Two people registered for fall’s municipal election

Lindsey Ambrus Mejaski (Top photo), and Dave Beres (Bottom photo). (Contributed photos)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

And they’re off!

To borrow a horse-racing term, the race to fill six councillor seats and the mayor’s position for Tillsonburg council officially started on May 1.

Dave Beres, who is currently deputy mayor, was the first to register, filing his papers to run as a councillor on May 3. It should be noted that although he serves as deputy mayor, that position is chosen by councillors after the election.

Beres has been on council eight terms – five as councillor, three as deputy mayor. He also served as mayor for six months after a past mayor stepped down. It’s his goal to be elected as a councillor, and again be appointed as deputy mayor.

During his stint on council, Beres has served on many committees representing the town. He was chair of Long Point Region Conservation Authority and the former physician recruitment committee (now the health committee). His other past and present committee memberships include Tillsonburg Hydro, police services board, museum, non-profit housing, and Oxford County council.

Outside of council, Beres is a long-time Lions Club member and is also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Key issues for the future for this long-time councillor are: attracting more doctors, more sports fields, and properly-equipped playgrounds, and homelessness prevention. Beres believes Tillsonburg needs a boundary adjustment, not just for more homes, but also for industry and commercial space. He is also an advocate of Tillsonburg having a second seat on Oxford County council.

He also weighed in on tax rates, saying, “For the future, I can’t promise a zero-tax increase, but I can commit to targeting within inflation as I have in the past. If fuel cost and labour costs increase, we have to keep up. If you don’t, sacrifices must be made.”

Ambrus Mejaski the first newcomer to register

Lindsey Ambrus Mejaski was the first person to register who isn’t a current member of council. The 38-year-old mother of three was born and raised in Tillsonburg.

Currently a member of the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer board, Ambrus Mejaski is the treasurer, runs the Timbits soccer leagues, is a coach, and was the co-founder of the women’s recreational soccer league.

Ambrus Mejaski is a member of the Kinettes and the St. Joseph’s School Parent Council. She works at St. Joseph’s as a noon-hour supervisor and is a small business owner. In the latter role, she is a member of the Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce.

“Through all of these experiences, I’ve had the chance to connect with so many people in the community and hear what matters most to residents,” she said. “I care deeply about keeping Tillsonburg a welcoming, active, and family-oriented community while continuing to support responsible growth and strong local programs.”

She decided to run for council because she feels there is a gap in representation for young families on council. She believes her experiences give her a perspective on what’s important to families, and Ambrus Mejaski wants to be a strong voice for these residents.

Over the next four years, this council hopeful sees managing growth in a responsible way while maintaining the small-town feel and strong sense of community as one of the biggest challenges. She also sees affordability as a concern, whether it’s housing, recreation costs, or everyday living expenses, such as taxes.

Ambrus Mejaski believes in supporting small businesses, and making the downtown a welcoming and safe space. She is also a believer in investing in recreation.

Since she first considered running more than six months ago, Ambrus Mejaski has attended some council meetings and follows what happens at all.

She believes she is a good listener, would listen to residents and would take the responsibility of councillor seriously.

“I’m not afraid to ask questions, learn from others, and take the time to understand different viewpoints before making decisions,” Ambrus Mejaski said.