A Message from Mayor Mayberry - February 2025

"Recently at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference, one of the presentations was done by Jordan Simmons from a group called “Nominee”.

Jordan addressed the issue of a lack of grassroots participation in the election process. He was concerned that a system that is not engaging the general public is in trouble and in danger of disintegration. He addressed the challenge of the public participating through social media with no real individual commitment and that the overall negativity of social media is having an impact on some people resulting in not wanting to put themselves “out there”. This presentation was the morning following President Trump’s second inauguration and this led to some comments on the importance of choosing/supporting “good people” who care about the community.

I raise this because next year there will be another municipal election, and I believe a significant number of the current SWOX Council will not be seeking re-election. I understand the need for Council Members to call it quits at some point and I sincerely thank them for their continuing commitment to the community. This then also raises the opportunity for new voices and ideas to step forward and help define the future of our community. If you are interested in joining Council, I suggest you might want to sit in some of the meetings or watch the Council Meetings on the Township's YouTube Channel. Being well informed is key to making good decisions." - Mayor, David Mayberry