Perth-Wellington

Incumbent since 2011: Randy Pettapiece (Progressive Conservative)

Nominated/registered candidates:

Chris Desjardins (Green)

Irma DeVries (Family Coalition)

Scott Marshall (Libertarian)

Matthew Murphy (Independent)

Randy Pettapiece (Progressive Conservative)

Stewart Skinner (Liberal)

Robby Smink (Freedom)

Romayne Smith Fullerton (New Democrat)

Candidate survey responses:

How long have you lived in the riding? (max. 20 words)

Chris Desjardins: I have been a resident of Stratford for over 35 years, homeowner for 15 years.

Irma DeVries: 35 years! Starting with a small dairy farm we now are crop farmers and sell used grain bins.

Matthew Murphy: I have lived in this riding for almost 20 years.

Randy Pettapiece: I have lived in Perth County since 1967, when my parents moved our family to Monkton

Stewart Skinner: Other than some years spent in at the University of Guelph, I have always lived in the riding.

Robby Smink: Living in St Marys at Lionvale for 27 years.

Romayne Smith Fullerton: I’ve lived in a rural area called “Transvaal” about 5 mins. from St. Marys for 18 years.

What’s your favourite thing about the riding?(max. 30 words)

CD: My favourite thing about my riding is the small friendly community relationship I have throughout Stratford. I can make purchases from family owned businesses that I went to school with.

IDV: I love the rural lifestyle, the small town connectedness, the community support for each other.  Family values are the backbone of society - not academics, business policy, unions or environment.

MM: So many favourites but I'd have to pick the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.  They have been very kind to me over the years.

RP: Learning more about the people who make up the rich diversity and strength of our communities has been the most enjoyable part of being the MPP for Perth-Wellington.

SS: Our people. Perth Wellington has a diverse, resilient economy because of our hard-working families. I would be honoured to serve them at Queens Park.

RS: The people, rural and urban mix

RSF: The rural and small town way of life people here enjoy. I love that everyone knows you by name and that we work together to make things better.

What was your last full-time job before entering politics, for how long did you hold it and when did you leave? (max. 40 words)

CD: I currently work in the manufacturing industry and have been there for 23 years. I am proud of the community involvement of Cooper-Standard and the environmental contributions.

IDV: I’ve been a farmer for 35 years, raised a family and my grandchildren love to visit.  All issues are important but protecting the family unit is most important. I would be honoured to advocate for families at Queen’s Park!

MM: I have been a street performer, all over Canada, for the last 25 years.

RP: I owned a painting and decorating business, which my wife Jane and I started in 1993. Jane continues to operate the business. I also served two terms as a municipal councillor in North Perth.

SS: I returned to my family farm after completing a M Sc. in Agriculture Economics in 2010, teaching at the University of Guelph and working as a freelance writer. I remained involved with farm management until the election began.

RS: Lifelong entrepreneur always self employed until one year ago when I started selling 3d printer materials  for Argyle Materials. Sales territory is the North America

RSF: I am a tenured professor at Western University. I am on public service leave to campaign, which will be extended if I am elected. I see this as an opportunity to give back to my community and serve my constituency

Aside from family, work, and politics, what occupies your time? (max. 50 words)

CD: Family, work and politics are always a part of my time. I coach soccer for my two daughters and previously coached my son. We enjoy camping during down time, environmental projects, bike riding and the nature in general.

IDV: Toastmasters!  I’ve attained my ACS, ALB and HPL.  I volunteer at church as a women’s bible study leader and provide friendship support to both a young adult with special needs and my elderly mother. Scrapbooking and gardening are favorite hobbies but pro-life political activism absorbs my thoughts and efforts.

MM: Thinking of solutions to the World's problems.

RP: I spend much of my time being active in my community and supporting local groups. I have been a long time member of the Monkton Lions Club, a minor hockey referee and was the Vice-Chair of the Building Committee for the Elma-Logan Recreation Centre.

SS: Agriculture advocacy occupies my time outside (and inside!) politics. I currently serve as a delegate to Ontario Pork and as the Chair of the Communications Committee for the Perth County Pork Producers Association. I’m also a sports enthusiast and take advantage of the many adult recreational leagues in the area.

RS: Golf, writing, U-tube, house maintanance

RSF: I am an avid hiker and walk miles every day along the Thames Valley Trail behind our farm with my two dogs. We are a horse family – we all ride. I am a community advocate for preservation of our farmland, our water systems and our rural way of life.

Why did you choose to run for your particular party? (max. 75 words)

CD: The Green Party is more of a philosophy of life than a furthering of political agendas. I think every GPO candidate has goals of “getting off the grid” via energy efficiency and sustainable production at home. We basically believe that we are borrowing the land from our children. Like any other camper, neighbor or friend; I want to return the borrowed item in as good or better shape then I received it.

IDV: I’m running for the Family Coalition Party. Government policies must strengthen the family, the foundation of an orderly society.

Breakdown of the family is the root of society’s serious problems.  Liberal or NDP policies continue to harm families creating more dependence. If you want a different kind of fruit, you must plant a different kind of tree.  The Conservative party can’t balance the budgets nor improve the debt situation without debating contentious social issues.

MM: I chose to run as an Independent because I genuinely believe that our legislatures, both provincial and federal ,would work much better if there were around 15% independents in office. No party affiliation would allow for voting to protect principles, ethics, not  what's best for the party.

RP: Ontario needs a government that lives within its means and treats taxpayers with respect and honesty. We also need a government which will create an environment for the private sector to succeed, create jobs and build our economy. This what the PC Party offers and it is why I am running as a PC candidate.

SS: I’m running for the Liberal Party because of Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Food, Kathleen Wynne. During her tenure as Minister, Kathleen has elevated the profile of the agricultural industry in Ontario to new heights. Premier Wynne understands the value of the agricultural industry to the province’s economy and its potential for future growth. As a farmer, I’m encouraged that my policy to protect farmland for future generations is included in the Liberal platform.

RS: Run for Freedom Party in every election since 1985. Tax loads  then were 45%. Thirty years earlier they were 30%. Thirty years later they are over 60%  (including the debt). See the trend! Socialism only works until the money runs out. Liberals have overspent more than all previous provincial governments combined in 147 years. We need balanced budget legislation NOW. The purpose of government is to protect out freedom of choice, not to restrict it.

RSF: Because I had been an advocate from my community against gravel pit on a flood plain adjacent to the Thames River I was asked if I would consider running in this election. I am not a career politician. I have a wonderful job but I do feel it is time to speak-up on behalf of ordinary people who are disengaged from politics and politicians. To do things differently so Perth-Wellington is a stronger community.

2011 results:

Randy Pettapiece (Progressive Conservative): 14,845

John Wilkinson (Liberal): 14,635

Ellen Papenburg (New Democrat): 5,836

Chris Desjardins (Green): 918

Irma Devries (Family Coalition): 627

Robby Smink (Freedom): 164