Goderich Council’s Deputy Mayor-Elect: Randy Carroll

By: Kate Smith

With family roots in this town, and a place that has always been home to Randy Carroll, his wife and their family, he put his name forward to continue serving the community in the role of Deputy Mayor.

“I wanted the opportunity to continue serving Goderich,” explained Carroll.

“I am truly honoured and humbled to have been acclaimed.”

Carroll says his first term on council gave him a much deeper understanding of the opportunities before the community, and the pressure facing the municipality.

For Carroll, there remains important work to be done, particularly in healthcare access, responsible economic development, infrastructure renewal, communication and fairness for local taxpayers.

Although his name will not appear on the ballot, Carroll says he will remain actively involved throughout the campaign.

“I look forward to attending community events, meeting with residents and listening to what matters to them,” said Carroll.

“This is an important election for Goderich. The people elected to council will make decisions that shape our community. We need people at the council table who will listen carefully, consider every perspective and make thoughtful decisions in the best interests of the entire community.”

Carroll attended Goderich District Collegiate Institute (GDCI) and his career in the casualty insurance industry progressed and involved business development, consumer advocacy, regulatory matters and extensive work with elected officials at the provincial and federal levels.

These experiences taught Carroll how to research complex issues, manage budgets, bring people together and turn ideas into practical action.

Elected to council in 2022, Carroll has now served a full term as a councillor. During that time, he served on the Goderich BIA, Goderich Fire Committee, Downtown Revitalisation Committee, Economic Development Committee and the Bluewater Recycling Association.

Before being elected, much of his professional career involved political advocacy and government relations.

As an insurance industry leader and consumer advocate, Carroll spent many hours meeting with provincial and federal elected officials regarding legislation, regulation and issues affecting consumers and businesses.

According to Carroll, that experience taught him how government works and just as importantly, how to research issues, build support, work with people who hold different opinions and turn ideas into practical results.

“What sets me apart is the combination of my municipal experience, senior business leadership, government advocacy and hands-on community involvement,” said Carroll.

“I understand budgets, strategic planning, governance, regulation and economic development, but I also understand that good leadership begins with listening.”

During his first term, Carroll tried to remain accessible and willing to explain where he stands on issues, even if a difficult topic or when opinions differ.

He says progress requires preparation, collaboration, persistence and the ability to build support around practical ideas.

“My record demonstrates I am prepared to do the work, listen carefully, consider different perspectives and remain accountable for the decisions I make,” Carroll explained.

“Residents can expect me to come prepared, ask questions, listen to their concerns and keep the best interests of Goderich at the centre of every decision. I will not promise every problem can be solved. I will promise to work hard, advocate for Goderich, collaborate respectfully, and make decisions guided by accountability, integrity and transparency.”

Carroll says one of his first priorities in the new term will be asking council to reconsider the eligibility boundaries for the town’s physician recruitment support.

The town has made progress, but Carroll believes there are still too many residents who do not have access to a family doctor.

If a physician is prepared to establish a practice in town, practice here and care for people in Goderich, Carroll says the deciding factor should not be whether that physician lives just inside or outside a municipal boundary.

“Our approach must be patient-focused and reflect the realities of recruiting physicians to a rural community,” added Carroll.

Other local issues Carroll holds as top priorities include economic development and a stronger tax base, infrastructure, roads and community appearance, and clearer and more effective means of communication.

Carroll prides himself on core values of accountability, integrity, transparency, fairness and respect.

His vision is for Goderich to remain a welcoming, safe and attractive community where people can build a life, raise a family, operate a business and age with dignity.

“We must protect the history and character that make our town special, while preparing responsibly for its future,” Carroll remarked.

“That means making informed financial decisions, maintaining essential infrastructure, supporting healthcare, encouraging suitable development and ensuring residents can understand how and why decisions are made.”

By the end of the next term, Carroll would like to see measurable improvements in access to family physicians, growth in the commercial and industrial assessment base, a prioritised and publicly understandable infrastructure renewal plan, and a modernised municipal communication platform for explaining council decisions in plain language.

“Residents should not have to rely only on promises,” said Carroll.

“Success should be measured through clear indicators. Residents should be able to find a concise explanation of major council decisions.”

While serving on council, Carroll has been involved in the community in many ways including serving as the president of the Goderich Legion, president of the Goderich Memorial Community Centre Committee, a board member with MADD, a board member with Community Living Huron Perth, and a member of the Goderich BIA, among many other roles.

“I believe community service means more than attending meetings,” explained Carroll.

“It means showing up, doing the work and being there when help is needed.”

Carroll says it is an honour, and he is humbled to have been acclaimed as Deputy Mayor for the Town of Goderich.

He is grateful to everyone who encouraged him to put his name forward, and to those who offered their support.

“Your confidence in me, means more than I can say,” added Carroll.

“This is an important election for Goderich. I encourage residents to learn about the candidates, examine their experience and records, ask questions and make thoughtful decisions based on what is best for our town and everyone who lives here.”

Each candidate was presented with the same interview questions. What is presented in these profiles, is a result of the responses received.