Krista Straus aims to keep Wilmot a great place to live
By Amanda Nelson
Krista Straus decided to run for Wilmot council Ward 4 because she believes it’s a great place to live and she wants to make sure it stays that way.
“My roots are in Wilmot,” she said. “My family has a history of farming and I still have family that farm in the area or work in agriculture. I grew up here in New Hamburg, my parents still live here, and my husband and I are raising our two sons in town. I get to see the township through the eyes of three generations.”
Straus said through her experience as a forestry technician for a local municipality, she has gained firsthand insight into how municipalities operate, how decisions are made and the many challenges they face.
“What has been happening at the township and regional council is not new to me, as I have been actively following both for the past few years,” she said.
She said the biggest issue facing Wilmot is affordability and says rising property taxes and the cost of living, including housing, are putting pressure on residents and businesses. She said she wants to implement a “Made in Wilmot” strategy for economic growth.
“Economic growth is important,” she said. “We have many businesses owned and operated by local people, and we should be doing more to support entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, and agricultural businesses. There have been a few economic development strategies made in the region, which are valuable, but they lack a true focus on Wilmot.”
Straus also believes there is a need to protect farmland, protect groundwater and look after the environment.
“In order to protect farmland, we need to make sure farmers and agricultural businesses can continue to thrive,” she said. “I would research, stay engaged, create and support policies and decisions that help agriculture thrive, reduce unnecessary pressures on farmers, protect farmland and resources needed to keep this vital sector strong for future generations.
“I would continue to be engaged with other levels of government with regard to protecting our groundwater. We currently have a sustainability co-ordinator to help with environmental initiatives. It can be a great way to reduce emissions and find cost savings through reduced energy consumption.”
Straus said she plans to address the budget and the need for long-term financial planning, and also address future concerns such as data centres, as well as the region’s proposed 770-acre industrial mega site, which she does not support.
“Every decision made by council should have the budget in mind,” she said. “I believe the long-term costs of every decision should be looked at to truly determine if we can afford it. We need better engagement with the community on our budget. Our 10-year capital plan needs to be updated yearly, and priorities need to be set.”
Straus believes a councillor’s role is to engage with the community, listen to them to understand community issues, identify solutions and gather ideas to put forward for discussion.
“A councillor should be aware of what other levels of government are doing,” she said. “A councillor should also engage with other municipalities and other levels of government to share ideas and solutions. Above all else, I want to make sure decisions are reflective of Wilmot.”
Residents may see Straus out knocking on doors or at fall fairs and debates. She encourages people to say hello.
Straus can be reached at straus4council@gmail.com or on Facebook.
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