Karelsen fourth hopeful in EZT’s Ward 3
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By Lee Griffi
Sheri Karelsen is vying for a seat on East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) council in the upcoming municipal election.
Karelsen lives in the ward with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, staying active and playing pickleball.
“I am a small business owner, and as a small business owner, getting involved in my community and finding ways to contribute and connect with others is what makes living in a small rural area so special. I am a strong communicator and an active listener who values understanding different perspectives before making decisions. Through my volunteer and board service, I have demonstrated leadership, accountability and a genuine willingness to contribute my time and skills to make a meaningful difference in the community.”
She added being a small business owner results in taking on many responsibilities.
“From managing finances and serving customers to making important decisions that affect the future of the business, it requires dedication, hard work, creativity, and strong leadership. Although running a business can be challenging, it can also be rewarding.”
Karelsen said being a councillor is an important position; more than the average resident realizes – only 37 per cent of eligible voters turned out in 2022.
“We need to elect the most capable individuals with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Diverse councils are better positioned to understand and represent the community they serve. I think at the provincial and federal level, most citizens feel like they have very little control or say in how their tax money is spent, and that’s where the municipal level is different.”
She explained that the municipal level of government is where the taxpayer's voice can still be heard and where they can get involved, make changes, listen to what the community wants and needs, and implement those changes.
“Having women represented on an otherwise all-male council brings important perspectives, experiences and insights to the decision-making process. Women may identify different community needs, raise considerations that might otherwise be overlooked and contribute to more balanced and inclusive discussions. Ultimately, including women strengthens council by bringing a broader range of voices to the table and helping ensure that decisions reflect the interests of the entire community.”
Karelsen added she is a strong communicator and an active listener who values understanding different perspectives before making decisions.
“Through my volunteer and board service, I have demonstrated leadership, accountability and a genuine willingness to contribute my time and skills to make a meaningful difference in the community.”
She said the next steps taken by the EZT community will be important ones as it plans for the next 20 to 30 years of unprecedented growth. Currently, Oxford County has held community meetings and surveys, and she added as taxpayers and residents, everyone should be involved.
“I want to make sure the things we love about these small rural areas can stay intact. Discussions and decisions of this magnitude require people with common sense and great problem-solving skills. As the tax base grows, we need to make sure that we bring people together toward common goals.”
Population growth can bring new opportunities to a community, but it also creates greater demand for essential services and infrastructure. Karelsen said as the population increases, communities must ensure services, infrastructure and recreation keep pace with residents’ needs.
“At the same time, it is important to manage the needs of the existing community so that current residents continue to have access to quality services and a good standard of living,” she said. “Effective planning should therefore balance future growth with existing needs by investing in infrastructure and maintaining community facilities.”
She said maintaining existing services while controlling rate increases requires a balance between financial responsibility and the core needs of the community.
“Municipal government fiscal responsibility means managing public funds carefully, transparently and with a focus on long-term community needs. Municipalities need to keep in mind realistic budgets, control unnecessary spending and maintain adequate reserves. They also ensure taxpayers understand how revenues are collected and how public money is spent.”
She added by balancing essential services with financial responsibility, municipal governments can avoid waste, respond more effectively to unexpected costs and preserve the quality of services for current and future residents.
“Rather than relying heavily on across-the-board rate increases, they can explore targeted adjustments. Transparent communication with taxpayers is also essential, helping them understand the need for any increases while demonstrating a commitment to keeping costs as low as possible.”
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