Molnar to run for councillor position

Stephen Molnar. (Contributed Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

A former Tillsonburg mayor is hoping to win a seat on council in the coming term as a councillor.

Stephen Molnar said he decided not to run for mayor and instead run for a council seat.

“After full consideration to not run for a fifth term as mayor, I began deliberating with family and supporters how best I could continue to serve my community,” he said, mentioning his wife Colleen in particular. “I want to ensure the sustainable relationships I have developed at the local, regional and provincial level are a shared foundation to ensure future opportunities for Tillsonburg.”

Molnar has six years of experience as a municipal councillor and 15 as mayor. During his 15 years as mayor, he sat on Oxford County Council and served as deputy warden for a period. He was the minister appointee to the Southwestern Ontario Master Transportation Plan (2020-2022) and a founding member of SCOR (South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation).

The 67-year-old life-long resident of Tillsonburg said he inherited his community activism focus from his parents. Molnar is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier’s School of Business and Economics. He is a member of the Kinsmen Club of Tillsonburg, the current provincial appointee to the Board of Directors (OCP – Ontario College of Pharmacists and SWPH – Southwest Public Health), and a member of the Rural Roads Health Services board.

If elected, he would share his experience that has “historically built an environment of trust and respect that will positively engage community members and external partners.”

Although Molnar hasn’t been on council for four years, he has stayed engaged in the community and has followed council meetings through online broadcasts and community forums. He has continued to answer questions from residents, current council members and provincial ministers.

In the coming four years, Molnar wants to see sustainable, balanced community growth supported by viable and responsible infrastructure investments. He also believes responsible fiscal management is important.