Elections and Voting

Voting in municipal elections is quick and easy. All residents who meet eligibility are encouraged to participate, to have your voice heard through the selection of members who you think will voice your needs. 

You can vote if you are:

• At least the age of 18 on election day
• A canadian citizen    
• Live or own property within the 5 wards of the municipality

There are several ways that you can vote, either by mail or in-person at your nearest polling station. To find where you nearest polling station is, visit the ElectionsNB website, input your home address and you can view which ward you reside in, the candidates running in your ward and where your nearest polling station is. 

To learn more about voting, view the document below sent by Elections NB.

Residents who are interested in representing our community are encouraged to consider running for a role in our municipality. Have a meaningful role in making a difference and being the voice for residents. Woodstock Town Council is comprised of 8 Councillors, and 1 Mayor. As a member of Council, you will be responsible to serve not only your ward, but the entire community.

Responsibilities:

• Weekly or Bi-Weekly council meetings
• Set & review policies
• Pass By-Laws and Town Budgets
• Engage at community events

Eligibility to run:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• A Canadian Citizen
• Have lived or owned property in the municipality for at least 6 months prior to the election
• Not already in a government role

For more information, visit the ElectionsNB website or view the below guide provided by AMANB.

Join us for an evening of conversation and community connection with each of the candidates for the upcoming municipal elections. All are welcome to attend and listen - remember that all wards will be voting for the Mayor, as well as Councilors!

📌Wednesday April 29th
📌Gallery Room & Court 1, AYR Motor Centre
📌Meet & Greet starting at 6:30pm
📌7pm Candidates for Wards 1,2,3 & 5 present
📌7:35pm Candidates for Ward 4 present
📌8pm Mayoral Candidates present

You can vote between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., on Monday, 11 May 2026, at the following polling stations:

Northampton Rec Centre
3781 Route 105
Northampton, NB

Pembroke Community Hall
2 ch Newburg Rd
Pembroke, NB

Woodstock Community Y
145 ch Connell Park Rd
Woodstock, NB

McLellan BrandSource Home Furnishings
164 rue Hemlock St
Lower Woodstock, NB

Richmond Corner Rec. Centre
830 Route 555
Richmond Corner, NB

Lindsay Baptist Church
8 ch Briggs Rd
Lindsay, NB

Woodstock Wesleyan Church
340 ch Lockhart Mill Rd
Jacksonville, NB

You can vote between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., on Saturday, 2 May 2026, or Monday, 4 May 2026 at the following polling stations:

Northampton Rec Centre
3781 Route 105
Northampton, NB

Woodstock Community Y
145 ch Connell Park Rd
Woodstock, NB

Richmond Corner Rec. Centre
830 Route 555
Richmond Corner, NB

*copy of speech script

Good evening, everyone. Thank you for being here. 

Today was a reminder for me of why I keep choosing to do this. I was invited to participate at the Children's Parliament held in Florenceville with about 200 students from grades 3 to 5 from across our region. And I'll tell you, there is nothing more energizing than being in a room like that.

The questions are honest, sometimes very honest. They can absolutely fact-check you on the spot as they are learning how their communities work in a way many of us didn't get the chance to. Which is an important point, because one of the biggest challenges we face today isn’t a lack of opinion, we usually get lots of those, it's a lack of understanding of how local government actually works and our processes.

So when I see kids already learning that, already engaging, it gives me hope and reminds me what this job is really about. It's about building a community that those kids will be proud to grow up in - and maybe even want to lead one day. 

Over the past three years, this council has been working through one of the biggest transitions in our history. We more than doubled in population, expanded our boundaries by 3,500%, and increased our responsibility essentially overnight. 

And let's be honest, the province didn't really leave us a 'how-to-manual'. We had to get up to speed fast, and we had to learn to work together quickly.

In a little over three years, we've managed to do a lot. We strengthened our financial systems to improve tracking, reporting, and accountability. We've invested over $2 million in water and sewer infrastructure. We've increased the paving budget each year with a plan to do approximately $1.2 million this summer. We've upgraded our facilities and equipment to better support our employees to ensure everyone has proper working conditions and the tools they need to do their work. We continue to upgrade our recreational assets and grow our partnerships with organizations and nonprofits that support our community.

We've had to make some difficult decisions to address long-term financial pressures. We're working hard to advance major housing projects - because growth will help generate more revenue and expand our community.

We are preparing to expand the Woodstock Police Force to provide consistent service across all wards and a sustainable model to deal with policing needs today and into the future.

And we've been working hard to improve how we communicate - which is an ongoing, daily effort to be as transparent as possible. 

We've had to hire a few key people to add the level of expertise we need in our organization. There was a lot of directors wearing a lot of hats, and although it allowed the organization to appear lean, the town did have to outsource a lot of that expertise at a high cost. So we made an effort to bring that expertise in-house where it was necessary.

I can keep going on and on, but I'm going to stick to my four minutes. So with major projects underway, three union contract negotiations in progress, the police expansion underway, and a number of studies being done that we don't want to end up on a shelf, this election isn't just about ideas, it's about the momentum.

And I'll say this clearly-

Right now, I have the experience, the skillset, and the capacity to do this job. I have the time and commitment right now to see this work through. I understand the files, I understand the challenges, and I'm really good at getting people to work together.

I truly love this role, even on the really tough days, and I believe in our community. So I'm asking for your support again so I can help continue to move all of this forward.

You can check out my platform, all of the information about me. Please look at my videos and learn. And follow me on social media. Check out trinaformayor.com

Thank you very much.

*transcribed speech

I would like to start by thanking all of you for joining us here tonight. My name is Noah Walton, I'm sure you all have seen my signs by now. I run for the honor of being mayor of the oldest and incorporated town in New Brunswick.

Yes, I'm taking this seriously. My signs have created a bit of a stir in the town people are talking about. That is the exact reason I was looking for as many of you don't know me.

I did not graduate from Woodstock, I don't run a business in town, or have any memberships in any special clubs here. I started my school days in Woodstock, but it's been two-thirds of my school years. About 30 minutes down the river, I have the strongest ties here in Woodstock.

My grandfather, Leo Campbell, taught shop at Woodstock Middle School for 30 years. For almost 30 years. He was involved in the design of numerous buildings here in Woodstock and surrounding areas. My grandmother, Gail, still lives in Northampton. My mother and uncle grew up here in Woodstock. Many people know my father from decades of living and working for the public here in town. I now live and work here in Woodstock. 

Why am I running? Many have asked. After listening to the frustrations of many, and feelings that there is a gap between the citizens and council, I decided to run.

As a young citizen here, there seems to be a great disconnect. The young people here want the town to move forward, as we, the ones that will be here for many years to come. Moving forward does not mean that we forget the past.

We must champion the leadership of the leaders that have come before us. As the cost of living is rising quicker than wages, we need to be very cautious and creative about how we increase revenue. Raising taxes can no longer be the go-to.

That's the easy way out. We need to increase opportunities for tourism and businesses to operate in our town. We should not be increasing the barriers, but making it easier for people to thrive.

We need young people, and we need to make it affordable for young people to set foot in our town. I've heard the word transparency thrown around in the last few weeks. I feel we all may see the definition of transparency differently.

Transparency is more than having council meetings broadcast live. It's more than sending out questionnaires where input. For people that live in the town, if things are not transparent, then there's something wrong. If the citizens feel there is no transparency, then things need to change. Action means more than words.

I'm naturally creative, problem-solving, and will quickly and efficiently and skillfully. Right now, we need to unite the greater community of Woodstock. We need to be proactive, not reactive. Creative, not conventional. We need to be progressive. You will notice I've been using the words we, not I. We need to forget our differences and look at our strengths to build a stronger Woodstock.

 Again, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend tonight.

*transcribed speech

Welcome, and thank you for coming tonight.

 I'd first like to thank Mayor Trina Jones and her council for the hard work that they've put in the last three and a half years. It's not an easy job.

It's impossible to say everything that I want to say in the next four minutes, so I'm going to give you the bold notes version. I'm Jeff Wright. I'm running for mayor. I want to be your mayor because I believe in Woodstock. I was born here. I was raised here. My family is here. My family's run business here for 74 years. Woodstock is where my heart is. It's where I'll die, and I can't imagine living anywhere else.

 I always felt like I left the mayor's chair a little too early. I can remember one night I was walking out the door, and my son Matthew was 10 years old at the time, and he said, ‘Dad, where are you going?’ I said, ‘I have a meeting to go to’ he said ‘you go to a lot of meetings.’ And right then and there I knew it was time to step away. But now I would like to step back in.

There's been some rhetoric that there's a we-against-us scenario, and that really isn't true. And we're not here to tear down anything this council's done. We are not going to try to dismantle anything that's been done. I believe in Woodstock. I believe in moving forward. And they talked about the old boys club. They must be talking about you, Arthur, because I'm only 61. 

We have to be very diligent in how we spend our money. It's not about staying within our budget. It's about where the money's being spent. I was proud of our police force back when I was mayor in 2001 and 2004. I often bragged about our police force. At remembrance day events, and at functions out in the community. And I sometimes took heat for it from the RCMP. I can remember one time when Sputnik McCarthy called me into his office, and he said, ‘Jeff, you've talked about the Woodstock police force, and you've talked about the police force, but you don't say anything about the RCMP.’ And I said, ‘Sputt, you don't work for me. They do.’ And I was proud of them then. I'm proud of the police force now. And we're going to have a police force that will be the envy of every small town in New Brunswick, if not Canada. 

 On my door-to-door campaigning, it became evidently clear to me that we need to listen as a council. And there were three things that popped up in the majority of people's minds. It was taxes, water and sewer, and the roads. We simply cannot increase tax revenue by increasing taxes. We can increase tax revenue by new development. With new development comes increased assessments. Yes, it may raise your taxes, but your properties are also worth more money.

The water and sewer. I think we need to go back to a metered system, a system that's fair to all residents. Why should a single mother that lives on one side of the street pay the exact same amount of money for someone that lives across the street with six people and have a pool, perhaps? Metering may not be the answer, but without a metered system or without a fair system, we absolutely are not thinking about conservation.

The roads. Back when I was mayor in 2004, we had a comprehensive paving program. We need to go back to that. We need to develop a five-year plan. We need to stick to that. And it's not just about asphalt. It's about the infrastructure underneath the ground. I've seen too many roads paved here, and six months to a year later, they're torn up because there's a water break.

 I respect Mayor Jones the same as I respect every mayor before or after me. I remember the Ron Moffatts, the Harold Culberts, the Jim Andows, the Clara Moffatts, the Randy Leonard, and the Arthur Slips. Each and every one of those mayors did the job because they love Woodstock, and they did the best job they could under the Municipalities Act and with good fiscal management. I ask for your support on May 11th.

Thank you.

*copy of speech script

Good evening everyone!

My name is May Atkinson, and I’m proud to be running as your Ward 1 Councillor. I was raised in Jackson Falls and have called Richmond Corner home for over 40 years. This isn’t just where I live—it’s my home, my community, and where my heart is.

For more than 30 years, I’ve been actively volunteering with the Richmond Corner Recreation Centre—helping with early morning breakfasts, tractor pulls, and organizing  fundraisers and helping families when they need it most. I also continue to serve as secretary. That’s who I am—I show up, I pitch in, and I care.

I also had the honour of serving as Chair for the LSD of Richmond during the amalgamation, making sure our community had a voice during an important time of change.

Today, I continue to give back as Secretary on the Carleton Funeral Home Board and the First Eel River Lake Association. In my current role at Woodstock Family Medicine, I see firsthand the challenges  individuals are facing, especially when it comes to healthcare. I understand the growing healthcare needs in Woodstock and surrounding communities and how important it is that people feel supported, heard, and cared for.

I’ve also spent five years working closely with our former MLA and Premier—helping people navigate systems, access resources, and get results. That experience has given me strong connections and a clear understanding of how to make things happen.

I’m running because I believe in Ward 1—in our people, our families, our seniors, and our future. You deserve someone who listens, someone who speaks up, and someone who will stand strong for you at the council table. That’s exactly what I will do. What I bring to this role is a practical, hands-on approach shaped by real experience—I know how decisions impact people in real life, and I know how to turn concerns into action.

I don’t just talk about showing up—I’ve spent decades doing it.

So when you head to the polls, I’d be honoured to have your support. Because this isn’t about a seat at the table —- it’s about making sure your voice is heard at that table!And I will be that voice.

Thank you 

*copy of speech script

Good evening. Thank you for being here tonight. I am Michael Martin, Town Councilor in Ward 1. As a lifelong resident of Belleville, it has been a privilege to serve on Town Council for the last three and a half years.

I am proud to be part of this community, a place where people look out for one another, work hard, and care deeply about our shared future. With the amalgamation of Woodstock, I did not know what to expect, but I took the risk. As I stand before you tonight, I consider myself a fish out of water. This is not me. I'm not political. I'm not that guy to stand here and talk about my accomplishments. I'm just not that guy to campaign.  I'm just a country boy at heart that will give you an honest day's work and be back tomorrow to do it again.

With my volunteer experience and over 20 years of being self-employed, I understand what it means to work hard and to manage challenges. It takes thick skin to run a business in a small town, and it takes much thicker skin to serve as a Town Councilor.  Every decision will be scrutinized and misunderstood when people question your motives, challenge your integrity, and hold you accountable. You also need a strong heart, a clear mind, and a genuine commitment to serve, because this is what truly makes a difference.

At the end of the day, this is a job, not volunteer. It comes with a lot of responsibility and decision-making. While it's impossible to make decisions that everyone will agree upon, please know I do not make any decision lightly. I take this job more seriously than my own business. Why? Because Council decisions affect a community of taxpayers. 

As a member of the Finance Committee, I want to ensure transparency, accountability, and making careful decisions about where every dollar goes.

 As Election Day approaches, I encourage you to vote for the person who will make the right decisions based on what our town needs, and not what is best for the person you vote in. This isn't about me, this is about us. It's about ensuring our municipality continues to grow in a way that supports families, strengthens local business, and creates opportunities for future generations.

I remain dedicated and more committed in an effort to making our community stronger. I value opportunity, fairness, and the progress we have made. From another well, to securing land for protected services buildings, just to name a few, as well as creating partnerships with different levels of government, and so much more!

Let's continue moving one step forward. Thank you.

*copy of speech script

Ladies and gentlemen, friends and neighbours,

Thank you for being here tonight. My name is Will Belyea, and I’m proud to stand before you as your candidate for Ward 2. I’ve lived and raised my family in Bedell for over 17 years and I have lived and worked my entire life in Woodstock. I have a wonderful career as an Educational Assistant at WHS. 

I volunteer as a coach in local youth sports and currently sit on the Union Negotiations Committee on council. I’ve also sat on the Sports Wall of Fame and Planning Advisory Committees during my time on council.

My platform is built on 4 clear priorities that will make a real difference:

First, responsible infrastructure and smart growth. We need be proactive about safe roads in Ward 2, I will continue to liaise and push for targeted repairs and maintenance with DTI road supervisors and ensure snow & ice removal remain a priority and continues to improve in all areas of the ward. I also support police expansion for increased safety measures in Ward 2.
Second, stronger support for local businesses. Our small businesses are the heart of our economy. I will work to promote our downtown, local markets and all businesses.

Third, I support growth for better parks, playgrounds and upgrades to current recreational facilities and programs. Active lifestyles through recreation is paramount to a healthy community of all ages.
Finally, fiscal accountability and community voice. I believe in open government. That means live-streamed meetings, clear budgets published online, and real consultation before decisions are made. 

We will protect our green spaces, plan responsibly, and navigate provincial tax reform with respect to municipal growth. I’m a neighbour who shows up, listens, and gets things done. I will fight for practical solutions that put our community first.

Together, we can build a municipality that is prosperous, welcoming, and proud. On election day, I humbly ask for your vote so we can keep moving forward together.

Thank you.

*transcribed speech

Hello Woodstock. Thank you very much for coming out tonight, and I have to tell you I am so excited to be offering for Ward 2. But I'm not a local. I've only been here for six years, so I'm going to tell you a little bit about me.

 My legal career began in a courtroom in Ontario as a clerk and a registrar, quickly morphed into secondements in victim witness in the Crown's office. After that, I had my own paralegal business, which serves Central and Northern Ontario. It was then that I was recruited by a local college to run their Justice Department and was offered the opportunity to create the paralegal curriculum for Everest Canada. 

The bulk of my career has been in regulatory law and compliance and enforcement. Whether I was interpreting legislation for professional misconduct or fitness to practice, or working as a hearings officer for property tax appeals, it has always involved providing an accurate interpretation of the governing legislation and bylaws. 

Some of you may also be surprised to know that I spent eight years as a long haul truck driver, with three of those years in the Yukon.  I learned a very valuable lesson while I was there. The sacrifices that the families and the challenges that they face in that industry, and how their municipalities, and this is important, face the logistical challenges of providing emergency services that Woodstock is now facing. And they found workable solutions without tax hikes. 

So I believe that I can bring some of these very well-rounded skills to Council, and be a reliable, principled advocate for the people of Woodstock and the people of Ward 2. So I hope that you can trust me to be there and be an advocate.

Thank you very much for coming.

*copy of speech script

Good evening, for those of you who don't know me, my name is Cathy Davies. 

I feel that this knowledge of healthcare would be very valuable to Town Council. I also worked as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner RN, which gave me experience in caring for those who were victims of domestic violence. Working at New Brunswick Nurses Union gave me many skills in clear, concise communication skills and reporting back to members in a timely manner, skills I feel that local leaders should have. I was part of the negotiation team for the past two contracts for over 7,000 nurses.

If elected, I would advocate strongly for after-hours clinics, increase in mental health support, and aid in developing plans so seniors can stay in their homes longer.

I believe in transparency with decisions on how tax dollars are being spent, citizens need to have all the information readily available to them to review prior to decision-making and voting. All committees need to be divided equally between the councillors and the CAO have the same duties for a part time mayor and a full time mayor, saving the mayor time.

As well the downtown area needs to have upgrades done to make it wheelchair accessible, a project that when promoting tourism would be beneficial. Woodstock is a historical town nestled in the valley of the St. John River. My vision is to maintain the history while promoting new business and growth.

 In closing, I'd be honored to follow in my father's footsteps, the late James Cluff, and give back to the community as he did.

Thank you for your time.

*transcribed speech

Good evening everybody. I'd like to start off by saying thank you to everyone for coming out and engaging with such an important election.

It really speaks to the kind of community that we have. We're fortunate to live in such a wonderful place and it's great to see so many people who care about its future.  So thank you all for being here tonight.

Living in Carleton County most of my life, aside from leaving to get an education, I've always been committed to this area and the people who call it home. Woodstock isn't just where I live, it's where I've built my life, raised my family and stayed actively involved in the community.

Family is very important to me and like many of you, I think often about the next generation. About what kind of town we're leaving for them and how we can continue to make Woodstock a place people have to call home. Over the past while I've listened to many people across Ward 3 and beyond.  I've heard their concerns about growth, services and making sure our community continues to move forward in a responsible way.

I've also heard a lot of great ideas and that's something that I value. With over 30 years as an entrepreneur, I bring practical, real world experience. I understand how to solve problems, make decisions and be accountable for results.

I've also had the opportunity to work for many community projects over the years with different levels of government. And I know how important it is to collaborate and find common ground. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves, I'm a keen negotiator, a go-getter and someone who believes in putting in the work to get things done.

I'm committed to smart, balanced growth, making sure we support development while it also protects services and being fiscally responsible.  I truly believe we have an opportunity to turn today's challenges into real progress and build an even stronger community together. Let's respect our past, learn from it and work hard for the future.

Ward 3, make your vote count for commitment, leadership and results. Thank you.

*transcribed speech

I have 36 plus years in municipal government ranging from a recreation director, director of programs and services, to director of public works, to chief administrative officer here at Woodstock.  I moved on to do some work in provincial government in consulting and I also did some work in local government reform.

Now, am I coming here to be the CEO? Absolutely not. Am I coming here because I live in this community and I'm going to stay in this community?  Absolutely yes.

Am I going to bring some skills that I gained over the years to help with decisions around the council table and contribute where I can, but also realizing I have to understand and know my role's responsibilities as a council person and each and every staff member needs to know their responsibilities and mayor and council need to know their responsibilities. And I can say one thing and on May 11th, if you take the time to put a check on my name, I can guarantee you one thing, that what's happening at the council table, which is public knowledge, will continue to be public knowledge.

And we've got to remember the town council office is the people's office. It's the people paying the taxpayers in this town, the loans that office and all the facilities like this lovely facility we're in here tonight. And I'm looking forward at my ripe age of 65 to contribute to this town for many years to come. I have no intention of leaving. I thought I was going to leave. It lasted five months. I went to Labrador and I came back with a suntan for skidooing. So, what can you say?

Anyhow, I'm looking forward to working with the people of Woodstock. I know you don't know me very well, but the one thing you could be guaranteed, I will always do what's best for this town.

Have a great evening. Take care and God bless.

*copy of speech script

Fellow citizens, first of all, I would like to acknowledge my wife, Carolyn, for standing behind me and supporting me through this campaign. It hasn't been easy, but I'm very grateful to have her.

 Good evening, my name is Jeff Bradbury, and I'm running for re-election in Ward 4. My community involvement includes Woodstock Fire Department, Relay for Life, Rotary Club, Ribfest, and I help out with Salvation Army Kettles at Christmas time.

I have roughly 14 years of council experience, and I have enjoyed every year. Over the years, I have developed a good understanding of how a municipality works. Now, to be honest, I don't have all the answers, but that is when I put my hand up to ask the question for clarity on a subject.

I am proud of the work that we have done over the last three and a half, four years. Everything from the middle school being re-renovated, the home hardware building being turned into apartments. We've also made key investments in our utilities department, police department, and fire department.

We've dealt with some very difficult and complex decisions, which we have faced head-on. But that's where our Mayor Jones comes into play. Where she does a lot of the research and gets the answers and does the hard work, and we are very grateful for that. And she presents clear and concise facts to council. 

So in closing, I'm asking for your continued support for another four years. It is something that I take very seriously, and I don't take it for granted. I am humbly asking for your support on May 11th. Thank you for your time today.

*copy of speech script

Good evening, my name is Norm Brown, and I am employed as the Sheriff for the Judicial District of Woodstock. I am a candidate for ward 4, I have been on Council since June 2021. I am not a public speaker, and I am not one who likes to self-promote.  What I am though is a community volunteer.  From the Richmond corner preschool, scouts Canada, minor hockey and several other community groups. I believe if you ask anyone who I have worked with, they will say I was a dedicated volunteer

I am asking you again to allow me to represent ward four with the Woodstock Town Council. With Mayor Jones’ leadership we made hard decisions, updated bylaws and moved projects forward The new firehall is in the design and engineering phase. The Deakin drive walking path is close to having machines moving dirt. The housing hub development on Deakin is also moving forward.

We have spent considerable time and money on our utilities. We have been running off one well far too long. Our new well three will be coming online soon and staff have been able to locate and GPS all the valves throughout ward four that control water flow. This means now a water break affects a small area rather than a whole street. The unusable Grafton well that we inherited is now the subject of a Court action and we will ensure that the process is transparent so citizens can know what has happened with this file.

I have been very proud of the work our council has done with Woodstock’s nonprofit groups. We have all volunteered for many community events such as the Snowmobile races, old home week events, parades and more. We are not just there; we are working at these events.  We now have agreements with many of our partners, including Maritime Harness Racing, which ensures harness racing stays in Woodstock. We have provided funding for capital purchases for our nonprofit partners so they can continue their community work.

I believe we have made Woodstock a better place to live, work and play, and I am asking for your support to help keep Woodstock moving forward.

*copy of speech script

Good evening, everyone. Thank you for being here.

I’m running for council to give back to the community, and to offer experience and commitment to our town. I moved to Woodstock in 1992 to serve with the Canada Border Services Agency. Over a 36-year career, I led large teams and managed multimillion-dollar budgets. I learned how to deliver results with integrity and, most importantly, accountability.

My family and I have been proud members of this community for over 30 years. Today, I serve as President of the Woodstock Housing Commission, where I work firsthand to provide affordable housing for local families.

Every community is facing challenges, amalgamation being one of them, we have a unique opportunity to grow—but we must ensure we grow in the right way, we need to ensure we are efficiently improving services, while building a sustainable tax base.

For me, leadership is about balance: delivering the services you rely on while respecting every taxpayer dollar. That starts with the essentials. Good roads, reliable water, and strong emergency services. We must get the "must-haves" right first. But a community also needs "heart." That means investing wisely in recreation, public spaces, and the local non-profits that make Woodstock a place we are proud to call home.

I believe in a long-term approach. I will support decisions that stand the test of time. Thoughtful planning - finding efficiencies - working with our partners to maximize resources before asking more from taxpayers. Growth is part of the solution. Responsible development will strengthen our tax base and help ease the financial burden on residents.

Most importantly, I will listen. You deserve to know where your money is going and why decisions are being made. My commitment is simple: plan ahead, spend wisely, and build a unified community.

To close, I want to thank my family, volunteers, and supporters. I also want to thank my fellow candidates for their commitment to making Woodstock a better place.

I ask for your support on election day. Thank you.

*copy of speech script

Good evening, everyone, I’d like to recognize the other candidates who are also running—putting your name forward takes commitment, and it speaks to how much people care about our community.

Serving as Town Clerk from November 2022 to April 2025 was a privilege. It gave me the opportunity to work closely with Council, staff, and residents, and to see firsthand how decisions are made. I have been asked if that experience is why I’m running—and the answer is yes.

What I saw were not just the challenges, but the potential. I saw how individuals, from different backgrounds and experiences, came together around the Council table to make decisions for this community. When collaboration is done well, it’s incredibly powerful—and I would like to be part of it.

Throughout this campaign, I have heard how much people care about Ward 4—about strong neighbourhoods, reliable services, and thoughtful growth that protects what makes Woodstock feel like home.

You will hear all of us talk this evening about our experiences, transparency, and responsible financial management—and those things matter. But I encourage you to speak with each candidate, ask questions, and understand their perspectives. Because a Council table is only as effective as the people around it, working together on behalf of all residents.

I have also heard that I am known for being quiet—and that’s fair. I listen first as I believe that good leadership starts with listening.  But I want to be clear: if I am elected, I will be a strong and steady voice at the Council table—speaking up when it matters and advocating for you.

My goal is simple: to ensure that Woodstock’s future reflects your priorities. That means transparent decision-making, open communication, meaningful opportunities for residents to be heard, and being responsible with your tax dollars.

At the end of the day, this campaign is about you—your voice, your priorities, and your vision for Ward 4.

I would be honoured to earn your support. Thank you

*transcribed speech

Good evening, everyone.

First of all, I'd like to thank all of you for taking the time out of your evening to come meet all of us candidates running for council as well as the three mayors running in this year's election. My name is Leslie Ann Hawkes, and I am running for town councillor in Ward 4. I'm the daughter of Stephen and Ann Hawkes, who taught me morals, integrity, and respect.

I was raised most of my life in Nackawic until almost eight years ago when I decided to relocate to Woodstock. This town has so much community spirit and services. I am so glad to finally call it my home.

My friends would describe me as easy to talk to, honest to a fault, and how I always put others before myself. Three words came to mind when I decided to run for council: Transparency, equality, and voices being heard.

I say what I mean, and I mean what I say. I believe every resident, whether wealthy or poor, deserves to be treated with respect and always be informed when decisions are being made.  Bylaws are put into effect for all to follow.

I'd also love to see an after-hours clinic here in town, as so many do not have a doctor like myself or the money to travel to Waterville.  I'd also love to see a 48-hour rule and an open-door policy. This means if any resident calls or emails the CEO, Mayor, or council members, that they will hear back from who they have contacted within a 48-hour period.

An open-door policy is that if the Mayor, CEO, or Councillors are not busy at that moment, that the doors remain open so the public can feel welcomed and heard when coming to the town.  We need residents to feel their voices matter. After the speeches are done, please feel free to approach me with any questions, concerns, as well as ideas you may have.

I welcome it. Thank you for your time, and I promise I will be your voice, and you will be heard. Thank you, and have a great evening.

*copy of speech script

Hello everyone and welcome, it is truly inspiring to see this many people here tonight.

My name is Christa McCartney. I am running for re-election in Ward 4 which is the old town boundaries. I've had the privilege of serving on council for the past three and a half years. We've put in a lot of work, a lot of time, a lot of love into this community and have seen a lot of progress. We’ve prioritized improvements for our water, our sewer and our roads but we've also brought in a lot of focus on our citizens: youth, families and seniors. Getting everyone together as a community. Valuing community first.

Why am I running? For the same reason I did before, to give back to the community in which I was born and raised. I'm a local business owner and have a retail store. I have a vested in the success of this community. So on a daily basis, I am a holistic nutritionist and a naturopath. I get to help improve everyone's health and happiness. Supporting economic growth while preserving our heritage. I love our town's history and sit on the board of the Carleton County Historical Society.

Promoting active transportation to get more people out and to make it easier to access our facilities and trails. Improving the quality of life for all citizens. Dedicated to fostering a safe, active and healthy Woodstock.

My husband and I have lived in Woodstock for most of our lives and are currently raising our son to enjoy the same experiences. We spend a lot of time in this beautiful facility (Ayr Motor Centre), especially the arena. I am truly rooted in this community.

Communities in Bloom is a new initiative that we have brought to Town. It emphasizes environmental stewardship by enhancing our natural spaces through people, plants, and community. Our volunteer commitee invites businesses and residents to showcare a specific colour theme each year. This year's colour is yellow! Some choose potted plants, planting flowers and even window paintings. We engage community groups and provide free vegetable and herb seeds. Last year we partnered with the Calreton Manor for a planting event and the residents enjoyed fresh produce in their own garden. This is another way that we can plant roots in community and see them grow.

I look forward to your support when you go to the polls, and have a good evening. Let's keep moving forward. Thank you.

*transcribed speech

Good evening everyone, thank you all for coming. I’m seeing a lot of familiar faces out there. My name is Mark Rogers, I'm proud to be a lifelong resident of this municipality. I was Deputy Mayor, for the last three and a half years. It’s been a true honour to be Mayor Jones wing man, she is full of dedication, huge heart, great knowledge and has been a true inspiration to our whole council. 

My wife Twyla and I, have three businesses here in town, we raised three children here in town, and now we're on our first lovely grand-daughter who is the true apple of my eye.

I'm a family-oriented person, and those guys shape everything I do, both personally and in public service. I believe in hard work, reliability, and commitment. I built my reputation on being someone people can trust, someone who is loyal, dependable, and will listen.

In every election, at every level of government, we hear the same words: transparency and accountability, and they are important. They are the foundation of good leadership. As council members, we have a responsibility to be open, to share information, to make decisions in the best interest of our community.

However, I also believe that true progress is a two-way street. Strong communities are built when citizens stay engaged, when people ask questions, seek out the facts, and take part in respectful and informed conversations. We all play a role in making our municipality better.

Throughout my time serving, I've always taken a common-sense approach. That means listening carefully, weighing the options, and making decisions that are fair and balanced for everyone, not just a few, but all citizens. This also means sometimes making tough decisions with a focus on what's right for the long term, not just the short term.

I understand the importance of growth and moving forward, but I also respect the values and traditions that make our community what it is. Finding that balance is key. At the end of the day, this role is about service. It's about putting the needs of the community first, being accountable for decisions, and continuing to work with the people who call this place home. I'm extremely proud of the work the Mayor and Council have accomplished over the last three and a half years. 

 I'm asking for your support so I can continue to bring that steady, honest, and practical approach to the council table.

Thank you.

*transcribed speech

My name is Susan Ryan, for those of you who don't know me. And I'm running for council in Ward 4 because I care deeply about Woodstock and the future that we're going to try and build together here.  I worked for 32 years at the Royal Bank. I have financial background.

I have financial planning, customer service, the ability to understand and communicate with people is very, very important. And I was also Stuart Fairgrave's constituency assistant when he was the MLA here.  So I've had lots of feeling with government Services and Government Programs.

This community has been my home and I want to see it to grow, progress and prosper and create new opportunities for families, businesses and young people. Over the past year, developments in my own neighborhood have made something very clear to me. The business of our town works best when residents are informed, engaged and able to participate in open and respectful public dialogue. People want to understand what is happening in their community and know that their voices matter. That experience is one of the reasons that I have decided to step forward as a candidate.

If elected, I intend to make listening a priority. I want to understand the concerns that residents have about their security, their neighborhoods and their quality of life. Good decisions come from hearing different perspectives and taking the time to understand how policies and developments affect people in their daily lives.

Woodstock is in a period of transition. Our town is growing, welcoming more citizens and becoming a larger and more dynamic community. That growth brings opportunity, but it also requires careful planning and thoughtful leadership.

I am committed to helping make this transition work well for everyone, long-term residents and newcomers alike. I believe in steady progress, respectful dialogue and responsible decision making. Most of all, I believe in Woodstock, in its people, its potential and its future.

I am honored to represent you as a town councillor and have your support on May 11. 

Thank you very much.

*copy of speech script

10 point in 2 minutes - Lets Go!

One, I'm Arthur Slipp, and I'm re-offering for council because I'm focused on the future, and I've had a passion for municipal politics.

Two, I've demonstrated leadership, relevant experience, a wide-ranging knowledge base, and valuable personality traits to the council table. 

Three, the top three priorities are health care, financial oversight, and economic development. I understand the importance of agriculture, industry, the trucking industry, and our rural lifestyle in contributing to our overall regional economic prosperity.

 Five, there is never enough money or resources to do everything a council would like to do, so setting and maintaining clear priorities is the major challenge.

Six, our tax rate must remain affordable for our residents and businesses, and our water and sewer utility must remain safe.

 Seven, my personal traits are helpful, and some aren’t. I'm approachable, inclusive, good listener, positive attitude, a great sense of humor, low stress, the ability to keep calm while meeting the challenge at hand. 

Eight, being retired allows me to devote time to lots of behind-the-scenes work, to attend lots of community events, and most importantly, to be available and easily accessible to you.

Nine, two minutes isn't enough time to do more than introduce myself to those of you who may not know you, so please come to my table for a copy of the River Valley Sun Q&A coming out next week,  plus copies of my responses to the Woodstock Police Force Survey and the Support for Young People, Minorities, and Diversity Survey.

Ten, I look forward to working tirelessly for the betterment of our community and to shaping the future together.

Thanks for your rapt attention.

*transcribed speech

Good evening.

I'd like to thank all the attendees, members of council, and the fellow candidates for being here tonight. My name is Robin Antworth and I'm running for town council in Ward 5. I was born and raised in Rosedale.

Over the years I owned a home in Grafton and now live in East Newbridge. Where I raised my three kids, I worked as a livestock breeder, a pasture farmer, and I'm also a provincial employee driving a school bus for Anglophone West. I'm someone who will answer your calls, listen to your concerns, and make sure every message, whether it's a call or email, will be returned. Being accessible and accountability matters to me.

There are more important issues facing our community.  A strong commitment to our roads and our working residents should not just pay $1,000 on road repairs just to pass inspections. We need to ask, how do we keep taxes low while still delivering services to our people who rely on [us], while continuing to bring a positive and welcoming experience to the visitors of our town. Health care is another priority.  We need to work together to establish a walk-in clinic to not only attract nurse practitioners and doctors to our town, but ensure better support for those facing mental health challenges.

I look forward to working with the town to help put the first back in to run the first town.  I was sincerely honored to serve you as Councillor for Ward 5. Thank you for your time and your vote.

*copy of speech script

Hi, my names is Keith Bull, I am a retired police officer with 35 years of service. I started my career in St . George, then Woodstock and ending my career with the Department of Justice and Public Safety. Woodstock has always been home—I was born and raised here, raised my own family here, and now I’m blessed to watch most of my children raise their families here as well.

Throughout my life I have always been actively involved in the community either at work or as a volunteer. I have often thought that when I retired I might consider a term on Council. After careful consideration and discussion with my wife I have decided to run.

What can I offer Council?

In less than 8 months, the Woodstock Police will be policing Ward 5. I expect that when this takes place there will be challenges along the way. With my extensive background in policing I am sure that I can provide insight at the Council table when needed.

As for other challenges and complicated issues, I will always keep an open mind, apply good judgement and speak up when necessary. While on the campaign trail the most common complaint with residents is the rising cost of property tax since the amalgamation and the tax payers are concerned.

The concept of amalgamation is a good thing as it brings us together and provides an opportunity for growth. But the spending needs to be at a pace that our taxpayers can afford. In closing I would like to say that I have a lot to learn but I am up to the challenge and I will work hard, if elected.

Thank you.

*copy of speech script

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and Welcome!

For those of you who don`t know me, my name is Lorne Leech. I am re-offering for the Ward 5 Council seat for the municipality of Woodstock. Grafton is my home and where I`ve resided my whole life. It`s where I raised my family and have operated my cabinet business for over 26 years.

I am in the community daily and have a great opportunity to interact with residents.  I listen to any concerns and suggestion they have and am happy to bring them to the council table. I have known most of the people within my community for a long time and I feel they trust me to be their voice. 

Some of the things that I stand for are:

• Economic Development; encouraging new businesses to put down roots within the community and supporting existing businesses.
• Housing; working with developers and stakeholders to address the housing shortage.
• Roads; They are a hot topic everywhere and are in desperate need of repair in most areas. Our current council is in talks with the Province to allow us to do more of the workload with the municipality.

Woodstock is growing in leaps and bounds, and I feel it is important to keep up with the needs of a rapidly growing community. Smart, though out plans put in place now will help shape the future of our Municipality.

Woodstock has been fortunate to have a like-minded and ambitious council who’s only agenda was progress, despite facing many challenges with the new amalgamation.

We are at a crossroad right now and I challenge voters to look at the big picture and vote responsibly!  Let’s keep moving forward.

Thank you!