After a dozen years as a city councillor, Martin Ritsma is running for mayor of Stratford.
Ritsma hosted a ‘signing social’ event at his family farm on Thursday, then filed his paperwork at Stratford city hall Friday morning.
An educator and farmer, known for wearing many hats in the community, Ritsma told StratfordToday he will use his skills as a relationship builder in his campaign and if elected in October.
Ritsma said his vision for the city will come only after dialogue with its citizens through the continuation of conversations held over three terms as a city councillor.
“I don’t think it will be much different than my role as a councillor and deputy mayor. I am someone who wants to sit down and sort something out in a quiet, diplomatic fashion - that is not going to change. I need to dialogue with people.”
Eight years as deputy mayor gave him a ‘higher look’ of sorts and will help, if elected, he said.
“I think people that have supported me in the past would say I have earned my way to the main role.”
Ritsma has finished at or near the top of the vote totals in recent civic elections.
“I can’t see it being harmful but it’s a different race,” he said of past vote totals. “The soil that I have cultivated, what I have planted, the good will that I have created in the community, I believe is still there.”
The biggest highlight of his years at city council is serving people, he said.
“Being that conduit between that person on the street who pays taxes and city council and staff.”
Dan Mathieson announced he is not running again after nearly 20 years as the city’s mayor. That factored heavily into Ritsma’s decision to seek the mayoral post.
Ritsma said he had considered running for mayor four years ago but had a talk with Mathieson, who told him there were things he wanted to finish in the next council term. He ultimately won re-election.
The possibility was discussed often at the dinner table with wife Kathryn Ritsma, a Stratford lawyer.
“I don’t take it lightly. I don’t take leadership lightly. You do what you do. My biggest supporter is Kathryn. I tend to spring things upon her. But this decision was slow-paced. It has been a conversation for several years.”
Ritsma was a teacher for two decades and has worked as a vice-principal and principal. His volunteer work includes a stint as president of OFSAA, a high school sports governing body, and as (past) co-chair with Kathryn Ritsma of the United Way Perth-Huron’s fundraising campaign.
“Every spot I created great relationships, great friendships. So many things on the go, but I never stray far from trying to navigate some waters for someone that needs some help.”
