Thank you to everyone who voted for me, put up a sign, donated, volunteered, shared my posts, talked to your neighbours, came to an event, or simply took the time to have a conversation with me — thank you.

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Of course I am disappointed, but more than anything, I am incredibly grateful to the thousands of people who believed in what I was talking about: protecting our farmland and water, planning growth responsibly, improving financial accountability, creating more local jobs, and bringing residents back into the decisions that affect them.

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I congratulate Kristopher Wilkinson on being elected Mayor.

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During this campaign, Kris made some very clear commitments to residents, and I look forward to seeing those commitments carried forward.

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He spoke about fiscal responsibility, keeping property-tax increases around inflation, finding efficiencies, improving financial transparency and respecting every tax dollar. I hope we will now see a clear long-term financial plan, progress on our infrastructure needs and debt, and regular information that allows residents to understand where our money is going.

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He committed to being available to residents, being present at the Township office, and communicating regularly about what is coming before Council and the decisions being made.

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He also talked about improving economic development, attracting businesses and strengthening our tax base.

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And I look forward to seeing a strong municipal voice with the Region and Province, including greater transparency around the 770-acre land assembly and working toward a future for that land that does not harm our community.

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I am particularly sad that protecting our farmland, groundwater and rural character will not have the level of commitment around the Council table that I had hoped to see.

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The future of the 770 acres is still incredibly important. Our Township may not have the final authority over every decision, but having a Council that is prepared to advocate strongly for the land, the water and the residents affected gives our community a stronger voice. Without that commitment, I worry our community will have less influence over what ultimately happens there.

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But my work in Wilmot does not end because the election is over.

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I will continue to be involved in our community.

I will continue to be a loud voice for protecting our farmland, water and rural character.

I will continue working with residents on issues such as road safety, responsible growth, our local economy and the issues affecting our individual communities.

And I want to continue bringing people together.

​​We also need to keep paying attention.

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Ask questions. Attend meetings. Read the reports. Speak to your councillors. Celebrate the good decisions, and challenge the decisions that do not make sense.

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I will continue sharing information and creating opportunities for residents to work together on the issues facing Wilmot.

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If you would like to be part of that, please join my newsletter through my website. I will use it to share information about what is happening in our community, opportunities to get involved, and ways we can work together.

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The election may be over.

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Our responsibility to our community is not.

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Stephanie