Four-way race for two Exeter spots on council

By John Miner

The priorities for candidates running for Exeter’s two spots on South Huron council range from improving communications to investing in infrastructure and attracting family doctors.

Voters in the Exeter ward of South Huron will be able to pick from three first-time candidates and one veteran in the Oct. 26 municipal election.

The three candidates running for the first time are Daryl Demaray, Laura Goulding, and Antonio Munion. Aaron Neeb, the fourth candidate, has served on council since 2018.

As part of its municipal election coverage, the Exeter Examiner asked each candidate:

(1) Why did you decide to run for council? Is there a specific problem or moment that made you decide to put your name forward?

(2) If elected, what is the top priority you hope to focus on during your time on council?

(3) What experience do you bring to the table that you think will help you address the municipality’s challenges?

Here is the e-mailed response from the candidates:

Daryl Demaray

(1) I’m running for council to serve our community, listen to all voices, make thoughtful decisions, and bring people together to build a strong future.

(2) I believe we must manage change responsibly, protect taxpayer dollars, support local businesses, maintain infrastructure, and plan for our future.

(3) My work and community experience have taught me to communicate, work as a team, listen, ask questions, take responsibility, and follow through.

Laura Goulding

(1) I have chosen to run in order to build strong, resilient and connected communities within South Huron. This includes our business community, our residential community, our vulnerable demographics and the physical environment that it all happens within. While the individual issues change year over year, ensuring there is strong voices representing the best interests of all is important. I have been able to work with our business community and I am an active volunteer in South Huron. I want my unique experience to benefit the individuals within South Huron through my strong, recognized voice within the community.

(2) I want to focus on communication. While this may sound simple it has been an area of opportunity within South Huron. While Municipal staff has successfully increased their communication through social media I want to work to find/rediscover ways to reach more residents. I am an administrator for a social media group called, Out about and around Exeter. This group is a virtual town square of information that includes businesses, events and community concerns. This type of communication is important as it highlights our business successes, dynamic events and activities and provides an opportunity for respectful discourse. As a councillor I will grow my commitment to communication. I will listen and bring forward vetted concerns to council that can be well addressed through municipal government.

(3) I have thrown my hat in the ring after many years of community work, volunteerism and advocacy. I have worked in radio locally and was the Exeter BIA Manager during Covid. This spurred innovations that include our white squirrel statue downtown, the Jack-o’-lantern Jamboree and neon white squirrels in business windows, farmers markets and our community garden. I am involved in charities and not-for-profit groups that I truly believe improve our community. These include the South Huron Optimist Club, the South Huron Community Fund, Sunset Community Foundation as well as the Exeter Rodeo Volunteer Committee. I give my time and energy because I believe that we can all make a difference in our community by being involved and vested in our unified success and well considered growth.

Antonio Munion

1) The moment that pushed me to put my name forward wasn’t dramatic — it was gradual. Through my work with Antonio’s Handyman Services (AHS) of Exeter, I’ve been inside homes, businesses, and community spaces across South Huron. I’ve listened to people talk about health care challenges, aging infrastructure, and the need for stronger support for families and seniors. Over time, it became clear that I could contribute more than just hands‑on service. I could bring a practical, grounded voice to Council — one that reflects the real experiences of residents. That’s what motivated me to run: a desire to help strengthen the community I chose to call home.

2) Too many residents are without a family doctor, and our emergency services are under pressure because of it. This affects everyone — families, seniors, newcomers, and long‑time residents. While municipalities don’t directly run health care, they do play a major role in attracting physicians, supporting local clinics, and creating conditions that make our community appealing for medical professionals. I want South Huron to be proactive, not reactive, in addressing this issue. Alongside health care, I will focus on maintaining safe, welcoming public spaces and supporting community groups and events. These are the things that keep small towns vibrant, connected, and proud.

3) As the owner of AHS of Exeter, I manage budgets, timelines, problem‑solving, and communication every single day. I work directly with residents from all backgrounds, giving me a clear understanding of the challenges people face — whether it’s aging homes, accessibility issues, or gaps in local services. My work requires accountability, transparency, and listening — the same qualities residents expect from their Council. I also bring experience coordinating projects, navigating regulations, and working with subcontractors and local businesses, which gives me insight into how municipal decisions impact the local economy. Most importantly, I bring a neighbour‑focused perspective. I’m not approaching this from a political angle — I’m approaching it as someone who lives here, works here, and wants to help strengthen South Huron for everyone.

Aaron Neeb

1) I am running for re-election because I want to ensure that South Huron remains a thriving community. I am a father with two young children, and I want them to grow up in a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable community. After eight years of serving Exeter as Ward 2 Councillor, I believe that my governance experience has benefited and will continue to benefit Exeter residents as we grow and improve our community. Decisions made today affect future generations, and I am extremely conscious of ensuring investment is spread equitably across generations. As the youngest member of council over the past eight years, I believe that my perspective, voice, and experience are important to the long-term sustainability of the Municipality and Exeter.

2) My top priority is continuing to responsibly invest and reinvest in municipal infrastructure, and ensuring that council advocates to the provincial and federal governments for funding to keep tax rates and user fees reasonable. As South Huron grows, we must update aging infrastructure and invest in new infrastructure to accommodate this growth, without pushing important decisions down the road that will further increase the financial burden on taxpayers. I also believe council should invest in new recreational amenities, such as an Exeter dog park, and pursue funding for a gymnasium and walking track. Continued investments in community economic development — through measures like the South Huron Medical Recruitment and Retention Committee, the South Huron Community Fund, and recreational programming — are vitally important to ensure the health of our residents and children, as well as the sustainability of our community.

3) As a Ward 2 Councillor since 2018, I have served on multiple committees and attended numerous delegations to the Province. I have had the privilege of serving as both a member and Chair of the Committee of Adjustment throughout my eight years on council. I have also served on the Fire Services Committee (2022–2025), the Mayor’s Community Recovery Task Force (2020–2022), the South Huron Recreation Task Force

(2021–2022), the Heritage Advisory Committee (2023–2026), and as a council representative for the Exeter BIA (2018–2022). My experience on these committees has given me knowledge of procedure, the role of municipalities in delivering services in Ontario, and our obligation to all residents in our municipality. As an incumbent, I believe that my skills, knowledge, and composure will be an asset in addressing any challenges our community faces.