“As a second-generation public servant who comes from two separate legacies of multi-generational farming families and an internationally recognized leader in rural policy development, it is my steadfast belief that Dr. Browwynne Wilton represents the best choice for Mayor of Centre Wellington.
Dr. Wilton and I share the credential of ‘Doctor of Rural Studies’, and it is an accomplishment that represents far more than the approval of an ivory tower. Earning a doctorate, especially in an often overlooked field like rural studies, requires grit, humility, honesty, and resiliency. It is, however, most important to consider what someone does after earning a PhD – what do they do with those skills and knowledge? Do they lean too far into their own ego or do they pour those assets back into the communities that supported them? Dr. Wilton is a sterling example of the latter.
Beyond my professional respect for Dr. Wilton, having lived in a rural region of Centre Wellington for almost 25 years, it has been frustrating to watch successive candidates fumble the ball in the endzone, so to speak; missed opportunities, poorly executed promises, and uneven results depending on who has the ear of those in power. Dr. Wilton represents an opportunity to address and combat the concerning errors that have produced some rather challenging dynamics across our distinct communities in Centre Wellington because she has real, evidenced expertise in both engaging people in the decisions that most affect them and in advocating across orders of government and economic sectors to get local concerns heard. We have been lucky to have her presence on Council and I am certain that her combined experience inside and outside the political arena will make her a Mayor that will lead us safely through the challenging times we currently face. Her commitment to listening to everyone, not just the loudest or wealthiest in the room, and her deeply apparent ability to question the difference between what ‘sounds good’ versus what is good, are skills that are sorely lacking in our political spheres these days – and are exactly what we need to move our communities forward.
I also think it is time we let a woman take the lead. Imagine the generation of girls and young women who will look at Mayor Wilton and think “I can do that, too.”
I am so proud to endorse Dr. Bronwynne Wilton for Mayor of Centre Wellington.”

