LISTOWEL – North Perth Councillor Terry Seiler will not be re-seeking his Listowel Ward seat come the Oct. 24 municipal election.
Seiler had initially filed nomination papers in early August, but opted to withdraw his candidacy on Aug. 15. The lifelong Listowel resident, 67, cited both a desire to spend more time with family while giving the next generation of council hopefuls a chance to serve the Municipality of North Perth for the coming term.
As of the final day of nominations, Aug. 19, six candidates filed nomination papers for the Listowel Ward – four of them rookie candidates.
“I’m just looking at stepping down this term and looking after things at home,” commented Seiler last week. “At the time I put my name in, I didn’t think anyone else was interested. Maybe it’s time to pass the torch. I feel that’s great (that first-time candidates have come forward), that’s what the town needs.”
Seiler was first elected as a Listowel Ward councillor in 2000 following North Perth’s amalgamation two years prior. He has served five terms on council, winning one of Listowel’s three seats in 2000, 2003, 2006, 2014 and 2018. His lone municipal election defeat came in 2010.
A truck driver by trade, Seiler served as a Listowel volunteer firefighter for 25 years, and has been a member of several boards during his tenure in municipal politics, including the Recreation Advisory Committee, the Listowel Business Improvement Area (BIA) board, Parkmeadow Place board, and the cemetery services board. He is particularly proud of his ongoing involvement with the latter two, and the role he played in the implementation of North Perth’s new town entrance signage several years ago.
Seiler added that the municipality’s outstanding young staff complement has North Perth set up for success moving forward as the area continues to grow exponentially.
“They’re all good people,” Seiler said, adding that he will continue to play a role at the committee level regardless of his council status. “I think that I worked hard during my time, and we got things done.”
He went on, “I’m not calling it quits forever, but just for right now. There’s a time for everything. You just have to do what’s best for yourself and your family.”
To that end, Seiler said that his family support throughout his municipal political career has been unwavering and greatly appreciated.
“My family has supported me since day one,” he said. “I’d also like to thank all the residents for their support over the years.”
