Jerry Smith elected Perth East mayor in close race against Hugh McDermid
By Galen Simmons
Perth East residents have elected Jerry Smith as their new mayor following a closely contested municipal election that saw just 83 votes separate the two candidates vying to lead the township for the next four years.
According to the township's Oct. 26 election results, Smith received 1,425 votes, representing 51.5 per cent of ballots cast in the mayoral race, narrowly defeating incumbent deputy mayor Hugh McDermid, who received 1,342 votes, or 48.5 per cent.
“I am very humbled to be elected Mayor for the Township of Perth East, it is an honour and a privilege. I am very pleased with the outcome,” Smith said. “My campaign ran on my experience, my honesty and my love for my community and family.
“Winning by a small margin, simply means I need to reach out to everyone in Perth East to find out their issues and concerns. We need to continue to promote this great township.”
Smith, who previously represented Milverton Ward on township council, will succeed outgoing Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz, bringing a new face to the head of the council table as Perth East prepares for the 2026-2030 term.
While the mayoral race was decided by a slim margin, the contest for deputy mayor resulted in a more decisive victory for former North Easthope Ward councillor Bob McMillan.
McMillan received 1,623 votes, or 59.7 per cent, defeating South Easthope Ward councillor Andrew MacAlpine, who finished with 1,095 votes, or 40.3 per cent.
The election also saw several new and familiar faces secure seats around the council table, with two ward races decided by voters and three candidates acclaimed after running unopposed.
In Ellice Ward, Johanne Groenestege was elected with 434 votes, defeating Matthew Livingstone, who received 233. Groenestege captured 65.1 per cent of the vote.
South Easthope Ward featured the most crowded race for a council seat, with four candidates seeking to represent the ward.
Barry Nowack emerged victorious with 220 votes, or 40.4 per cent, followed by Daryl Herlick with 188 votes, Bruce Holst with 123 and Albert Arnott with 13.
The remaining three ward representatives secured their seats by acclamation.
Jeremy Matheson will represent Milverton Ward, Tim Dowd will represent Mornington Ward and Adam Wilhelm will represent North Easthope Ward.
“I think the voters have selected a great council to lead Perth East for the next four years,” Smith said. “We have a good mix of returning members and new councillors. We must all work together.”
The results mean Perth East's next council will consist of Smith as mayor, McMillan as deputy mayor and five ward councillors representing communities across the township.
The new council will be responsible for guiding Perth East through the next four years as the municipality continues addressing issues related to growth, infrastructure, municipal services and long-term financial planning.
The results also bring a change in leadership for Perth East, with Ehgoetz concluding her time as mayor and McDermid, who served as deputy mayor during the previous term, falling just short in his bid for the municipality's top elected position.
“To the voters of Perth East. Thank you very much for giving me the honour of representing everyone,” Smith said. “I look forward to helping our great community, working with staff and our partners. My relationships I have developed with MPs, MPPs and neighbouring township politicians will help all of us continue to strive to make our township a great place to live and raise a family.
“Lastly, I would like to thank Rhonda Ehgoetz for her leadership and experience, and for all of her time on council. When she asked if I would run for mayor, with her support, it was a definite yes. Thanks, Mayor Rhonda.”
In the school board elections, Qui Phuc Cao was acclaimed as the Avon Maitland District School Board trustee. Amy Cronin received 171 votes in Perth East for the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board trustee position, compared to 99 for Karen Doyle. The outcome of that race depends on votes cast across the broader trustee electoral area.
The newly elected Perth East council is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting Nov. 17.
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