Elis Ziegler

South Marysburgh Ward Nine

Elis Ziegler is running for council because as an invested resident of South Marysburgh, Ziegler would like to contribute to a long-term vision of Prince Edward County where residents can fully participate and benefit from all that the County has to offer.

Ziegler and partner Jess Posgate built a house in the County close to seven years ago and eventually made the leap to full-time residents. Ziegler has over 30 years experience working with communities and governments to find solutions to social problems and is eager put those to good use around the horseshoe. Ziegler has a deep history working with community and was instrumental in setting up the first homeless shelter in Northumberland County. Setting up services for peer support and community drop-in centres have been a part of Ziegler’s life for over 20 years and Elis is confident that their previous experience in non-profit management gives them a strong understanding of stewardship of public funds, and how to engage with stakeholders.

At a recent meet-the-candidate event, South Marysburgh residents told Ziegler that they were concerned about a variety of things. Ziegler says that the division created in South Marysburgh by the wind turbines needs to be healed, and that the subject raises valid questions about alternative energy problems. The whole accommodations crisis is also weighing heavily on the minds of Ward Nine residents.

“Short-term accommodations are also a key concern, and are being viewed by many as detracting from the quality of neighbourhoods and taking away opportunities needed for youth to build community, food security, find jobs and be able to live where they choose in the County.”says Ziegler.

Ziegler feels able to best represent the wants and needs of South Marysburgh because they lives, works and volunteers there. Ziegler purchases as many goods and services locally as possible, to get a real sense of what is important to Ward Nine residents. Ziegler has a diverse set of experiences that allow a broader perspective on issues and policies. Ziegler hopes to enlighten council on being more integrated in its approach on some matters.

For concerns facing Ward Nine, the broad impact of tourism by way of roads and infrastructure, and accommodations both short and long-term are all key issues. Unemployment and quality of jobs available are also critical, as is the environment and issues like the Picton Terminals and the wpd White Pines project. The slowly increasing price of water is also on Ziegler’s radar as is the growing need for a public transit system.

Regarding the next council, Ziegler is hoping, if chosen, to help start to take advantage of the influx of money coming into the County from the tourism industry over the past few years.

“I think the biggest opportunity for the next term of council is to leverage the tremendous impact of tourism to get a real sense of revenue streams, impact on communities and grow small businesses and partnerships with landlords for the benefit of Prince Edward County,” says Ziegler.

Ziegler sees the role of a councillor to a be mirror between asking the right questions and collecting the info properly so that it can be communicated. Ziegler would like the residents of Ward Nine to be more informed on why decisions were made and in what way. Better information gathering and sustainable long-term planning will be key to progress, and Ziegler hopes that constituents will agree with this. Ziegler’s door-to-door campaign will continue until voting day. Ziegler also wanted to remind everyone of all the alternative ways to vote as well. Online, advanced, voting day. There are plenty of options and no excuses for County residents not to vote in 2018.