Meet your new city council

CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The City of Stratford has a new city council, and although there was big change for the mayor’s seat, the new council looks remarkedly similar to the last.

Twenty-six candidates ran for mayor this election, all vying for a spot around the 10-person horseshoe. The successful candidates, in order of their vote share, were:

Cody Sebben (6,335 votes, 7.4 per cent)

Lesley Biehn (5,880 votes, 6.9 per cent)

Sarah Merkel (5,631 votes, 6.6 per cent)

Harj Nijjar (5,186 votes, 6.0 per cent)

Brad Beatty (5,078 votes, 5.9 per cent)

Ian Morton (4,919 votes, 5.7 per cent)

Larry McCabe (4,825 votes, 5.6 per cent)

Geza Wordofa (4,764 votes, 5.6 per cent)

Bonnie Henderson (4,629 votes, 5.4 per cent)

Christopher Giannakopoulos (4,458 votes, 5.2 per cent)

Sebben, Biehn, Nijjar, Beatty, McCabe, Wordofa and Henderson are returning, 70 per cent of the former council (not including the mayor). Only Jo-Dee Burbach and Mark Hunter, who vacated their seats to run for mayor, and Taylor Briscoe will not be returning. Briscoe ran this election and came 13th with 3,446 votes, four per cent of the share.

Nearly all of the returning candidates who responded to the Times’ request for comment said they were excited for what was to come, but were mourning the loss of four colleagues, including outgoing mayor Martin Ritsma.

“I am deeply grateful for such an incredible show of support from the people of Stratford,” said Lesley Biehn. “It makes the last four years of pouring over agendas, attending meetings and pursuing connections and relationships with the province, other municipalities and nonprofits seem incredibly worthwhile. It feels good that it meant something to the community.

“… I am processing the loss of four incredibly hardworking colleagues. Each one of them offered strengths and displayed character that feels really hard to lose. You get to know people well when you wrestle through ideas together.

“I also feel excited for all of the new things that we can look forward to. I hope to hit the ground running and see some of the ideas brought across the finish line. Specifically, seeing the supportive housing up and running.”

“… This is my first experience of a major transition on council, and I hadn’t fully anticipated the emotions involved,” McCabe added. “Over four years, you develop bonds with the people you serve alongside. You work through difficult issues, disagree, find common ground and share the responsibility of making decisions for your community. Then, almost overnight, those familiar relationships are disrupted.

“Knowing that four of my colleagues won’t be returning is strangely discomforting, regardless of where we may have differed on issues. I will miss working with them. Genuinely good people. The human reality is often missed in the clamour of ideas and policies.

“I’m genuinely grateful to the people of Stratford for the opportunity to serve another four years. I also want to thank everyone who participated in the election, whether as a candidate, volunteer or voter. I was heartened to see participation increase. There’s a deep reservoir of civic engagement in this community and I hope we use it wisely.”

“Thank you to everyone who voted, put up a sign, shared a post, stopped to talk with me or simply offered some words of encouragement along the way,” Nijjar said. “The support throughout this campaign has meant a lot. There’s still plenty of work ahead. Affordability, housing and homelessness, infrastructure and responsible spending are all important issues. I’ll continue to listen, be accessible and work hard for the people of Stratford.”

“I heard so many ideas during the campaign and feel some we could work on right away and others will fit in later on with the Official Plan, the recreation plan, the Grand Trunk to name a few as they come forward during this term,” Henderson shared. “Thanks to everyone who voted for me I'm truly honoured and I will work hard to help make our city an even greater place to live, work and play in.”

“After 16 years on Stratford city council, knowing that the community continues to place its confidence in me is incredibly meaningful,” said Beatty. “It's something I've never taken for granted. What excites me most is that, even after all these years, I still have the same enthusiasm and passion for serving Stratford that I had when I was first elected in 2010.

“We have important opportunities and challenges ahead, and I look forward to working collaboratively with my council colleagues, municipal staff and the community to continue moving Stratford forward.”

The three new faces, Merkel, Morton and Giannakopoulos expressed the same gratitude as those returning councillors – along with a commitment to do good work these next four years.

Merkel, who topped the new councillors at third place, said she was blown away by the support shown for her.

“But wow, am I ever excited and ready!” she said. “I'm ready to work hard, to listen, to ask questions, to collaborate, and to continue moving us toward action.

“I'm looking forward to meeting the municipal staff and building relationships with the other councillors and the new mayor. I believe that strong teams are built by recognizing the different strengths, experiences, and perspectives that each person brings to the table. I'm excited to learn from those around me, find common ground, and contribute to a council culture that values collaboration, and a shared commitment to moving our community forward.”

“I am deeply honoured by the support I’ve received throughout this campaign, I don't take that lightly,” said Morton. “Thank you to Stratford voters who gave me this opportunity and to everyone who shared their important stories with me during this campaign. My emphasis on reaching as many people at their doors as possible has allowed me to connect with so many people and issues throughout the city and in different neighbourhoods. This only makes me a better councillor. I am excited to bring your voices and priorities to city hall and to continue these vital conversations. I also want to congratulate my new council colleagues. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and work alongside you to build a thriving city that works better for all.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who ran for council and all who voted,” Giannakopoulos said. “This morning I’m feeling grateful and aware of my responsibility – winning a seat in an election this tight doesn’t come without a humble acknowledgement of those who were close in the race. My commitment is to work together with our new council, to ensure that residents are both heard and well-informed, and to always do my homework. To my family: I love you, and I couldn’t have done this without you. To my friends, volunteers and supporters in Stratford: my sincerest thanks for your confidence."