For the first time in a long time, I find myself genuinely excited about the future of the Township of Springwater.
Not because our challenges have disappeared. They haven’t. But because this municipal election gives residents an opportunity to elect a Council with the experience, energy, integrity and willingness to work together to move Springwater forward.
Over the past term, residents have witnessed a Council that has too often appeared divided. Different opinions are not the problem — healthy debate is essential to good government. But there is an important difference between disagreement and dysfunction.
A strong Council does not need to agree on everything.
It needs people who can disagree and still work together.
People who listen. People who respect different perspectives. People who ask difficult questions, challenge ideas constructively and then find a way forward.
This election gives Springwater an opportunity to put that kind of team around the Council table.
Jennifer Coughlin brings experience, municipal knowledge and proven leadership to the position of Mayor. Continuity matters, particularly in a growing municipality facing important decisions about infrastructure, taxation, development and the future of our communities.
Liz Grummet offers an opportunity for strong, positive and collaborative leadership as Deputy Mayor, just as she demonstrated in her role as School Board Trustee. A Deputy Mayor can play an important role in helping build relationships around the Council table and ensuring different voices are heard while keeping Council focused on moving forward.
Matt Garwood brings experience, dedication and thoughtful representation. His knowledge of municipal issues and commitment to the community provide an important foundation for the next Council.
Wanda Maw-Chapman brings experience, community knowledge and an understanding of the people and communities that make Springwater unique. That perspective is invaluable as our township continues to grow and change.
Greg Davidson brings another important voice and perspective to the table, along with the opportunity for new ideas and a constructive approach to the decisions ahead.
Christine Spellman brings community commitment, a willingness to listen and the potential to contribute a thoughtful and collaborative voice to Council.
Mike Campbell brings community involvement, enthusiasm and a desire to make a positive difference — qualities that can help create a Council focused on solutions rather than division.
Individually, each brings different strengths.
Collectively, imagine what they could accomplish.
Springwater is at an important point in its history. Growth is bringing opportunities, but also significant challenges involving property taxes, infrastructure, roads, recreation, responsible development, agriculture, local businesses and protecting the rural character that makes Springwater such a special place to call home.
Meeting those challenges will require more than seven individuals occupying seven seats.
It will require a team.
Not a team that votes the same way on every issue. Not a team that avoids difficult conversations. And certainly not a team that simply agrees for the sake of agreeing.
Springwater needs a Council whose members respect one another enough to debate the issues, listen to residents, consider different perspectives and ultimately find solutions.
We need representatives who understand that leadership isn’t about winning an argument around the Council table.
It’s about getting results for the people of Springwater.
That is why this election matters.
Consider the experience and leadership of Jennifer Coughlin for Mayor.
Consider the collaborative leadership Liz Grummet could bring as Deputy Mayor.
Consider returning the experience and community commitment of Matt Garwood and Wanda Maw-Chapman to Council.
And consider the new perspectives and strengths Greg Davidson, Christine Spellman and Mike Campbell could bring to the Council table.
Then ask yourself a simple question:
Could these seven individuals, with their different strengths and experiences, give Springwater the collaborative Council it needs to move forward?
I believe the opportunity is there.
But ultimately, that decision belongs to the residents of Springwater.
Learn about the candidates. Ask questions. Attend meetings. Read their platforms. Look beyond signs and slogans and consider not only what each candidate promises individually, but what kind of Council we could create collectively.
And most importantly — vote.
Municipal government touches our lives every day. Our taxes, roads, parks, recreation, development, services and the future character of our communities are shaped by the people we elect locally.
Your vote matters.
Springwater has an opportunity to turn the page — not toward a Council without differences, but toward a Council with the maturity, respect and leadership to work through those differences.
A Council that listens.
A Council that respects.
A Council that collaborates.
A Council that works together for Springwater.
This election isn’t simply about filling seven seats around a table.
It’s about choosing the people who can move Springwater forward — together.
Brenda Stanley