Richard Schooley is running for Deputy Mayor of Perth, saying the community needs a broader approach to planning, governance and long-term growth.
Schooley moved to Perth during high school and graduated from PDCI, where he served as co-president of Student Council.
After four years in Toronto, he returned to Perth and joined the insurance business, eventually co-founding Crain and Schooley Insurance Brokers. He spent 47 years in business on Gore Street before retiring.
Schooley says his decision to enter the race is rooted in concerns about Perth’s long-term sustainability and the way the broader Perth community is governed.
He argues that Perth, Tay Valley, Drummond/North Elmsley and surrounding communities function as an interconnected population, but are represented as separate municipalities when dealing with Lanark County and senior levels of government.
Schooley says a larger, community-wide approach could improve access to infrastructure funding, services and coordinated growth planning.
Schooley brings extensive municipal, business and community experience.
He is a former Perth councillor and chaired the Building and Planning Committee, while also serving on Finance and Police committees. He has more than 40 years of experience providing insurance and risk-management advice to municipal and county governments.
His community involvement includes founding the Downtown Heritage Perth BIA and Perth Tay Tennis Club, serving with the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, and contributing to economic development, healthcare, education and watershed organizations.
Schooley says his approach is based on identifying the root causes of problems, responsible spending, land-use planning and long-term risk management. He says, as Deputy Mayor, he would use his seat at County Council to advocate for Perth-area priorities including healthcare, housing, childcare, transportation, environmental policy and economic development.
You can reach Schooley with questions or comments via email at rschooley2026@outlook.com. And you can hear our complete conversation with him below.
Story by Brian Turner
