Twenty-five years of municipal politics isn’t quite enough for Woolwich mayor Bill Strauss.
Strauss is throwing his hat in the ring for the fall municipal election, after serving four consecutive terms as mayor. He has been twice acclaimed.
“I enjoy doing what I’m doing,” said Strauss, after declaring his candidacy. “I played with the idea if it’s been too long that I’ve been there. It’s up to the voters to decide.
“I like people, I like my residents,” said Strauss. “I think I’ve proved that I can handle my job.”
Strauss is proud of the many accomplishments of this current term of council, including the grand opening of the Woolwich Memorial Centre.
With more than $37 million spent in new construction in recent months, Strauss points to a financially stable township with relatively little debt.
“We’re not in bad shape financially,” said Strauss.
However, he feels there is more to accomplish.
He is particularly frustrated that the long-awaited Highway 7 has yet to materialize, in spite of years of promises from the province.
“I was sure it was going to happen two or three years ago.”
Strauss said he has also enjoyed serving on regional council, looking at the issues affecting the area from a regional perspective. Being able to sit on the St. Mary’s Hospital board, as well as the regional library board have also been highlights.
Strauss, 68, said he feels he is “too young” to retire from everything.
“What would I do? I don’t want to get back into construction,” said Strauss.
The municipal election will be held on Oct. 25. As of press time, no other candidates had declared their intentions for the Woolwich election.