Lantz running for Wilmot Council Ward 2
By Amanda Nelson
With a background in politics and farming, Lucy Lantz brings a range of experience as she runs for Wilmot Council, representing Ward 2.
“I have a political background, which has given me a real interest in and knowledge of political and legislative processes,” she said. “I previously worked for a federal member of Parliament in Ottawa, studied political science in my undergrad, and have worked in a number of other policy and communications roles since.”
Lantz says she wants to run for council because she loves the town and wants to see good things happen for community members.
“I see running for council as a way to invest back into this community, and to help shape its future. I want to be a strong representative for rural residents, for farmers, for young families, and for the next generation to live in Wilmot,” she continued.
As fourth-generation farmers, Lantz and her husband are raising their daughters to always think about the land and live with the next generation in mind.
“My husband and I are chicken farmers here in Wilmot, where our daughters are the fifth generation to live on our family farm,” she said. “As farmers, we are often thinking about doing our work to a high standard, about caring for our land, and about the next generation.
“I think these values lend themselves well to the work of council, and I would look forward to the opportunity to apply them in that role,” she continued.
The lack of transparency in council and the financial stress on Wilmot residents are what led Lantz to run. She said she also feels frustrated with the lack of trust.
“Wilmot is in a time of financial stress. Property taxes have risen significantly, and residents are feeling the impact. This is the number one issue that I’m hearing about at the doors. I also think Wilmot residents are feeling frustrated with a lack of transparency from council,” she said.
“In the past four years, our township has experienced the shock of the Wilmot land assembly, heard increasing concern about water access and the region taking more water than we thought, and seen taxes rise significantly.”
She says each of these concerns has come with secrecy and surprise, which has contributed to a lack of trust in local government.
“Wilmot’s council owes its residents a debt of transparency,” she continued. “Council needs to make fiscal responsibility its number one priority.”
As a councillor, Lantz plans to analyze town spending and focus on waste or improper use of funds.
“This is not the time for Wilmot to dream big, or fund pet projects. It is the time to buckle down, keep tax increases low, and spend every dollar as efficiently as possible,” said Lantz.
“As councillor, I will lead with clarity and honesty, engaging and informing residents to the best of my ability. I will work hard to earn back trust in the community.”
Lantz believes councillors are representatives, policy-makers and stewards, and to do their role well, they need to represent residents’ voices and interests.
“You need to assess and create good policy for the municipality, and you need to oversee the proper use of the township resources, ensuring they’re used as efficiently as possible,” she said.
You can find Lantz at the upcoming debate at Wilmot Rod and Gun on Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. She is also available by social media and by email at lucylantzward2@gmail.com.
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