Geoff Krauter

I graduated with an Honours Political Science degree form the University of Guelph but I have been interested in politics for most of my life. In Grade 10 history class, I was assigned the role of JS Woodsworth, the leader of what is now the New Democratic Party, in a 1935 mock election. I found my political home and have been active on countless NDP campaigns in the years since. This contributed to my work for a variety of social and environmental causes such as water rights, the peace movement, fair wages and strong public services

In Stratford, I was the NDP candidate in Perth Wellington in the 2019 federal election. I have a strong background in community advocacy both through the Community Action Training at The Local and through the accredited Community Action Program at Conestoga. I currently serve on the Board of the Huron Perth Legal Clinic and served two years on Stratford’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. Serving on Stratford’s Energy and Environment Advisory Committee for the last four years has given me a deeper understanding of how Stratford can respond to the climate emergency.

I was born with Cerebral Palsy, and my lived experience of disability continues to inform my determination for equity and justice. I am proud to be the immediate past-president of the Rotaract Club of Stratford, an organization, affiliated with Rotary International, of young people who are dedicated to doing good works in their communities. One of my favourite Rotaract activities is our monthly Trivia Night which benefits a different non-profit organization or program every month.

1. What will be your unique contribution to council?

As one of the younger candidates for council, I will bring a fresh perspective. I have had many years of governance experience on a variety of Boards and Committees including Stratford’s Energy and Environment Advisory Committee and the Accessibility Advisory Committee as well as the Huron Perth Legal Clinic and the Rotaract Club of Stratford. Living with cerebral palsy has informed my sense of justice and only strengthens my resolve to create an equitable space.

2. How will you tackle urban sprawl and protect prime agricultural land?

A review of Stratford’s Official Plan gives us a chance to revisit our priorities as a city. Wherever possible and appropriate to the community, we should focus on urban intensification as opposed to urban sprawl. The protection of prime agricultural land must become a guiding principle for land use policies.

3. How will you encourage businesses and individuals to respond to climate change?

In terms of incentivising environmental retrofits, the City could investigate a Community Improvement Program aimed at assisting businesses in this regard. We could also provide assistance to residents in converting from natural gas heating to heat pumps with a tax rebate. On a consumer level, we should continue to support the work of the Industrial Commercial working group on the City’s Energy and Environment Advisory Committee. Their goal is to facilitate local businesses’ transition from non-recyclable plastics to compostable materials.

4. What is your idea(s) to attract new industry to Stratford?

Perhaps the first priority is sustaining the industry we have in Stratford through addressing housing and transportation issues. The labour force is our city needs to be able to live locally and thrive economically. Without some resolution to these issues, it would be difficult for new industries to find a foothold. That being said, I support an industrial strategy that is compatible with the imperatives of the climate emergency.

5. How will you address wealth inequality, homelessness and poverty in Stratford?

As a councillor, I will support the vital programs coordinated by organizations such as with the United Way, The Local, Shelterlink, and Choices for Change. Council can make social services a priority again and focus on immediate needs such as securing transitional housing for the broader community. The City of Stratford should join other municipalities in Perth and Huron as a living wage employer and do more to encourage local businesses to do the same. Living wage communities uplift everyone both socially and economically.

6. How will you engage and inform the public about current issues and legislation?

As a councillor, I would like to host both in person and virtual meetings with the residents of Stratford. I will of course continue to maintain my web site to share information, relevant documents, and updates on the progress of council. I will also continue to be available through social media (Facebook, Twitter) as well as by phone.

7. Would you support term limits? Why/why not?

I would support a thorough review of the procedural bylaw for council meetings, as well as the conduct of future elections. Any change in the electoral process – including term limits or returning to electoral wards – could be approved by referendum at the time of the next election. As the role of council is essentially one of oversight, I don’t believe that the constraints of term limits are as necessary as they might be in other forms of government.

8. What is your plan to better engage youth in Stratford?

Stratford is sorely in need of community spaces where youth can get together and talk, plan, create and involve themselves in social action. This might be both a physical and a virtual space which could involve content creation and sharing via video, social media. We have this incredible arts community including many talented young people. The City must leverage this talent in a way that encourages collaboration and empowerment.