Perhaps you believe our current council is doing a fabulous job and St. Thomas is heading in the right direction. Maybe you are generally pleased but think a few adjustments are needed. Or perhaps you believe it is time for significant change. Each of those opinions is valid, but an opinion that never makes it to the ballot box cannot help shape the next four years. Next month, we will honour Remembrance Day. It is a sacred and solemn occasion because generations of Canadians have served, sacrificed and, in far too many cases, given their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Among those freedoms is our right to vote and to have a say in the future of our community. As you read through the candidates’ submissions, you will notice many common threads. They see things St. Thomas does well, areas where we can improve, and opportunities for the future. Most importantly, they share a love for this city. No one runs for mayor or council because they expect an easy job, to make big bucks, or a quiet inbox. They run because they want to serve, get involved and help make St. Thomas better. So please learn about the candidates, ask questions and discuss the issues. Then, on election day, get out and vote for the people you believe will best represent you. Together, let’s choose the strongest council possible for St. Thomas.
Letter from the Editor Election season is upon us, as seen on our lawns, our social media feeds and favourite coffee shops filled with names, signs and opinions. Lots and lots of opinions. Of all the elections we hold, I believe our municipal election may be the most important for our everyday lives. Federal and provincial governments certainly make major decisions, but it
is our mayor and city council who make choices that affect the streets we drive on, the services we rely on and the direction in which St. Thomas grows. So please learn about the candidates, ask questions and discuss. That is why I invited every candidate running for mayor or city council to submit a brief write-up introducing themselves and explaining why residents should consider voting for them. Each candidate received the same invitation, the same word limit and the same instructions. Their submissions appear exactly as they were provided to me. I did not edit, rewrite or polish their words. If there is a spelling mistake, an unusual comma or a sentence that takes the scenic route, it belongs to the candidate, not the editor. I made that decision because I do not want to be accused of influencing anyone’s message. Every candidate deserves an equal opportunity to speak directly to you to persuade you that they are the right person to represent our community. What you do with that information is entirely up to you.
Page 2 Hometown St. Thomas • October 2026
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