As part of the Ranch’s ongoing municipal election coverage, The Ranch Newsroom reached out to each candidate via email provided in their registered nomination.
In North Perth, Todd Kasenberg did not seek re-election who will retire giving way for Doug Kellum to become the next Mayor as he went unopposed.
There also is no race in the Elma Ward as Dave Johnston, David Ludington and Randy Eby will claim the seats.
Included is candidates, more about them as well as issues and accomplishments locally.
This article could see additions up to election day as candidates return their email to the newsroom.
The municipal election in North Perth is October 26th.
Deputy Mayor
Matthew Duncan
1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
I’m Matthew Duncan. I’ve lived in Atwood my whole life and went to Listowel District Secondary School. I own and operate Duncan Wildlife Control, a local trade business that has me working with homeowners and farm families across the region every week.
I’ve served on North Perth Council for 16 years, currently as the Elma Ward Councillor. For eight of those years I was North Perth’s representative at Perth County Council. I’ve also spent 16 years on the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Board and eight years on the Perth County Land Division Committee, holding positions of Chair and Vice-Chair on both. I’m a certified Municipal Drainage Superintendent, and I’ve served on the Municipal Drains Committee and the North Perth Library Subcommittee.
I’ve raised four daughters here in North Perth. My hope is that once they finish their education, they’ll come back to live and raise their own families here. I want North Perth to be the kind of place where young people can build their futures, and that’s a big part of why I’m running.
2. In this last term of council, what accomplishments are you proud of?
I’m especially proud of two decisions council made this term. The first was donating land to help Community Living North Perth build a 15-unit supported housing complex. It gives people in our community a safe, supportive place to call home, and it shows what we can do when the municipality and local organizations work together.
The second was the Servicing Master Plan. It’s not the most exciting topic, but it matters. As North Perth grows, the plan helps make sure our water, wastewater and other infrastructure keep pace, so growth happens in the right places and doesn’t leave taxpayers with surprises down the road.
Good results come from doing the homework, listening to residents and working with colleagues around the table, and that’s the approach I’ve brought to every term.
3. What needs to be addressed in North Perth?
Over the last four years, the concern I’ve heard most often from residents is affordability. Families, seniors on fixed incomes, farmers and small business owners are all feeling the pressure, and property taxes are part of that. As Deputy Mayor, I’ll push for careful management of every tax dollar, a clear look at what we’re spending and why, and budgets that focus on what residents actually need.
The second issue is our aging infrastructure. Like many rural municipalities, North Perth has roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, and drains that will need replacing in the years ahead. We can’t do it all at once, and we shouldn’t try. I want a realistic, phased plan that tackles the most urgent needs first, spreads the costs out sensibly, and avoids sudden tax spikes.
The two go hand in hand. Keeping North Perth affordable means planning ahead rather than reacting, so that young people, including my own daughters, can afford to build their futures here.
4. What are the best ways to contact you?
I’m happy to talk with anyone, so please reach out anytime:
• Phone: 519-580-4808
• Email: duncanwildlifecontrol@gmail.com
• Facebook: Matthew Duncan for Deputy Mayor of North Perth
——
Allan Rothwell
1.) Tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up, education, work etc. Anything you’d like to share with the public about yourself or the community
Born and raised in Stratford, I’ve lived most of my life in Perth County. Twenty-nine years ago, my wife Nancy and I moved to North Perth, where we raised our four children on our family farm.
I’ve had the privilege of serving our community through the Elma School Council, Elma Soccer, Minor Hockey in Listowel and Milverton, the International Plowing Matches, our church in Stratford, and the United Housing Capital Campaign Committee.
For eight years, I’ve had the honor of serving on Council. I show up prepared for meetings, listen to your concerns, and bring community matters forward to make responsible decisions. My work on municipal committees includes the Mayor’s Affordable Housing Task Force, Sourcewater Protection, the Bluewater Recycling Association, Court of Revision for Municipal Drains, Parks and Recreation Committee, and the Perth County Municipal Association.
Beyond my Council experience, I’ve dedicated my career to local government. I hold a degree from the School of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Waterloo, completed the Municipal Administration Program, and earned an Executive Diploma in Municipal Management. I put those qualifications into practice over 32 years in municipal service—including 27 years with the Perth County Planning Department. I have a comprehensive understanding of the operations, challenges, and opportunities facing North Perth and Perth County.
2.) In this last term of council, what are some accomplishments you’re proud of to see in the chambers?
Some accomplishments I am proud to see happen in this term of council:
On February 28, 2025 the Memorial Arena Park was opened to pay tribute to the eight lives lost when the arena collapsed on February 28, 1959. The community was engaged throughout the design process, and raised most of the funds, thanks to the work of the MAP’59 committee, that was dedicated to fundraising, community outreach and education;
Council has planned for and commenced construction on the Northeast Development lands (Wallace Ave. N.) providing municipal water, sewer, and stormwater management services to allow for new highway commercial and industrial development on municipally owned lands, and allow for residential and a possible new school on privately owned lands to the east. This important project is a key to ensuring the continued responsible growth in our community.
Council played a part in the redevelopment of the former Diana Sweets Restaurant building by United Housing (United Way Perth-Huron) a restaurant and community hub and access centre for social services locally, in addition to transforming the upper floor into 10 affordable housing units; and Lastly, I’m gratified that the Council has worked well together over the last 8 years making decisions for our community. Different opinions are expressed and discussed in a respectful manner.
3.) Over the last 4 years (or more) what are things within North Perth you’ve seen that need to be addressed that you hope can be if elected as Deputy Mayor?
Firstly, over the last number of years, the County of Perth has requested that the Province require the Separated Town of St. Marys and the Separated City of Stratford to reinstate financial contributions to the County for the building and maintenance of County Roads. In 1996, the Province disbanded Suburban Road Commissions and the requirements that Separated Towns and Cities contribute financially to the upkeep of County Roads outside of their borders. As a result, Perth County is one of the only Counties in Ontario that has had to absorb these costs alone.
The City of Stratford has Annexation Agreements with the County over the past 30 years that require the City to make payments to the County for the loss of property tax revenue. These are not payments for County Road maintenance. The Town of St. Marys no longer compensates the County for maintenance of County Roads. Neither Stratford nor St. Marys pay a penny towards the maintenance of County Roads.
I believe that most members of the public are unaware of this situation and how it has negatively impacted the County’s ability to provide services to its residents over the last 30 years. I will advocate that the County educate the public regarding this matter which I believe is completely unfair to the County and its residents. The Province needs to rectify this unjust situation.
Why does this matter? The County Official Plan projects North Perth to continue to grow and will accommodate most of the County’s residential, commercial and industrial growth. North Perth needs the County to be able to assist in the servicing of responsible growth and development in our community. If the County has the funds it should, perhaps it would be able to be a partner in the development of the Listowel Bypass.
Secondly, I believe that we should plan to construct Phase 1 of the Listowel By-pass as outlined in our recently completed Transportation Master Plan (east and southeast of Listowel). I believe that this $15 million project will only commence once partnerships and commitments from Perth County and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation are in place. A Bypass has been discussed for decades – it is time to take the first step in making it a reality.
Lastly, the Municipality has an Asset Management Plan which is a guide to plan and budget for continual upgrades to the infrastructure in our community. Growth pays for growth related capital costs through Development Charges which are collected and used to help pay for services in North Perth. We need to continue to collect Development Charges so that the current population is not subsidizing the costs of new development.
4.) For those who want to contact you, what are the best ways to do so?
Email: allanfrothwell @gmail.com
Telephone 519 291-9898
Facebook Allan Rothwell for North Perth Deputy Mayor
Listowel Ward
Neil Anstett
1) Tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up, education, work etc. Anything you’d like to share with the public about yourself or the community.
My name is Neil Anstett, and since 2018, it has been my privilege to serve as a North Perth Councillor representing the Listowel Ward. I grew up in Pinkerton, Ontario, a small village near Walkerton in Bruce County, alongside my younger brother and sister. From an early age, my parents taught us the importance of volunteering, giving back, and leaving our community better than we found it. Those values have stayed with me throughout my life and continue to guide my approach to public service today.
After graduating from high school, I attended Wilfrid Laurier University, where I earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2010. Since then, I have built a career in Human Resources, working in the nuclear, mining, and manufacturing sectors. Today, I serve as a Human Resources Manager for a large manufacturing company in Wellington County.
My wife Amelia and I moved to Listowel in 2015 and have proudly called North Perth home ever since. Together, we are raising our three children, Everett (8), Duncan (5), and Meredith (2). Like many young families, our lives revolve around school activities, sports, and community events, which gives me a strong appreciation for the programs, services, and opportunities that make North Perth such a great place to live.
Community involvement has always been important to me. Over the years, I have volunteered at my children’s school, at our church, and as a coach and supporter of local sports. I currently serve on both the Listowel Jr. B Cyclones Executive and the Listowel Minor Hockey Executive, organizations that play an important role in the lives of many local families.
North Perth has provided tremendous opportunities for my family, and I am proud to give back through community involvement and public service. It has been an honour to serve on Council, and I remain committed to helping ensure North Perth continues to be a vibrant, welcoming, and prosperous community for current and future generations.
2.) In this last term of council, what are some accomplishments you’re proud of to see in the chambers?
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of from this term is how Council worked to prepare North Perth for growth while maintaining the quality of life that makes our community special. We adopted a new 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, strengthened our long-term infrastructure and asset management planning, and continued investing in the roads, water, wastewater, and community facilities needed to support a growing population. I’m also proud of the progress we’ve made in supporting housing and economic development. Council helped create the conditions for new residential growth, supported affordable housing initiatives, and continued to build on North Perth’s reputation as a leader in agriculture and manufacturing.
Finally, I believe we’ve improved transparency and accountability through initiatives like the Community Dashboard, which gives residents a clearer picture of municipal performance and progress toward our goals. While there is always more work to do, I am proud that this Council focused on making decisions that will benefit North Perth not just today, but for decades to come.
3.) Over the last 4 years (or more) what are things within North Perth you’ve seen that need to be addressed that you hope can be if re-elected?
The biggest issue I’ve witnessed over the last four years has been the challenge of keeping up with growth. North Perth continues to attract new residents, families, and businesses, which is a positive sign, but that growth brings increased demand for housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and recreation facilities. If re-elected, I want to focus on ensuring we can support that growth in a responsible and sustainable way while maintaining the small-town quality of life that residents value.
Access to healthcare remains a major concern for many residents, and I want to continue supporting physician recruitment and initiatives that strengthen local healthcare services. I also believe we need to keep investing in infrastructure, including roads, water and wastewater services, to ensure we are prepared not just for today’s needs but for the community we expect North Perth to become in the years ahead. As our population grows, I would also like to see continued investment in recreation and community amenities that support families, youth, and seniors. Whether it’s improving existing facilities or planning for future needs, these investments help make North Perth a community where people want to live and stay. Growth brings tremendous opportunities, but it also requires thoughtful planning and responsible decision-making. If re-elected, my goal is to build on the progress we’ve made, address these challenges proactively, and help ensure North Perth remains a welcoming, vibrant, and prosperous community for future generations.
4.) For those who want to contact you, what are the best ways to do so?
I always welcome the opportunity to hear from residents. The best way to reach me is by phone or text at 226-747-4885, or by email at neilanstett@gmail.com. I can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where I regularly share updates and engage with members of our community. One of the most important parts of serving on Council is listening to residents’ ideas, concerns, and feedback. Whether you have a question, a concern, or simply want to discuss an issue affecting North Perth, I encourage you to reach out.
Most importantly, I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote on October 26, 2026. I would be honoured to earn your support and the opportunity to continue serving the residents of North Perth and the Listowel Ward.
Matthew Richardson
1.) Tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up, education, work etc. Anything you’d like to share with the public about yourself or the community
I was born and raised in North Perth and has been a resident of this great community for over 55 years. I have recently retired from Home Hardware Stores Ltd. in St. Jacobs where I was employed there for over 34 years. I have proudly served on North Perth Council since 2010 as a Councillor in the Listowel Ward. In 2009, I retired from the North Perth Fire Service after 9 years of service at the Listowel Station as a volunteer firefighter. I have also volunteered to Emcee numerous events in Listowel, Including the Paddyfest Ambassador competition, The Hospice Spring Social, The Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and the Black Tie Bingo.
2.) In this last term of council, what are some accomplishments you’re proud of to see in the chambers?
I am very glad to see the progression of our Asset Management plan as it identifies infrastructure and their level of maintenance. I am also glad to see the North East development underway.
3.) Over the last 4 years (or more) what are things within North Perth you’ve seen that need to be addressed that you hope can be if re-elected?
We have experienced significant growth over the past number of years, and it is necessary to stabilize and focus on maintaining our infrastructure and core services. In these times of ever growing costs to everyone and overall affordability, it is critical to focus on the essential items affecting all of us. We need to responsibly grow into municipality we have become. With your support, it would be my privilege to represent you again as your Councillor in Listowel.
4.) For those who want to contact you, what are the best ways to do so?
Feel free to reach out to me anytime at matt.richardson@wightman.ca or call me at 519-291-7676
——–
Duane Duck
I am running as I feel I can bring a new perspective to Council because of my media and business background.
My three most important issues are
A. Healthcare – doctor recruitment and ensuring our emergency department is always open.
B. Population Growth – managing our growth to ensure we have the proper amount of resources to do so effectively.
C. Infrastructure – this ties into Population Growth. Ensure we have the right amount of recreation facilities, schools, social programs, etc.
We would need to first address where we are insufficient and then cost out what needs to be added. Then budget for what is needed.
———-
Teresa O’Reilly
1.) Tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up, education, work etc. Anything you’d like to share with the public about yourself or the community
I moved to Listowel 14 years ago looking for a change. I had spent part of my life near Aberfoyle and Mount Forest but mainly I had been in Guelph or K-W. I attended UoG majoring in history and sociology with plans to go to law school. Life took a turn and I ended up going to college for construction estimating. I have been working for a large RICI company in Waterloo for almost 10 years as a senior construction estimator.
Since moving to Listowel I have joined the Committee of Adjustment and the Property Standards Committee. I have been hosting a weekly volunteer music group for seniors and isolated individuals for a few years now and I have published my first fiction book, which can be found right here at our local library.
Recently I started weekly articles on topics related to municipal government and how it affects our daily lives, and when the weather is cooperative you can see me riding around town on my yellow Spyder with my canine companion.
2.) Over the last 4 years (or more) what are things within North Perth you’ve seen that need to be addressed that you hope can be if elected?
Over the course of my time here I have seen a few things that I feel really need to be addressed. I am concerned about the aging infrastructure and the plans to stay on top of repairs, upgrade and increase capacity. I want to see us address homelessness in a compassionate and meaningful way. I think we need to focus on responsible growth, affordable housing and better services for the community, ensuring that our downtown core and homegrown businesses continue to be the backbone.
3.) North Perth continues to grow, how do you feel about the continued population growth and developments being seen in the area?
I think we should be proud of the growth we have seen. Many small towns are shutting down or stagnating. When we grow, we know that we are prosperous. We just need to do it responsibly and ensure that we have the infrastructure in place to support continued growth. It’s a compliment to this town, not a burden.
4.) For those who want to contact you, what are the best ways to do so?
I am easily reached via email at teresaor@proton.me, by phone at 519-589-0277 or if you just want more information, you can check out my website at www.t-oreilly.ca where you can find a link to my Substack articles ( substack.com/@teresaor ) on things like property taxes and immigration and housing.
——
Michael Hodgkinson
1) Tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up, education, work etc. Anything you’d like to share with the public about yourself or the community.
I was very fortunate to grow up in Listowel and wherever life took me, North Perth was always home. As a teenager, I focused on helping others through sports, coaching, volunteering and working with people with special needs. With diplomas in business management and psychology, I enjoyed a progressive career in social services in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. After a significant house fire in 2002, I returned home to recover. The support that I received from our community deepened my commitment to serve others. I then earned a degree in education and taught in Taiwan, where I met my wife, Jessica.
I later worked as an Occasional Teacher for Avon Maitland while recovering from surgeries and caring for my father. After five years in Kuwait, where I created an international school for special needs children, Jessica and I settled on Argyle Avenue.
For the past 14 years, I have helped people build stable lives and find meaningful work through Partners in Employment, led the Rotary Club of Listowel and volunteered with organizations such as Salvation Army and North Perth Chamber of Commerce. I am seeking a seat on council in order to bring that experience and commitment to our community and help build a future that our youth can face with confidence and optimism.
2.) Over the last 4 years (or more) what are things within North Perth you’ve seen that need to be addressed that you hope can be if elected?
North Perth has done a respectable navigating the many challenges over the past four years. However, after talking with hundreds of residents over the past few months, there are some persistent concerns that deserve attention. These include a need for more creativity and community minded thinking regarding decisions about essential assets like the swimming pool and library, with greater focus on economic/business development and how to make North Perth more attractive to investors and visitors. There is also concern about the current levels of transparency/accountability, customer service and restrictive regulations. A general consensus is that greater focus and support is needed in the areas of attracting/retaining doctors and addressing community safety.
3.) North Perth continues to grow, how do you feel about the continued population growth and developments being seen in the area?
North Perth has seen unprecedented growth over the past few decades and there is a lot of pressure for this to continue. Growth can bring exciting opportunities. However, I feel that we are at a point where we need to assess whether we have sufficient assets, infrastructure and resources in order to move forward in a responsible way and then create a solid foundation upon which to responsibility grow.
3.) For those who want to contact you, what are the best ways to do so?
The best way to reach me is by cell (519-291-7807) or email (mike.hodgkinson@ymail.com). My FB profile is K. Michael Hodgkinson
——
Sarah Blazek
1.) Tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up, education, work etc.
My name is Sarah Blazek, and for the past four years, I have proudly served as a North Perth Councillor for Listowel Ward. I am a 41-year-old wife and mother, born and raised in North Perth. I own a home here with my husband of 19 years. Our two daughters go to school here, and my husband, Mirek, has worked for the same Listowel business for 24 years. We are invested in this community and its future.
In addition to being your municipal representative, I am a homemaker and a multidisciplinary freelance creative artist who turns ideas into visuals. I received my post-secondary education at Conestoga College in Medical Office Administration and obtained a Real Estate Sales Licence from the Ontario Real Estate College.
I am also a lifelong community volunteer, beginning in my early teens as a candy striper at Listowel Memorial Hospital. Since then, I have never not been volunteering in some capacity, and I can’t imagine a time in my life when I will ever stop being one of the much-needed volunteers in our community. I do this because I strongly believe that if you want to live in a great community, you have to help create a great community.
I also believe that it’s important to continue to see strong female leadership on Council—especially in small rural municipalities.
For four years, I have answered your phone calls and messages, listened to your concerns, and advocated for what is best for this municipality. I am financially prudent, solution-minded, and a critical thinker who is committed to understanding issues from the ground up. Every decision I have made on Council has been made with absolute integrity and this community’s best interests at heart. That is exactly what I will continue to do should this community put that trust in me again.
2. In this last term of council, what accomplishments are you proud of?
I am proud of how I have served this community during my first term, though there are a few things that I am particularly proud to have been a part of. We worked with staff and community volunteers to create policies that equalize ice time for both girls’ and boys’ recreation at each of our three indoor ice surfaces. We collaborated with the Hospital Alliance, Family Health Team, and Physician Recruitment Committee to identify and create tangible solutions to barriers that were preventing resident doctors from coming to North Perth. We became the first Council in our community’s history to establish an Asset Management Plan so that, moving forward, we are no longer reactive in our servicing. We now know what is lying ahead of us and have a plan for how we will approach servicing and funding. Establishing a plan so that we can chart a clear course forward—that feels like great leadership to me.
3.) Over the last 4 years (or more), what are things within North Perth you’ve seen that need to be addressed?
In my opinion, growth, roads and infrastructure, and the budget are the biggest issues that North Perth will face over the coming four years, and they are all interconnected. We are a rapidly growing community with an infrastructure deficit and insufficient reserve funding to pay for it. We need to grow responsibly, invest strategically, and build the financial capacity to sustain a healthy, flourishing community for decades to come.
Over the next four years, there will be tough decisions to make, and we need to put the right Councillors in place to get the job done with integrity, prudent stewardship of public funds, and a steadfast commitment to the prosperity of the whole of North Perth.
4.) For those who want to contact you, what are the best ways to do so?
If you have questions, comments, or concerns please reach out to blazek@wightman.ca or call/text (519)292-0508. You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram.
Wallace Ward
Marc Noordam
1.) Tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up, education, work etc. Anything you’d like to share with the public about yourself or the community
I was born and raised in North Perth. I attended Wallace Public School, LDSS and did post secondary at the University of Guelph Ridgetown campus. Where I met my wife of 5 years. We currently raise our daughter on a dairy farm north of Wallaceville. Alongside the dairy operation we grow commodities along with a small flock of sheep.
2.) In this last term of council, what are some accomplishments you’re proud of to see in the chambers?
I’ve enjoyed working with the council and staff to bring ideas to life.
This term we lobbied Perth and Huron Counties to bring some improvement to Mayne Corners. There is more work that needs to be done to improve that intersection.
-In early 2026 I brought forward a constituent’s idea to close all no winter maintenance roads on 511 during the winter period. Now drivers using a major GPS system will be warned to avoid that road. With this initiative we will hopefully prevent drivers from being trapped on a no winter maintenance road.
-Council worked with staff to bring the plant a tree, grow a future program to life. My hope was to bring back the former tree program. Staff liked the idea and the initiative has seen a lot of success. I’m very happy to see where staff have gone with this program.
3.) Over the last 4 years (or more) what are things within North Perth you’ve seen that need to be addressed that you hope can be if elected as Deputy Mayor?
Over the last 4 years I’ve been a councillor we’ve seen demand for various housing units. Council can continue to work with local developers and use the land the municipality already owns to provide a variety of new housing units for families and individuals. And with growth over the year’s council needs to make sure our institutions have the resources to expand and improve whether it is for community safety or personal health.
Council has also been working to bridge the infrastructure gap. The new council will need to make sure the municipality has the ability to replace the infrastructure that is reaching end of life such as bridges, roads, buildings etc.
——-
Matthew Gottfried
1.) Tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up, education, work etc.
I grew up in Wallace, on a farm that’s been in my family going back 170 years, so my roots here run deep. I’m a mortgage agent and father to two kids. I’ve spent years volunteering locally, including the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex special events committee, the Jr. B hockey executive, and coaching my kids’ sports teams. Community involvement has always been part of who I am.
2.) Over the last 4 years (or more), what are things within North Perth you’ve seen that need to be addressed?
Property taxes are a big concern, and residents deserve more clarity on what’s driving them, including costs like OPP policing and conservation levies that council doesn’t directly control. Our rural roads, bridges, and drainage, especially out in Wallace, also need consistent investment. I’d also like to see more investment in recreational spaces like ball diamonds in North Perth.
3.) North Perth continues to grow, how do you feel about the continued population growth and developments being seen in the area?
Growth is good for North Perth, but it needs balance. Most of it has centered around Listowel, and I want to make sure Wallace’s rural character isn’t overlooked. I support smart, planned growth that still respects our rural areas.
4.) For those who want to contact you, what are the best ways to do so?
MatthewGottfriedForWallace@gmail.com
Elma Ward
