Written By David Gomez
Three candidates are seeking the position of deputy mayor in Strathroy-Caradoc’s October 26 municipal election, with incumbent Mike McGuire facing challenges from Bradley Bock and Mark Eyre.
The position involves representing residents across the municipality and participating in decisions at both the local and Middlesex County levels.
Mike McGuire, a lifelong resident, is seeking a second term after four years as deputy mayor. His community involvement includes leadership roles with Victim Services of Middlesex County and the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation.
McGuire highlighted several initiatives from his current term, including efforts to retain Strathroy’s seniors centre as a public facility and advance renovation plans for the Tri Township Arena in Mount Brydges.
“We have finished the build of the fire Station in Strathroy and kept Melbourne Fire station open,” he said, also pointing to affordable housing initiatives and expanded recreational programming.
Looking ahead, McGuire identified municipal affordability as a central challenge.
“The challenges of the future will be providing everything we want in our community within a budget supported by property tax increases within the range of cost-of-living allowance (COLA).”
Bradley Bock, a Strathroy-Caradoc resident for 39 years, studied geography and political science at Western University and human resources management at Fanshawe College.
Bock is campaigning on property taxes and opposition to the municipality’s approved green bin program.
“When I am elected as Deputy Mayor, with hope, of change of Council, I would like to see a 4-year freeze on property tax,” he wrote.
He expressed concern about the program’s costs and potential impact on taxpayers, while calling for greater transparency in municipal financial management.
Bock also acknowledged Council’s work on the Strathroy fire hall and said he would represent residents through dialogue and cooperation with municipal administration.
Mark Eyre, a retired professional engineer with experience in water and wastewater infrastructure, business and regulatory planning, moved to Strathroy in 2009.
Eyre said his interest in municipal decision-making grew through his experience with a local planning application.
“For many people, Council is effectively their last meaningful decision point,” he said, emphasizing independent review and public participation.
His priorities include infrastructure financing, agricultural land protection, responsible development and clearer financial reporting.
Eyre also wants Council to improve its decision-making efficiency and ensure different communities receive appropriate attention.
“Different communities have different needs, but every resident should expect the same level of attention, transparency and accountability from Council.”
Voters throughout Strathroy-Caradoc will elect one deputy mayor on October 26.
