Roy Pennell

Ameliasburgh Ward Four

Roy Pennell is a lifelong resident of Prince Edward County. He resides on Salem Road with his wife, Sally. Together they have a daughter, Melinda, a sonin- law, Jason and a grandson, Hunter. Pennell spent most of his life in management at Quaker Oats of Canada, where he was directly responsible for a budget of $37 million. Pennell completed high school in Belleville and took several management courses through Loyalist College. He finished his career at Beclawat Canada as a builder of windows and doors for ships and trains. Pennell has also served as the roads chairperson and finance chairperson of the County.

Pennell has spent his entire life working on the family farm where he currently resides. He has also volunteered with several groups including the Ameliasburgh Fair Board, fundraising for the Prince Edward County hospital, the Recreation Board and Maple in the County.

Pennell’s concerns for Ward Four are also his County-wide concerns. Good roads, state of the art fire protection, the best health care possible, affordable housing and family recreation. Tourism and the effect it is having on our communities is another big topic that includes short-term accommodations. When asked why he is running for council again, Pennell’s response showed his passion for the County runs much deeper than some.

“I am running because I care about my ward, my County and the future of the County. I have the knowledge, experience and commitment to do the job if I am re-elected. I am also prepared to make the difficult decisions that will be needed by the new council. I’m willing to listen when needed and act when required” says Pennell.

When asked why people should vote for him, Pennell says that his lifelong commitment to making his piece of the planet better than when he found it should carry some weight with voters. He also jokes that he is old enough to appreciate his roots, but young enough to think outside of the box to try new ways of doing things. Pennell also has several years of municipal service prior to amalgamation.

For the next council, Pennell sees the opportunity to expand collectively, in a situation that’s best for the entire County. He also sees the opportunity for the right leader to come along and take the reigns of the County.

“I see an opportunity for us to expand in a way that’s best for the entire County, and not just an ‘us versus them’ scenario. Also, if we can find a mayor who has the leadership skills to prove to the voters that we are an all-inclusive council. We will be ready to make changes when required and willing to protect what’s truly important to the County,” says Pennell.

Pennell also points to the management team and how they need to be responsive to the people and their concerns and worry less about where the boundaries lie between wards and councillors. The message has to be clear that we are one County, and what happens in one Ward, benefits all Wards.

Pennell is also supporting the continued expansion of the Prince Edward Housing Corporation as well as support for other projects already started. He also promises to fairly oversee tax expenditure while maintaining what is truly best for the County.