Bloxsidge running for a seat on Woodstock council

Dave Bloxsidge. (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Dave Bloxsidge and his wife have lived in Woodstock since 2008, where the couple are raising their two children.

“Both my wife and I are from Beachville, and we both attended WCI for High School. I grew up in my family's manufacturing business where I learned that hard work and perseverance matter. One of my hobbies is cars and all things automotive. My wife and I enjoy watching F1 races, and I am a bit of a manufacturing nerd, so I find engineering fascinating. My family loves a good story, whether in the movie theatre, a good series or movie at home or sometimes the theatre, as both my son and wife are involved with our community theatre.”

Bloxsidge said he is running for city councillor because, despite preparing his children for the future, he looks around and sees a city in which he has deep-seated roots, but he isn’t confident they will get the same opportunities here.

“I want to make sure we have the best community possible for the next generation. I could sit and complain, or I can help be part of the solution. I want to future-proof our community, help bring good, stable jobs to Woodstock, housing for all economic demographics, and all the amenities that are needed to live a healthy life in Woodstock. I want a place for my kids to be able to find a place to live, raise a family and grow old here too.”

Bloxsidge believes one of the biggest issues the city faces is value.

“With the debt forecast climbing to $150 million by 2030, we need the best value for our taxes. We need the best value for the homes we are living in. Be it geared to income homes up to multigenerational homes. The value of a good, stable job with good work at fair pay is important to our area; we are hardworking people who want to work and be able to live.”

He added many people come to the area for what locals have always known: we are in an area rich with opportunity.

“However, I feel the value has dropped for what you get, and that's what we need to fix. Now that alone is very broad, but that should be part of the focus when we look at community safety, community well-being, and fiscal responsibility.”

Bloxsidge explained the city needs people who can make decisions based on common sense and integrity.

“I have treated every business we deal with, from the little guys with a small fleet to the Fortune 500 companies, as equals. All while also navigating ever-changing international free trade agreements, for a small company to stand in a sea of giants, my integrity is my north star and delivering the value they expect from my company and myself. That is what I bring to the voters of Woodstock and ask them for their vote to trust me with their voice at that table.”

He added most Woodstock residents simply want to go to work, raise their families, watch their children enjoy their childhood, and have the peace of mind that the generation before them is doing okay, without the constant struggle and worry.