PERTH-WELLINGTON – A Wellington North councillor’s political bug is biting him again.
Steve McCabe, Ward 4 councillor for Wellington North, announced he’s putting himself forward as a potential nominee for the Progressive Conservative’s in the Perth-Wellington riding.
The 48-year-old said in an interview after some thought and support from locals, this seemed like a natural next step after two-terms as a councillor.
“I think a person should only spend so much time in as an elected official, two terms for me in Wellington North have been great,” McCabe said.
“I want to expand my voice, not only to represent my current municipality but to represent all of Perth and Wellington.”
Born and raised on a beef farm in Kenilworth, McCabe has worked professionally in the agriculture field for much of his career including with the Grain Farmers of Ontario.
“In my line of work I have a really close eye and finger on the pulse of Ontario agriculture, especially in Perth-Wellington,” McCabe said.
He said he believes his political experience running, and winning, as a candidate in a municipal election makes him a strong candidate.
COVID recovery is an obvious defining issue McCabe said he sees for area residents moving forward.
He noted tourism has taken a big hit in places like Stratford or Drayton, both known for their theatres. He said he’d like to prop up tourism more generally and have more agri-tourism available to draw in visitors and in turn help local businesses.
“It’d be interesting if you came to visit our hamlets in Perth-Wellington and then went and saw Hamlet at one of the theatres,” McCabe said.
The other major issue he said he sees is attainable housing. He said house prices in large urban centres are pushing people to smaller towns and rural settings which is having an impact on local prices.
“There’s good jobs in Perth-Wellington, they pay well, but I have family members that are in the trades making great money and they have no idea how they are ever going to afford a house,” McCabe said.
He was unsure when candidate selection would take place but noted in an email all paperwork has to be filed the PC party by Friday and then there will be a nomination timeline.
If he’s selected as a candidate, McCabe said he will have to take a leave of absence as a councillor and if elected would vacate his seat on Wellington North council.
Perth-Wellington spans the entire area of Perth County, including Stratford and St. Marys, along with the three northern Wellington County municipalities of Minto, Wellington North and Mapleton.
This riding is currently represented, and has been for 10 years, by MPP Randy Pettapiece of the PCs. Pettapiece previously announced he will not be seeking re-election.
McCabe is the third candidate to put himself forward as a candidate. Harriston-born Matthew Rae declared he would run a day after Pettapiece’s announcement and Don Van Galen, a former St. Marys councillor is also seeking the nomination.
