Gillis running for mayor of SWOX

Debbie Kasman, Echo Correspondent

Craig Gillis, Ward 6 councillor for South-West Oxford (SWOX) Township, has filed his papers to run for mayor of the township.

When asked why he decided to run for mayor, Gillis said, “Why not?”

He is currently completing his second consecutive term as councillor. After graduating from the University of Guelph in 2002, Gillis began working as a herdsperson for Wilmarlea Farms Ltd. in Embro. He moved to Beachville shortly after and married his wife, Tanya, in 2006. In 2009, he joined the SWOX Fire Department at the Beachville Station and was elected Beachville Fire Association President in 2011 and Ward 6 councillor in 2018.

“I feel I’ve learned a lot about the municipal process over the past two terms and I’m capable of taking on a larger role,” Gillis said. “I’ve always enjoyed working with others as a team and hearing about their perspective on things.”

There are several projects Gillis wants to see to completion.

“Finishing our broadband-Internet project” so that it’s available “to every premise in SWOX will be satisfying when completed,” he explained. “Not just business needs quality Internet service anymore. People working from home, school and education programs, agriculture, and many more need steady Internet connection in today’s world.”

Gillis is most proud of his work on the Beachville Museum Board.

“Getting our museum more noticed and used for community events and engagement within the area has been great to see. A small museum doing big things is a great mantra they have.”

When asked what he thinks the big issues or challenges facing SWOX will be over the next term he said financial costs for infrastructure, equipment and projects will have to be looked at more carefully to be sure funds are being used in the most efficient way.

“Also the ever changing provincial goals and policies, such as building and the conservation authorities, will have to be navigated over the next few years,” he added.

When asked if there any decisions he has made on council that he regrets, he says there are none. “I feel I’ve been confident in the choices that I’ve made in the past.”

So far, none one has filed nomination papers to run against him.