Perth Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson
Perth mayoral candidate Ed McPherson says the town needs experienced leadership, greater transparency and a long-term plan to address affordability challenges and prepare for future growth.
McPherson brings more than 30 years of senior administrative and leadership experience in the health-care and municipal sectors, including managing multi-million-dollar organizations. He says that background would allow him to move quickly on the issues facing Perth.
His campaign focuses on three priorities: affordability, effective and transparent leadership, and generational economic development. He tells us what led to his decision to run for mayor
McPherson’s proposed plan includes municipal cost containment, infrastructure replacement, managing growth and improving services for families and seniors. He also wants to improve communication from the mayor’s office so residents have a clearer understanding of municipal decisions and future plans.
He says greater cooperation with local businesses, industries and neighbouring communities would help strengthen Perth’s economic future.
McPherson points to roughly 10 million dollars in infrastructure replacements over the past four years, along with three million dollars in lagoon upgrades and improvements to the water plant, pool and arena. Updates to the town’s planning documents have also helped establish a foundation for future development, he says. McPherson notes his platform marks a valuable plan that will serve Perth residents well.
If elected, McPherson says he will not use Ontario’s Strong Mayor Powers. He believes every councillor should have an equal opportunity to contribute to municipal decisions and says a cooperative approach is essential.
McPherson says his goal is to build a more affordable and financially sustainable Perth, with a long-term strategy that addresses residents’ concerns while preparing the community for generations to come. You can reach him via email at ed16mcpherson@gmail.com or through his FaceBook page at edmcphersonperth. You can hear our complete conversation with him below.
Story by Brian Turner
