“The current council members, if elected, will probably continue to make decisions which will benefit private commercial interests instead of the community’s best interests,” writes Wayne Murray.

“Growers can look forward to an improved irrigation system in the near future,” writes Kevin Buis, chair of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s irrigation committee.

Two years ago, The Lake Report published the results of a survey carried out indicating a mid- term approval rating of the existing council … Some of the rates are embarrassingly low,” writes Derek Collins.

“Clearly the table was set when our outgoing elected officials, with their re-election aspirations in mind, passed a 2.19 per cent property tax increase for 2026,” writes Samuel A. Young.

“Right now, the smart money leans towards the idea that, where private insurance falls short, homeowners and other flood victims are out of luck. As Premier Ford might say: ‘I got my photo-ops, and now I don’t owe ya nothin,'” writes Kevin McCabe.

“The premier should rethink the new governance model he is imposing on Niagara Region, call a vote to elect the council chair, take back the strong chair powers he has bestowed on the position, put an end to strong-mayor powers and eliminate weighted voting at the regional council table,” writes Terry Davis.

“Niagara-on-the-Lake’s appeal as a place to live is connected to its success as a place to visit. Protecting the quality of life residents cherish requires understanding what helps make it possible,” writes David Coletto.

“I must say this issue of The Lake Report is extremely comprehensive and informative for all residents who are making up their minds about whom to vote for,” writes Kaspar Pold.

“In the event the candidates endorsed by the correspondent lose their election, are we to anticipate the correspondent will maintain an aggressive, negative and opinionated articles against the winner that he did not support?” writes Derek Insley.

“The human brain is wired in favour of frequent and chronic complainers, and all of the psychology behind the SORE and NOTLRA type groups is not helpful to a prosperous and happy future for this beautiful little town,” writes Peter Rusin.

“I am much more interested in what candidates have said about ‘how’ they will prove to the community they are trustworthy through specific publicly verifiable actions,” writes Geoffrey Fisher.

“I am struggling to see through the words that the candidates publish in their campaign materials (“responsible development,” “resident-first government,” “heritage preservation”) to determine how they will vote on the critical issues that will come before council over the next four years,” writes John Foreman.

“Wiens says absolute no to amalgamation, but two years ago, there he was … feting and supporting Doug Ford’s election, who, it turns out, is hell-bent on dismantling NOTL government in favour of amalgamating us into a megalopolis,” writes Bob Bader.

“We must elect a mayor who will bring their own style of leadership, building on what the current council has achieved, protect our beloved town from amalgamation and position us for the future. That mayor is Erwin Wiens,” writes Peter Warrack.

“Let’s ensure the province hears loud and clear that Niagara-on-the-Lake’s history, economy and future cannot be reduced to a rounding error,” writes Judith Barnes.

“When we vote for our next lord mayor or local councillors, consider who will have the courage to make the bold quantum leap changes needed to address the affordability crisis,” Harry Schlange.

“Ultimately, the question is not whether a council has enough first-term councillors or veterans. It is whether its members can listen, learn, work together and make thoughtful decisions in the best interests of Niagara-on-the-Lake,” writes Robin Cardozo.

“Staff experts don’t have a monopoly on good advice. Public opinion, often based on years of experience, matters too,” writes Chrys Kaloudis.

“By the time Halloween arrives, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s busiest tourist season is winding down. A co-ordinated Halloween celebration could give visitors another reason to come to Old Town,” writes Debra Rowe.

“Over the next four years, we will reflect on this election and the choice of the majority, but the outcome will not be because we did not have a clear choice: more of the same, or the chance to turn the corner,” writes Judith Barnes.

“That is not a failure of government funding. It is a failure to be prepared for it,” writes Ron Pychel. “This is not really about pickleball. It is about leadership, accountability and priorities.”

“The expansion of NOTL is inevitable,” writes Derek Collins. “However, elected government, as well as tourism agencies, must consider limits and the needs and opinions of local residents before any others.”

“If past is prologue, when we look at the slate of candidates running for NOTL council, then the citizenry needs to turn the page on those who have caused so much confusion and rancour in our community,” writes Joe Dias.