Candidates share what they heard while campaigning

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Candidates in the upcoming municipal election have been knocking on doors in the community, talking to residents and garnering input.

What did they hear?

This week, candidates shared the one thing they heard at the doors that they would do something about if elected. They were given a limited space to share what they heard, with the restriction it should be a municipal government matter, so not homelessness (dealt with by Oxford County) or health care (provincial).

Mayoral candidates

Deb Gilvesy - Taxes. Meeting the infrastructure demands, rising construction costs and increasing policing costs will be challenging. Building the industrial base will positively impact residential taxes, but that is a long-term gain, not a short-term solution. We are on the right track, but must maintain momentum. Fiscal restraint, which I have exercised throughout my years on council, must continue. It takes discipline and sometimes saying no. We need to scrutinize every dollar, review the Asset Management Plan as costs change, and ensure every tax dollar is spent responsibly and provides value to residents.

Kelly Spencer - One issue I have consistently heard while campaigning, and one I share concerns about, is traffic safety. As demonstrated by my motion calling for a collision and traffic study on Highway 19, which has been sent to the Ministry of Transportation, I believe we need to listen to residents and pursue solutions. With our new Transportation Master Plan, I would work to improve pedestrian crossings, explore rerouting large trucks away from Broadway where feasible, pursue Connecting Links funding opportunities, and advocate through the police services board/detachment for increased speed and red-light enforcement. My goal is simple: safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers throughout Tillsonburg.

Councillor candidates

Lindsay Ambrus-Mejaski- One issue I have heard repeatedly while door-knocking is that some residents no longer feel comfortable spending time downtown. I understand that homelessness is a larger issue with many contributing factors, but locally, we need to ensure our streets and public spaces are safe, clean and welcoming. I would like to find practical solutions that help families and seniors feel comfortable going downtown, while creating an environment where local businesses can thrive. Our downtown should be a place where residents want to spend time, businesses can succeed, and everyone feels safe and welcome.

Dave Beres - Tillsonburg is known for keeping our downtown clean, vibrant, safe, and welcoming. Many have asked if the town can attract a major hotel chain to locate here. With a growing number of weekend sports tournaments, family gatherings, weddings, and industrial business groups, plus tourist visiting nearby Lake Erie summer events, Tillsonburg would be a great location to host a hotel facility with 80 to 100 guest rooms and suites, meeting rooms, a gym and a pool. Some had requested a roof top restaurant and patio overlooking Broadway. Downtown would be the best location.

Clayton Curtis - The one thing I have heard repeatedly while campaigning is that residents want a fresh, younger perspective and stronger representation at the council table. I believe I can bring both. I offer real-world experience, a willingness to listen, and a genuine long-term investment in our community. My family’s connection to Tillsonburg runs deep. On my mother’s side, I am directly related to our founder, George Tillson, and through my father’s Curtis family, I am also seventh-generation Tillsonburg. I want to bring a fresh perspective while respecting our community’s history, working toward practical, pragmatic solutions that serve residents today and for generations to come.

Katherine Englander - The question asked defined homelessness as 'not local'. I understand and respect the perspective. My response is that although primary funding and 'responsibility' rest with Oxford County, homelessness is a local concern and has been one of the top issues raised by constituents with whom I have met. I have begun gathering information and have met with local individuals who are doing what they can to help. We need a united, community-based approach supported by accurate local data so we can better understand the issue, identify practical solutions, and advocate effectively to the county and for available grants and resources.

Ron Gasparetto - One concern I have heard consistently while campaigning is the need for more affordable and attainable housing in Tillsonburg. Families, seniors, and young people want to remain in the community they call home, but finding suitable housing at a reasonable cost can be challenging. If elected, I would like to work with Council, developers, and community partners to explore practical solutions that encourage a greater range of housing options while maintaining the character of our community.

John Gilvesy - Our Asset Management Plan anticipates a significant funding shortfall over the next 10 years. Let’s reconsider our priorities before spending $6M (or more based on track record) renovating our customer service centre to a new town hall. Perhaps instead we support our downtown core and work to make it safer. With current vacancy, the owners of the Town Centre Mall may be willing to provide competitive municipal office space, address issues at the underground parking area, and not obstruct development of a downtown hotel. Saved funds could be allocated towards future ball diamonds, arena, firehall upgrades, or other determined priority.

Steve Molnar - It has again been a pleasure to have relaxed and insightful conversations with residents as I meet them at their door. Beyond asking about issues and concerns, I always try to encourage them to share their ideas. Affordability tends to be a common theme throughout the community and the impact that uncontrolled growth can have on our infrastructure and services. By working positively with our regional and provincial partners and ensuring we utilize all the financial tools available to the town, we can have a council that prepares for the future while mitigating the financial impact on our citizens.

Felix Nzemeka - One concern I have heard repeatedly while campaigning is the pressure of increasing municipal property taxes on residents, especially seniors, families, and people living on fixed incomes. If elected, I would work to find ways to control unnecessary tax increases while protecting the essential services residents depend on. I would carefully review spending, look for efficiencies, examine how Town-owned assets are being used, and support opportunities to attract new investment and expand our local tax base. My goal is responsible budgeting: every tax dollar should be spent carefully, transparently, and with measurable value for the people of Tillsonburg.

Chris Parker - One of the most consistent messages I have heard while campaigning is the need to improve transportation safety and address recreational capacity. Residents want safer roads, intersections, and active transportation options, while many families and community groups are concerned about the availability of recreational spaces and programs. These are issues that directly impact quality of life in Tillsonburg. If re-elected, I will continue advocating for practical investments and long-term planning that help keep our community safe, active, and accessible for everyone.

Chris Rosehart - As Tillsonburg grows, we need to make sure we are not losing the parks, trees, trails, and open spaces that make our community a great place to live. I also believe we need to look very carefully at how green space is handled with new development. We should not simply allow developers to pay money instead of providing the green space our community needs. Growth is important, but growth should not come at the expense of the quality of life we enjoy here. We need to plan for the future while protecting the green space we have today and making sure we are adding more for the next generation.

Kim Sage - One thing I have heard a lot about while campaigning is red tape and communication. Whether it's building, running a business, or putting on an event, people feel the process can be frustrating and take too long. If elected, I would like to look at ways to make things easier by simplifying the process and improving communication between the town and its residents. People should understand what is required, why it's required, and where things stand. I believe better communication and a more straightforward process could help reduce frustration and make it easier for people to get things done in our town.

Dee Tosto - While campaigning, one issue that stands out is frustration about issues residents believe town council should be responsible for, when responsibility may belong to Oxford County, the provincial or federal government. As a councillor, I will be a strong voice for Tillsonburg residents. I will listen, ask questions, and get the facts. I will understand who is responsible and, when an issue falls outside the town's role... partner and collaborate with the appropriate level of government to find a path forward. I will speak up, advocate for Tillsonburg and push for practical solutions. My approach is simple: listen, investigate, understand, partner, collaborate, advocate, find solutions.