Endorsements

“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.”

Ashleigh Weeden, PhD / Research Associate, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, and Resident of Centre Wellington

“Councillor Wilton has been a terrific ward councillor and was instrumental in assisting the approval of our site plan. She was effective and helped it through council. The process took approximately 8 years and with her assistance it was able to finally move forward. She listens to the issues and then works on the solution. As Centre Wellington grows and issues become more complicated, it needs a leader to understand the issues, listen to parties and work with them to find the proper path. I believe councillor Bronwynne Wilton would be a great person to lead the township through this period.”

Keith Lucas / Local Business Owner

“Since joining C.W. Council in 2022, Councillor Wilton has made an effort to connect with her Ward 5 residents. She regularly sends notifications alerting of Council matters and meetings. A small group of us, as concerned residents, lobbied to change a proposed bypass route which would have interfered with the Pierpoint Fly Fishing Nature Reserve and our well established residential neighbourhood. Councillor Wilton not only heard our concerns, but presented a motion, which was passed by Council, to acknowledge the route as undesirable. She also helped us get recognition for the Reserve as a Heritage Site. She has always been open to discussing my concerns about Township matters and on a number of occasions has facilitated meetings with the Mayor and Township staff. The Mayor and councillors should consider the voices of residents, not only Township staff recommendations, when they vote on issues. I think Councillor Wilton has been able to do that.”  

Peter van Vloten / Ward 5 Resident

“I’ve lived in the Elora and Fergus area of Centre Wellington Township for over 33 years and have seen a variety of town councils come and go. Bronwynne is the most approachable, receptive and responsive councillor I have encountered over the years. She listens to your concerns, empathizes with how issues affect your life and surroundings, and champions your message back to staff and council on those issues. She is truly a representative of her constituents, which is refreshing in this current time of uncertainty. I am confident that she will bring these qualities to the Mayor’s role which will be a benefit to all of Centre Wellington.“

Sean Geddes / Rural Ward 5

“Over the last several years I have had the opportunity to interact with Bronwynne in several community areas. I have always enjoyed her refreshing common sense, her availability, communications, and unfailing responsiveness. She is a very learned and well-informed representative and is always willing to listen and to share her special perspectives. We’re lucky to have her on Council and she will do an excellent job as Mayor.“

Avon Giddings

“We are so fortunate to have Bronwynne on our neighbourhood team. She’s there when you need her for local concerns while doing what’s best for the Township! “

Bob Grant / Ward 5 Resident

“Bronwynne Wilton is a community leader that Centre Wellington needs for Council. Bronwynne has a deep passion for strengthening community through collaboration, is forward-thinking and has a natural ability to build partnerships. These are skills that our Council requires as we navigate the next four years. As a Councillor, she has demonstrated a thoughtful approach, listens with empathy and openness, builds support and provides active leadership around the Council table and at the provincial level. Throughout her career, community involvement,and at Council, this is the leadership style she has embodied.

As a Centre Wellington farmer for over 40 years, I appreciate Bronwynne’s knowledge of agriculture and the fine balance between our rural community and our rapidly growing urban community.”

Cindy Lindsay / Community leader and farmer