More uncertainty than certainty if council members will run again

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

With nominations in this fall’s municipal election opening in just over two weeks, there is still a lot of uncertainty amongst Tillsonburg’s incumbent elected officials about whether they will be seeking office again.

Nominations open on May 1 and run until Aug. 21.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy believes there is still ample time to make a decision, and hasn’t decided yet.

“My focus right now is on delivering the projects and priorities currently moving through the budget process,” she said.

Coun. Pete Luciani will not be running again this fall after completing two terms on council.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being on town council and having the privilege of being part of the progress the town continues to make,” he said. “That said, my wife, Kelly, is now fully retired, which is a deciding factor in my not running for a third term. We have a great community with passionate volunteers and very competent town staff that I am confident will keep us moving forward.”

Luciani is currently the chair of the town’s Traffic Committee, and has served on numerous town committees, including Transit, Accessibility, and Parks, Beautification and Cemeteries.

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres has seven terms on council under his belt, and will run again. He has been deputy mayor the past three terms, a position which is chosen by council members. Beres served in a variety of roles representing council, including Long Point Region Conservation Authority trustee, chair of the hospital committee, and has been a member of the Tillsonburg Hydro board, police services board, and the non-profit housing board.

“Many projects concerning the future of Tillsonburg have been completed during this term, however, there are more which I would like to see to completion,” he said of his reason for running, mentioning the composition of Oxford County, boundary changes, expansion of sports fields, housing starts particularly with apartment buildings and attracting more doctors as issue that are important to him.

One-term councillor, Kelly Spencer, is likely to run for council again, but is undecided in the capacity in which she will run in the next election.

“My focus continues to be on economic development and industrial sector growth, infrastructure needs, healthcare access, a wise budget and responsible town growth,” she said. “I would also like to see enhanced partnership and communication with Oxford County to assist with homelessness, addiction, and mental health, as well as affordable housing and daycare—ensuring Tillsonburg remains a thriving, caring, and connected community for all residents.”

Tillsonburg’s longest-serving councillor, Chris Rosehart, is undecided if she will put her name on the ballot after 27 years on council.

She recalled her original reason for running, saying, “I decided to run because Tillsonburg has been great and supportive to myself, my family, and my neighborhood, and I wanted to give back.”

Coun. Chris Parker is undecided if he will run again, saying he will file in late July or August if he does.

Coun. Bob Parsons hasn’t firmed up his decision yet, but is leaning towards not running again.

“However, I continue to discern this important decision,” he said.