Edmiston taking another run at the EZT mayoral chair

Don Edmiston is seeking the mayor’s chair in East Zorra-Tavistock, bringing four years of experience as deputy mayor and a focus on responsible spending, local businesses and keeping costs down for taxpayers. Photo courtesy of Don Edmiston

By Lee Griffi

Don Edmiston finished 270 votes behind incumbent Mayor Phil Schaefer in the 2022 election, and he is taking another shot at East Zorra-Tavistock’s (EZT) top political job.

“Growing up in Innerkip and Hickson, now living in Huntingford with my wife, Celine, my EZT roots are solid,” he said. “Ten years ago, I left the concrete ready-mix business with experience at all levels and followed my dream of taking my Taekwon-Do school to the next level full-time. I opened it in 2002 and went full-time in 2016, having to then stay afloat through COVID, which was a challenge, but I came out on top.”

His hobbies include drag racing, snowmobiling and car shows, and most days, he can be found in his garage working on a project.

Edmiston said he is seeking the mayor position for several reasons, including better representation at the county level, as county tax increases have gotten very high. He also doesn’t believe the former Rural Oxford Transit program was the best decision for ratepaying citizens.

“I sat on that board when I was deputy mayor where it was put aside and approved the following term. My priority is to keep costs down because of the price of groceries, gas and the everyday cost of living. Interest rates have almost doubled in the past four years. The township and the county must try to keep a low tax rate for the people.” 

He added another concern at the county level is the purchase of the former YMCA in Woodstock, which is being transformed into a homeless shelter.

“This will cost all taxpayers. It is going to cost millions plus staffing. There are 50 beds in Woodstock at the church. Most nights, only 30 are used. I'm well schooled in this as my Taekwon-Do school is across the street from the church and I deal with the homeless regularly. I do believe homelessness is something that needs to be dealt with, and this is a huge undertaking.”

Edmiston said having a mayor with an understanding of how hard it is for the everyday working family is important.

“I think the focus should be on parks and recreation. With the cost of everything going up; anything we can do to get kids active and save parents money will be a good course of action. Also, (I want) to keep the spending in EZT to a minimum for a while. I think it's time to stop and take a breath with the current economy.”

He added he will always be an advocate for local businesses and township’s rich farming heritage. 

“With four years as deputy mayor and sitting on boards like Rural Oxford Economic Development, Upper Thames Conservation, Rural Oxford Transit and the EZT boundary adjustment committee, I feel my experience working with everyday families and hearing how tough it is out there has kept me grounded. I have a current understanding of real-time situations.”

Edmiston said he is committed to making almost all decisions based on the financial impact on taxpayers.

“That is why you have a voted council. A council does not have to agree, nor should they on everything, but they must make a sound and researched decision for the people. I will ensure that the position of mayor is held with the integrity the people deserve.”