Believes St. Thomas can do "more together"
St. Thomas, Ont (Tues., Jul 10, 2018) - Local St. Thomas business owner and four-term
(2004-15) Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London Joe Preston officially
registered Tuesday morning as a candidate for Mayor of St. Thomas in the municipal
election to be held on Monday, October, 22, 2018.
"Today I begin a positive journey to bring a message that we can do more together,"
Preston told supporters gathered on the front steps of City Hall on Talbot Street.
"As an employer and local business owner, I know local taxpayers would like to see
more growth in jobs and more housing development. I am listening to and agree with
many that we can achieve more by working together to get more done. It will require
someone capable who knows how to be an effective voice for St. Thomas."
"My track record championing St. Thomas and providing strong leadership is clear,"
Preston said.
Preston also noted that with a new provincial government elected on June 7, St.
Thomas will need a Mayor "who knows how to get things done," with the new PC government.
"We have an advantage now with a cabinet minister as our local MPP," Preston added.
"There is a new culture at Queen’s Park and we will need to seize on the new direction
to bring direct benefits to local residents and businesses."
While stressing the importance of good consensus-building and how he has brought
diverging groups together to produce results, Preston also highlighted a need for
strong leadership managing the city’s finances.
"We need growth in our business and development sectors. As a council we also need
to live within our means. The city needs to stick to its core mandates and get them
right first before adding new responsibilities and new spending."
Equally known for his local charitable involvement including with the United Way
and many others, Preston underscored the focus on growth and collaboration with
protecting the city’s most vulnerable.
"If we have a healthy city that sees growth across many important sectors we can
make sure those at risk have the resources they need to live with dignity and remain
independent." Preston closed his announcement with: "I am not content to have St.Thomas
labelled as a commuter city. Our city needs more amenities, housing and good-paying
stable jobs. All of this is achievable if we commit ourselves to doing "more together!"
www.joepreston4mayor.com