Phil Prinzen

Bloomfield/Hallowell Ward Two

This is Phil Prinzen’s first dive into municipal politics. Prinzen is running because he believes that the decisions made today will affect us, now, and our children in the future. He would like to have an impact on those decisions.

“I think the time is right for me to give back to this County and make this a great place for our residents as well as the people who visit. I am also running to have a young, agricultural impact on the horseshoe,” says Prinzen.

Prinzen is a dairy farmer, and along with his wife, Selena, owns Prinzhaven Farms on Gilead Road. The farm was established in 1999 when Prinzen was only 18 years old. Now at the ripe age of 39, he has close to 20 years of farming experience. Prinzen’s passion for dairy farming and how he takes care of his cows has awarded him and his farm a great reputation.

Among the concerns in Ward 2, Prinzen hears residents talking about the conditions of the roads and how the municipality will fiscally deal with that situation in future years. Housing availability and affordable housing options are also on residents’ minds, as well as taxes that keep increasing without providing better services, the presence of decent jobs and the preservation of our local heritage.

Prinzen says that he has the energy, passion and dedication to put towards his community.

“I consider myself fairly young and energetic. I look forward to working through challenges for the betterment of our community. I believe that I would bring a new voice and a new vision to the municipality with strong principles and accountability, transparency and integrity. I am truly committed to the community and am very open and approachable,” says Prinzen.
As far as priorities for the next council, Prinzen sees health care in our community at the top of the list. For residents and visitors alike, health care is the most vital part of a solid community and Prinzen wants to make sure that our aging population is well-taken care of. Roads and property taxes are also high on the priority list as is it something that affects County residents every day. As a farmer, agriculture is also a major priority for a Prinzen in that he sees it as a driver of jobs and strong communities. He is impressed at how the expanded agri-tourism industry has grown in the County over the last five years, but also it is a great area for future opportunity. Housing and the lack of affordable housing is also important to Prinzen. “Homes are needed for people that want to work in the County and contribute to the local economy. More people moving to the area would strengthen our local school system and build our community.”

Waterworks rate increases, and public transit are also items that Prinzen would like to focus on.

Prinzen is a blue-sky scenario type of person. He believes that the opportunities for this next term of council are endless, but the horseshoe must be willing to explore all areas of generating income without just raising taxes.

“We need to be able to make tough decisions on what is important and what is responsible spending of the revenue that is collected. We have to work together as an elected group to build a strong foundation for the betterment of all the residents of Prince Edward County,” says Prinzen.

As a farmer and a young entrepreneur, Prinzen knows the struggles of the County. As a husband and father to two girls, he also has the modern-day family perspective to bring to the table. Prinzen was born in Picton and has lived his entire life in Bloomfield and is very excited about the opportunity to give back to the County that raised him.