000, and ACW township managing six communities within ACW, and with the Bluffs of Huron as well having issues, Wilkins believes it may be time to rethink the status quo. 

In addition, ACW has over 50 licenses and the past council even wanted to open more.

“I feel strongly opposed to opening more or even providing more licenses to the ones we already have,” Wilkins stated.

Another priority issue is agricultural preservation. Wilkins explains that this area has some of the best soil for farming, and it needs to be protected.

If elected, Wilkins says it will be an honour to work hard for all the citizens and in four years she hopes to work alongside the new council and focus on issues that are unresolved, create an exceptional Growth & Servicing Master Plan and continue to move this municipality toward citizen's feeling well represented.  

Each candidate was presented with the same interview questions. What is presented in these profiles, is a result of the responses received.