Martin seeking second term in Wilmot’s fourth ward
By Lee Griffi
Steven Martin is looking for residents’ support to serve another term on Wilmot Township council.
“I believe that I am a good listener and am willing to collaborate with everyone on council. I do listen to people in the community and to my colleagues on council. I find the discussions to be important and work on making decisions that are based on the group conversations as well as the information that has been given to us. I am seeking re-election for this reason, and I believe that I can help make good decisions with the other elected officials.”
Martin added the budget is important, as is continuing to work on financial stability.
“There have been some tax increases in the last four years, but we have been building reserves so that money can be in place in the future for the infrastructure needed. In my first year on council, I was asking questions about reserves when I learned Wilmot Township had one of the lowest levels of reserves in the province.”
He said Wilmot Township had been on the lower end of taxes across the province, and now it is in the middle or average compared to other municipalities of similar size and location in the province.
Martin added the Region of Waterloo’s purchase of prime agricultural land in the township wasn’t something he expected but it is something council has to deal with.
“I would say that I was caught off guard by the mega-site, or 770 acres. This topic has been a difficult one and continues to be on the minds of many people. When I was elected, I did not anticipate this topic. At the same time, I believe that we have to promote business and find ways of increasing our tax revenue from commercial and industrial businesses so we can have the revenue to support our infrastructure.”
He said protecting farmland is important, and further density in settlement areas is a significant consideration.
Martin explained he would continue to act with integrity if re-elected.
“I see myself as a person with integrity, taking people’s concerns seriously, and wanting to follow the rules of the Municipal Act. I look forward to working collaboratively with the rest of council if I am elected for another term.”
Comments