Council candidates: Jefferson George Wright

Introduce yourself to readers. Who are you?

I am a theologian, gardener, radical ecologist and land acknowledger. I am a believer in the innate spiritual value of Stratford and its heartfelt citizens. My work experience is varied, but primarily in the film/tv industry, specializing in location management and assistant directing. I think critically, analyze all matters thoroughly and come to decisions with an open mind. I am adamantly opposed to secret meetings, because I see leaders and citizens as equally valued shareholders of the corporation of the city, always deserving the same information.

What are the core issues you are focused on this election?

Activate youth and progressive environmentalism through voting – 16 and 17 year olds are now able to vote, if council affirms it! Tear down the GTR immediately and clean the soil – various plans to be approved are the current cause of the paralysis when the first step must still be accomplished – beautify downtown by abolishing the blight of the derelict factory! Understand “cultural preservation education” as Stratford’s core asset, and expand upon the Shakespeare Festival and culinary expertise to include fashion, film history, training institutions and more! Disallow an unregulated encampment that makes the city unsafe for all – provide compassionate housing …

Next year’s budget, like last year’s, will be presented and guided by the mayor. As a councillor, what will you do to keep the tax levy low?

I propose that all funds in the Municipal Accommodation Tax reserve fund should be prioritized to offset any proposed increase in the tax levy. The fund is meant to support tourist initiatives and citizen well-being, and 50 per cent is already in use by Destination Stratford and the Tourism Alliance. For the other 50 per cent, give the citizens a break and reward their patience and support of the tourism industry. Also, enhance bylaw enforcement against non-compliant inns and B-and-Bs to ensure 100 per cent MAT remittance.

Housing and homelessness in Stratford continues to be a challenge. What, in your opinion, is the strategy the city should be taking in building more homes and/or improving affordability?

I support an overarching compassionate housing strategy, as housing problems are endemic and not just confined to the “unhoused.” I propose a municipal census on housing to assess a better prioritization of wants and needs, and activation of housing stock to put young families into heritage homes, seniors into affordable, shared, supportive housing and the unhoused into private, non-market electrified housing. The way we conceive of land, its ownership and usage, is a continuation of the error of exploitation from initial European “discovery.” Compassionate housing involves a complete rethinking of capitalist real estate logic.

Are you in favour of the current council’s direction on the GTR? If not, what strategy would you be in favour of?

Your question suggests the renewal project is underway – but is it, really? I worry that the current plan is designed to solve too many of yesterday’s problems, and not remaining agile to the problems of the present and future. In an AI world, will a medieval information-hub library be required, and does a 19th century Christian recreation organization best serve the public in 2026? Until the building is down and the soil is clean, I think the vision of what best serves the community and culture of Stratford should be withheld. Just enjoy the open vista and dream bigger!