Written By David Gomez
Seven candidates are seeking four seats on Strathroy-Caradoc Council in Ward 1, which covers much of the urban area of Strathroy. With the municipal election scheduled for October 26, voters will choose their representatives for the next four years.
The candidates are Al Azevedo, Matthew Hall, William Kampers, Kevin Morrison, Donna Pammer, Steve Pelkman and Brad Richards. Pammer and Pelkman are seeking re-election, while the other five candidates are looking to join Council.
In responses provided to this reporter, the candidates outlined their backgrounds, priorities and concerns for Ward 1. Several identified infrastructure, municipal spending and growth as important issues, while others emphasized accessibility, recreation, local businesses and community involvement.
Al Azevedo, who has lived in Strathroy for 60 years, said he decided to enter municipal politics after years of focusing on family responsibilities. Now, he believes the time is right to contribute to the community.
His main concern is the replacement of aging downtown infrastructure and the financial implications for taxpayers.
“This will be a major financial cost which must be carefully dissected, keeping in mind the ratepayers ability to pay,” he said.
Azevedo also wants residents to have a greater role in municipal decision-making.
“Too many decisions happen around the residents instead of with them,” he said. “When people are heard they become more involved in their community.”
Matthew Hall brings 22 years of experience in emergency services and has served on the Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service Board for four years, including two as chair.
Hall said his decision to run comes from his commitment to the community and his interest in improving municipal governance.
“I have 10 years of leadership/management experience and I am looking forward to bringing that experience to council to improve on team building and collaboration,” he said.
His priorities include completing ongoing municipal projects, particularly the wastewater treatment centre and police station annex. Hall also believes Council must maintain conditions that attract industrial investment and development while supporting existing local businesses.
William Kampers, who was raised in Strathroy and serves on the municipality’s accessibility committee, is placing accessibility and opportunities for families at the centre of his campaign.
Kampers said his personal experiences have shaped his interest in helping residents who face barriers.
“I bring perseverance; as a child, I fell through many cracks in the system, and I would like to see those cracks closed so that you have better opportunities,” he mentioned.
He wants improved accessibility in businesses, public facilities and housing, along with more recreational and entertainment opportunities for families, including bowling, arcades and other activities.
Kevin Morrison previously served as both councillor and mayor in Goderich, bringing more than eight years of municipal government experience. He currently works as executive director of London’s Old East Village Business Improvement Area and operations consultant to the Hamilton Road BIA.
Having grown up in the area, Morrison said returning to the community has strengthened his interest in its future.
His priorities include responsible development, infrastructure planning, economic investment and communication between residents and municipal officials.
“Growth is coming, but growth and good planning need to go hand in hand,” Morrison said.
He believes roads, water and wastewater systems, sidewalks and recreational services must keep pace with new housing.
Morrison also stressed the importance of protecting Strathroy’s identity.
“People are proud of Strathroy-Caradoc. They like the sense of community and the small-town feel. Growth should add to that—not erase it.”
Donna Pammer, a current councillor, has lived in Strathroy-Caradoc since 2012. A local business owner with more than two decades of experience in the non-profit sector, she highlighted Council’s efforts to make municipal lands available for affordable housing.
Pammer also identified the revitalization of 137 Frank Street as a customer service centre and community hub among the accomplishments of her term.
Looking ahead, she considers downtown revitalization a major priority.
“Getting this project right will require a realistic budget, robust communication, and a plan that minimizes disruption to our local businesses as much as possible,” she said.
Pammer also emphasized traffic flow, pedestrian safety, parks, recreational spaces and fiscal responsibility as Ward 1 continues to grow.
Steve Pelkman, another incumbent councillor, pointed to improvements at the Head Street and Metcalfe Street intersection and the construction of Strathroy’s fire station among the achievements of his current term.
Pelkman, who spent 30 years working with Zehrs and more than 15 years working with seniors, wants continued investment in community facilities, sidewalks, parks and seniors’ programming.
He identified downtown reconstruction as particularly important, noting that Front and Frank streets contain some of the town’s oldest infrastructure.
“While most of the money will be spent under the ground, what we do with the street and sidewalk we only have one chance at getting it right,” he said.
Pelkman also wants work completed on McKellar and Ellor streets and other local road improvements.
Brad Richards brings more than 28 years of municipal government experience and decades of involvement in community recreation. He previously worked for 40 years at Canadian Tire in Strathroy and currently chairs Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario and the Huron Perth Middlesex Ontario Seniors Games.
Richards said his experience has taught him the importance of listening and planning before making decisions.
His priorities include limiting tax increases, expanding seniors’ programming, appointing a permanent CAO, developing a playground in the north end and reopening 137 Frank Street for additional programming.
“I’m running for ward one councillor because I believe our community deserves a strong voice at council,” he said.
With four positions available, Ward 1 residents will determine which candidates represent Strathroy at the Council table following the October 26 election.
