Woodstock voters head to the polls on May 11
The following are responses to questions sent to each candidate from the River Valley Sun. Their answers are unedited. Thanks to reporter Remko van Rhijin for gathering the responses.
MAYOR
Trina Jones – Incumbent
Why are you re-offering?
I’m re-offering because I believe our municipality is at a critical point where stability, experience, and follow-through matter. Over the past term, Council has guided our community through significant change, tackled difficult issues, and laid groundwork for major projects that will shape our future. I’m proud of that work, but much of it is still underway. I’m re-offering because I want to help see that work through and continue moving our community forward.
What do you believe makes you stand out as a candidate?
I believe what sets me apart is a combination of experience, openness, and a willingness to make difficult decisions when they are in the long-term interest of the community. I’ve never shied away from tough issues, and I’ve worked hard to lead with facts, transparency, and collaboration. I also bring a deep understanding of the work already underway and the importance of maintaining momentum.
What do you see as your municipality’s biggest challenge?
One of our biggest challenges is managing growth and change responsibly while ensuring long-term financial sustainability. We are navigating housing pressures, infrastructure demands, service expectations, and uncertainty in the municipal funding model, all at the same time. The challenge is not simply responding to today’s needs, but making sound decisions now that position our community well for the future.
What do you think your biggest challenge will be during the campaign?
One of the biggest challenges in any campaign is cutting through misinformation and ensuring voters have access to facts. My focus will be on sharing information openly, encouraging respectful dialogue, and trusting voters to make informed decisions based on substance rather than noise.
Jeff Wright
Why are you running?
I was born and raised in Woodstock, and it’s where I’ve made my home. I love Woodstock and have always been passionate about the town and its growth. I feel like I left too early the last time I was mayor, and have always hoped for the opportunity to serve again. Now seems like the right time.
What do you believe makes you stand out as a candidate?
I’m a business owner, and having run my own business for 24 years, I understand what it takes to run a balanced budget. More importantly, I know the importance of spending money in the right places. I know the responsibilities of being a mayor have changed over the years, but having 7 years of experience as both the Deputy Mayor and Mayor gives me the knowledge and experience to step in and get to work on day one. I also served as the Building Committee Chair for the Field House expansion at the AYR Motor Centre and as the Chair of the Planning Advisory Committee for over 10 years. Therefore, I believe I have a very good understanding of what it takes to operate the town’s facilities and the challenges that come with changing bylaws and granting variances.
I also strongly believe in development, and new development in our community will increase our tax revenue without raising taxes. Residents are taxed too heavily, and with many living on fixed incomes, we need to find ways to increase development by opening our doors and making it easier for developers, not harder. I’ve always felt there are too many hurdles to jump over and hoops to jump through, and we need to change that to prevent developers from getting frustrated and walking away from projects or simply going to another community.
What do you see as your municipality’s biggest challenge?
I see our aging infrastructure and streets as a major concern moving forward. We need to develop a 5-year paving plan and stick to it as closely as we can. Repaving streets is not simply about paving, but more about looking at what exists under the asphalt and doing it right the first time, so we are not tearing it back up in six months or a year. I am very much in favour of the Police Force expansion, and it`s going to come at a cost, and one that the new council will have to be very diligent in dealing with. I was very proud of our police force back when I was the Mayor before, and often bragged about the fact that we were one of the few remaining Towns in the province that had its own Municipal Police Force. I believe our new expanded police force will be the envy of every small community in the province of NB.
What do you think your biggest challenge will be during the campaign?
The biggest challenge for me has been navigating this election and balancing friendships with incumbent councillors and some of the individuals running for council. It hasn’t been easy, and at times it’s created tension because I care about keeping those friendships, but also want the best for our community. I have nothing but respect for those who have served as councillor or mayor, before or after me, and hopefully, once this election has passed, whoever is elected will be able to work together to make Woodstock the best it can be!
Noah Walton
Walton did not respond to our candidate questionnaire.
Ward 1
May Atkinson
Why are you running?
I’m running because this community is home. It’s where I’ve raised my family, built lifelong friendships, and spent over 35 years volunteering and giving back. I care deeply about the people here, and I want to continue being a voice that listens, understands, and stands up for what matters most to our residents.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring real-life experience, a strong work ethic, and a deep understanding of our community. I’ve spent years working alongside families, seniors, and local organizations, and I know the value of listening first. I’m approachable, I’m honest, and I’m committed to making thoughtful decisions that reflect the needs of the people I represent.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Like many communities, we’re facing the challenge of balancing growth while still taking care of the people who are already here. We need to support our families, look out for our seniors, and create opportunities that keep our younger generations connected to this community. It’s about building a future that works for everyone—while never losing the sense of community that makes this place so special.
Michael Martin – Incumbent
Why are you re-offering?
As a lifelong resident of Ward 1, and through my work and volunteer experience, I’m dedicated to making our community stronger.
What do you bring to the council table?
Being self-employed for over 20 years, I have learned the importance of hard work, open communication, transparency, integrity and accountability while remaining reasonable and approachable.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Roads. The rural roads are still serviced by the provincial government. Residents don’t understand why the local councillors can’t help.
Ward 2
Marlene Hassard
Why are you running?
Hi Woodstock! I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Marlene Hassard, and I am a candidate for Ward 2 Councillor in Woodstock. I have lived in Woodstock for six years and value the town’s strong community spirit—an ethos I first experienced growing up in a small Ontario town. I am running to restore residents’ voices in local decision-making and to ensure Woodstock thrives.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring more than two decades of experience in regulatory law, municipal services, and public administration. My career includes work as a paralegal and legal instructor, service as a Hearings and Courts Officer in the Compliance and Enforcement division of the Ontario College of Trades, and roles as a Senior Municipal Services Advisor and Tax Assessment Hearings Officer. As a Municipal Services Advisor, I developed practical expertise in municipal asset management, including lifecycle planning and capital investment assessment.
In my current role as CEO and Founder of a consulting firm, I will share my expertise regarding research into provincial and federal funding programs that can support local projects and the community.
Before entering the legal and municipal fields, I spent eight years as a long-haul truck driver, including three years in the Yukon. That experience grounded my understanding of the challenges facing workers and families across our region and strengthened my commitment to listening to and representing everyday people.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Woodstock faces several pressing challenges. The absence of local medical services and limited economic development threatens our ability to retain services and expand local opportunities.
A skilled, dedicated economic development officer would help attract investment, services, and jobs so that Woodstock can prosper, rather than merely survive. A priority of my campaign is improving the quality of life for seniors aging out of their homes due to limited local services. Many older residents want to remain in the Woodstock area but face barriers—insufficient home care supports, a shortage of accessible housing options, and limited local health services. I will advocate for practical solutions that help seniors age in place, expand community-based care, build partnerships to increase access to affordable housing, improve local transportation options, and target funding to bring essential health services closer to home. These measures will help keep families together, reduce pressure on caregivers, and preserve the social fabric of our neighbourhoods.
Throughout my career, I have advocated for hardworking residents, asking tough questions and demanding accountability. I served as Vice Chair of the former Planning Advisory Committee for Woodstock, and that group has consistently worked to bring citizens’ perspectives into public decision-making. If elected, I will be a principled, experienced advocate for Ward 2 and for a council that represents and serves every member of our community.
Will Belyea – Incumbent
Why are you re-offering?
I’m re-offering for one simple reason, to continue to be a positive influence and voice for my community. I’ve lived my entire life in this community and I’m passionate about seeing it continue to thrive and grow for everyone’s benefit.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring a positive attitude and mindset to the council table. I’m always ready to listen to all views points, provide feedback and make decisions that are well thought out and are hopefully in the best interest for everyone.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
In Ward 2, one particular challenge has been working together and building contacts and relationships with Department of Transportation and Infrastructure supervisors to ensure safe road condition are attended to. Things like road maintenance and snow removal come top of mind. I’m sure many folks may or may not be aware, the town does not currently have jurisdiction in Ward 2 over roads. It’s s been critically important building this relationship I’ve developed to help ensure we have safe road conditions in the Ward.
Ward 3
Catherine Davies
Why are you running?
My name is Cathy Davies and I have put my name forward for Town Council, Ward 3. As I life long resident of Woodstock and Wakefield I worked as a RN for almost 40 years caring for many community members during the happy times and the difficult times. The reason I’m running is to continue to care for the community.
What do you bring to the council table?
My health care experience and knowledge is a strong strength I would bring to the table. As well I worked at the New Brunswick Nurses Union , being part of the negotiating team that obtained the past 2 contracts for over 7000 nurses. This has given me many skills in clear, concise communication skills and reporting back to the members in a timely clear manner.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
One of the biggest challenges I see in our community is the rising cost of everything for people on fixed incomes.
I would be honoured to follow in my father’s footsteps,’ the late James Cluff’ and give back to the community as he did as a town councillor.
Scott Dunlop
Why are you running?
Being raised in a community-centred family, where the norm was to be involved rather than on the sidelines, I take pride in being part of the community.
Representing Ward 3 as a Councillor is a logical step, as it allows me to stay involved in the community. Decision-making around a table is something I thoroughly enjoy.
Making a positive difference is what I thrive on. We are at a challenging time in all of our lives, and municipal government is no exception.
With every challenge comes an opportunity, and we have so much potential in our municipality. I want to be part of a group that builds a better tomorrow.
Lisa and I decided to move back to Woodstock over 30 years ago and have raised a family here.
Our next generation is now building a life here in Woodstock. I am running to make a positive difference.
What do you bring to the council table?
As a local entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, I have built my career on hard work, problem-solving, and accountability.
Our municipality faces important, unique, and often complex issues. These decisions require careful consideration, responsible leadership, and a forward-thinking approach. I believe my background in business and community involvement enables me to deliver practical, effective solutions.
Having held key roles on some of our largest and most impactful community projects over the past several years, involving all three levels of government, will help me be an effective councillor.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
As a growing community, there are many pressures to maintain and expand services. The biggest challenge is how to do that in a fiscally responsible way.
Part of the solution is to respect and learn from our past, because without that, we cannot properly build our future.
Ward 4
Laura Gaddas
Why are you running?
I am running for Council to give back to my community. My previous experience as Town Clerk was both rewarding and meaningful, particularly the opportunity to work closely with residents, community groups, and stakeholders. I am committed to supporting local events, strengthening our economy, and ensuring Woodstock remains a vibrant and welcoming place for families, businesses, and visitors. By listening to residents, working collaboratively, and making thoughtful decisions, I will help guide our town’s continued growth while preserving the strong community spirit that makes it unique.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring over 25 years of experience in both legal and corporate settings, as well as valuable experience as a Town Clerk. This background has given me a strong understanding of governance, policy, and municipal processes. It has also reinforced the importance of due diligence, careful analysis, and informed decision-making. These are skills that I believe are essential for effective municipal leadership. I am committed to approaching council responsibilities with professionalism and integrity, and to contributing meaningfully in representing the best interests of our community.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Like many municipalities, Woodstock faces several key challenges, including aging infrastructure, economic development, and ongoing pressure on property taxes. We are also navigating broader issues such as homelessness.
At the same time, Woodstock is unique. While it is officially a town, it functions in many ways like a small city, bringing both opportunities and added responsibilities in how we plan, deliver services, and support growth.
Access to healthcare remains a critical concern, as many residents don’t have a family physician. Continued advocacy with the provincial government is essential to advance solutions such as collaborative care models and walk-in clinics, and to ensure residents see meaningful progress.
Overall, we need to balance growth with sustainability while maintaining the small-town character that defines our community. This includes ensuring our infrastructure, housing, and services keep pace with growth, while supporting affordability and local economic development. Thoughtful planning, regional collaboration, and strong community engagement will be essential to meeting these challenges and ensuring growth benefits all residents.
Norm Brown – Incumbent
Why are you re-offering?
I chose to put my name forward again because I want to see the projects we have already started brought to completion. The new fire hall is moving ahead and is greatly needed. The police expansion is nearing completion as the Woodstock Police prepare to take on the outside wards. The proposed walking trail on Deakin Drive is also getting closer to construction.
I remain committed to supporting our non-profit and community organizations and the amazing work they are doing. It has been tremendous to see the number of volunteers stepping up to bring incredible events to our town from the July 1 st Floats to the Snowmobile Races, the Tractor Pulls and beyond, and council plays a big role in advocating for these groups, sponsoring and volunteering. We have been working collaboratively as a council team to place a stronger emphasis on customer service within Town facilities. We have listened closely to feedback and guidance from Directors and Managers to identify gaps within our organizational structure and have been diligent in recruiting the right candidates to join the team. At the same time, we have continued to press for clear answers on long-standing infrastructure issues. By addressing neglected projects and outdated agreements, and working closely with our legal teams and consultants, we are focused on achieving the right outcomes and providing transparency for our residents.
What do you bring to the council table?
I have served on Council for just over five years, including two shortened terms as a result of amalgamation. I believe it takes approximately two years to fully grow into the role of a councillor and develop a clear understanding of the responsibilities we carry.
I have been an active community volunteer for most of my adult life, with involvement in organizations such as Scouts Canada, Woodstock Minor Hockey, the marina, and the local snowmobile club. I have also served a term on the vestry of St. Luke’s Church. In addition, I am a member of the Elks Club, the Masonic Lodge, and the Woodstock Rifle and Pistol Club.
My wife Kelly is a downtown business owner, which gives me firsthand insight into the challenges faced by local businesses. Through my role as Sheriff for the Judicial District of Woodstock, I also have a strong understanding of the challenges faced by policing agencies in our region.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our community?
One of the most significant challenges currently facing the Town lies within our Water and Sewer Department. At present, we are operating with a single active well, with our second well expected to come online soon. We also inherited the Grafton well project,
which remains unusable and we have pushed for legal review. For many years, the water and sewer infrastructure did not receive the attention or investment it required, resulting in numerous longstanding issues that must now be addressed. Unfortunately, several critical resources were overlooked or underfunded for an extended period, and we are now working diligently to catch up.
Housing is another major challenge. While our population continues to grow, available housing has not kept pace. The development on Deakin Drive is moving forward, and several exciting projects are underway, including construction on the former middle school property. One thing we hear frequently within the community is “Not in My Backyard”. However, residents must ask an important question: if not here, then where? Without welcoming responsible development and new residents, our Town cannot grow or prosper. Woodstock was once known as the hospitality town—what is more hospitable than welcoming everyone and ensuring they are well supported?
In addition, Council has remained focused on creating spaces where residents, businesses, and visitors can thrive. Through both the Connell Park and Downtown Revitalization projects, we continue to work closely with staff and stakeholders to identify clear goals and the steps needed to achieve them.
Mark Rogers – Incumbent
Why are you re-offering?
I am seeking re-election in Ward 4 for another term, I feel that we as a council have started many projects that I would like to see through to completion. Some of these projects include, police realignment, Connell Park revitalization, a new public safety building, housing projects and water/sewer infrastructure upgrades. These projects are beneficial to all citizens of our municipality to keep progressing forward.
What do you bring to the council table?
As a lifelong resident of our Municipality, I bring strong morals and values to every discussion. I am guided by honesty, fairness and respect for all citizens.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
I feel the biggest challenge is planning for growth while ensuring infrastructure, housing and services remain in line with our municipality’s future.
John Dolimount
Why are you running?
I have considered running for council for some time but work and family commitments were my priority. Now is the right time to offer my name, especially given the unique challenges facing our ‘new’ expanded town. I had a 36-year career in law enforcement within the federal civil service and over 25 years as a senior executive, I believe this extensive boardroom experience is a perfect fit for our future needs.
Having managed annual budgets of up to $80 million and led over 800 people, I understand what it takes to make large-scale operations succeed. My years of experience in human resources—including hiring, performance management, and union negotiations—is well-suited to our growing municipal staff. On the financial side, I know how to construct and manage a budget while meeting fiscal expectations. I have led regional and national re-engineering projects that required strategic investment and tough, accountable decision-making. Notably, I have also managed the amalgamation of two distinct entities into one, giving me first-hand knowledge of the complexities we face today.
What do you bring to the council table?
In a word: experience. I specialize in bringing groups together to find common ground. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with businesses of all sizes to solve complex problems and worked with provincial and national governments to innovate. I have also partnered with municipal, national, and international law enforcement agencies to combat crime through collaboration and joint operations.
I bring an interest-based approach to every discussion, which means I prioritize active listening and seeing issues from all sides to understand why people are advocating for certain outcomes. Additionally, I bring deep expertise in strategic planning. I believe it is fundamental to analyze our current strengths and opportunities through public consultation, applying a short, medium, and long-term lens to where our community is headed.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
While it is difficult to pinpoint just one, I believe the ongoing process of amalgamation is our most significant challenge. Transitioning into a unified entity brings complex hurdles that will continue to arise over time. This is exactly why I am running. Navigating this shift requires a councillor with a proven track record in organizational change and fiscal responsibility. My background in merging large entities and managing massive budgets means I have the experience the voters of Ward 4 can trust to guide us through this transition effectively.
Arthur Slipp
Why are you running?
I am re-offering for council because I am focused on the future and passionate about municipal politics. Council decisions most directly impact our quality of life. Councils on which I served laid the foundation for strong economic growth, new recreational facilities, and improvements that greatly increased the number and variety of cultural events in our community. As a councillor, deputy mayor and then mayor, I had a strong record of achievement. I have held leadership positions at the local, regional, provincial and national levels, and I want to use that experience to help Woodstock continue to grow and prosper.
What do you bring to the council table?
Demonstrated Leadership, Relevant Experience, Wide Ranging Knowledge Base and Valuable Personality Traits
My greatest asset is the depth and breadth of my municipal experience. I also understand and appreciate the importance of the agricultural and trucking industries, and of our rural lifestyle, in contributing to our overall regional economic prosperity.
Negotiations, Accomplishments and Economic Development:
Member of the Carleton Civic Centre Fundraising Committee and Board of Directors
Served on the Building Committee of the Something for Everyone Campaign in
Partnership with the Woodstock Rotary Club – The AYR Motor Centre Field House Expansion, the L.P. Fisher Thompson Centre addition and the WHS McCain Theatre renovation and Dressing Room Addition
Secured federal and provincial funding to offset the cost of the Grafton well project
Secured provincial funding for Citizens Park adjacent to the library
Negotiated fair CUPE 719 and Woodstock Police Force contracts, including the introduction of the Employee and Family Assistance Programme and maintained the Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
Worked with Staff and Department Heads to ensure safety during the COVID-19 Pandemic while maintaining all municipal services with no staff layoffs during COVID.
Negotiated with the provincial government to provide for the land swap and Fisher Lane access road for the Townsview School, and extended water and sewer to the Meduxnekeag School.
Negotiated land swaps to locate Carleton Manor on Deakin Drive and Woodstock
Baptist Church on Main Street
Negotiated water and wastewater extension to Woodstock First Nation, AYR Motor Centre User Fee Agreement for band members and renewed the Fire Service Agreement
Relocated the wastewater treatment plant from behind the Vail Bottle Exchange to the current Beardsley Road location due to summer odour issues
Negotiated the “Development Scheme” for the Ironwood project near the Meduxnekeag School
Extended water and sewer service to Sanctuary House
Negotiated a complex agreement to move the mobile home park to Jacksonville so the Walmart and additional development could proceed. The deal included compensation for the homeowners to offset costs incurred as a result of the move.
Enforced the municipal bylaw when a company in the industrial park was discharging effluent into the wastewater system in violation of the mandated Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) limits.
Negotiated with the Dept.of Transportation to install the traffic light on Main Street at the end of the Grafton Bridge.
Advocated for NBCC programmes that support local employment needs
Served 22 years on the Union of NB Municipalities Board of Directors and, in that role, participated in the NB Police Act Review and municipal reform process incorporated in the NB Local Governance Act.
Healthcare:
Chaired the Horizon Health Carleton County Health Needs Assessment Committee
Conducted community tours to assist in the recruitment of healthcare professionals.
Advocated for the Collaborative Family Practice Team model
Supported the construction of the Jones Street Medical Services Building
Represented the municipal needs in many healthcare focus groups/meetings
Served 3 terms as a public member on the Association of NB Licensed Practical Nurses
Personal Traits:
Approachable, inclusive, good listener, positive attitude, great sense of humour, low stress and the ability to stay calm while developing effective plans to meet the challenge at hand.
Being retired allows me to devote time to behind-the-scenes work, attend community events, and, most importantly, be accessible to you.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
There is never enough money or resources to do everything a council would like, so setting and maintaining clear priorities is the major challenge. Our tax rate must remain affordable for our residents and businesses, and our water and sewer utility must remain safe.
Capital Costs: Planning the new Fire and Police (Emergency Services) building will require careful financial oversight to meet all standards now and in the foreseeable future without requiring excessive borrowing costs.
Operational Issues: A smooth, safe transition to policing all five wards by January 2028 will require continued detailed planning and oversight.
The Unknown: The uncertainty of the world around us is driving costs up for all of us, and now, more than ever, we must be vigilant, flexible, and creative in finding solutions to whatever challenges may come our way over the next four years.
Our people, our council, our staff, our volunteers, and our citizens will always be our greatest asset. The resilience and community support shown during the COVID-19 pandemic will stand us in good stead.
I look forward to working tirelessly for the betterment of our community and shaping the future together.
Jeff Bradbury – Incumbent
Why are you reoffering?
I still have the heart and drive and I am still very much involved in the community through my various volunteer work.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring my experience having been around the table for a number of years I have a good idea on how municipal government works.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
There is a lot of big challenges but the one for me would be our water, do we have good pipes under the ground do we have good water sources. We have made huge strides in this area over the last 3 years but there is still work to be done.
Susan Ryan
Why are you running?
I believe the officials you vote for have an obligation to provide clear, timely information about the town administration’s activities. While I realize the current administration has had a busy few years, the residents of the area deserve regular open communication and updates on projects and activities that affect them. I hope to increase transparency, hold regular town hall meetings, and improve communication between the administration and residents.
What do you bring to the council table?
My business background equips me with the skills to understand the importance of building trust with residents through transparency, open communication, and accountability.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Many residents have expressed concern about homelessness, theft, and drug and addiction problems in our town. I believe they are all related, and I hope to continue the dialogue and take action in these areas.
Christa McCartney – Incumbent
Why are you running/re-offering?
I am grateful to be re-offering for Woodstock Town Council (Ward 4) because it is a chance to give back to the community in which I was born and raised. We have so much to offer and want to continue the amazing work we’ve started. To support a vibrant, engaged and thriving population including children, families and seniors. Enhancing the quality of life, continuing to move forward to create a community we are proud to call our own and invite others to share
What do you bring to the council table?
As a local business owner, I have a vested interest in the success of economic development, shopping local, bringing new opportunities, activities and experiences for Woodstock. I am passionate about balancing progress and growth while preserving the community, heritage, and environmental conservation that we enjoy today. Taking the initiative to invest in infrastructure, roads, water and regional beautification fosters civic pride and helps our town to thrive. I’m dedicated to putting our community first, working collaboratively with the mayor, council, town staff and all community groups to raise everyone to a successful outcome.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Fostering a safe, engaged and active community for all (children, youth, families, seniors), we need to continue with projects such as our police expansion, improved roads and water infrastructure. Without continued support, many of our community groups and activities will face reduced services. With a passion for all things Woodstock, we need to invest in quality of life including active transportation, community grants, and celebrating long standing festivals such as Old Home Week, and Dooryard Arts Festival, while attracting new opportunities like July First Floats, dragon boats and live music. Strong collaboration between community and council will help foster a place where people naturally come together and feel connected.
Leslie Ann Hawkes
Why are you running?
As a resident, a parent and a grandparent, I understand how important it is to have a safe, welcoming and thriving community. I am not running for personal gain; I am running to serve the residents and bring a committed, open-minded voice to the table.
What do you bring to the council table?
I would bring a strong commitment to listening, learning and leading with integrity. I value honesty, fairness, and equality, and I will always make sure every voice in our town is heard and respected.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
In all honesty, I feel the biggest challenge right now is division within our community. All residents deserve to feel informed, included and confident that their voices are being heard. If elected, I will listen to residents and hopefully build a sense of trust. In the end, when we all work together, we become a much stronger and more balanced community.
Ward 5
Robin Antworth
Why are you running?
I am running because I care deeply about our community and want to work toward practical, positive solutions for residents in Ward 5 & the town of Woodstock. I believe things work best when councillors are accessible, accountable, and willing to listen. I want to help ensure that residents’ voices are heard, that concerns are addressed respectfully, and that decisions are made with the long-term best interests of our community in mind.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring strong community roots, practical experience, and a willingness to work collaboratively. As a local dairy farmer, livestock breeder, provincial employee, lifetime 4-H member and volunteer, and a member of several boards, I understand the importance of hard work, budgeting, communication, and problem-solving. I’m approachable, dependable, and committed to returning calls, answering questions, and staying connected with residents.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
One of the biggest challenges facing our community is balancing growth and development while protecting the quality of life for residents. People want safe roads, reliable infrastructure, responsible spending, transparency from council, and confidence that their concerns are being heard. Healthcare is a big issue, and we need not only to bring in Drs but also to look at nurse practitioners. People have been waiting years for a doctor, and that isn’t acceptable. We also need to support local families, businesses, and agriculture while planning carefully for the future, so our community remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Keith Bull
Why are you running?
Having spent most of my life living in the Woodstock area, and with children and grandchildren living here as well, I care deeply about the community we are building for today and for the next generation.
I’ve always been actively involved in the community, and I believe my experience is well-suited to help our local government address the challenges we’re facing today.
If elected, I will focus on balancing growth and development with affordability, while ensuring responsible use of public funds.
What do you bring to the council table?
Remaining open-minded and exercising good judgment are critical to local governance. I bring both attributes to the table and am committed to being a strong voice for all Ward 5 residents.
Having spent my life serving our community as a public servant, coach, and volunteer across numerous organizations, I have developed a skill set that makes me well-suited for any council discussion. With 29 years in law enforcement and an additional 5 years with the province’s Department of Justice and Public Safety, I will bring significant insight into policing.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
The current policing arrangement in Woodstock will change in 2027, as the Woodstock Police Force will begin policing Wards 1, 2, 3, and 5. This has brought mixed feelings in our community, with some concerned about the cost and others content with the status quo.
As the new policing arrangement moves forward, I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to make the transition as smooth and as affordable as possible.
If elected, I will work to ensure that the essential needs of the police force are met and policing standards are maintained. I will also advocate for a cautious strategic approach to major cost items.
Lorne Leech – Incumbent
Why are you re-offering?
I have enjoyed serving as the Ward 5 Councillor the last 3 1/2 years and wish to continue on with the progress that has been made.
What do you bring to the council table?
I believe I bring a strong understanding of what my hard working constituents expect from their councillor. They want fairness, openness and fiscal responsibility.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
The biggest challenge facing my community is the aging infrastructure.
