What Wilmot people say about Paul Knowles:
“As a business owner and resident of Wilmot, it is extremely important to me that our next mayor understands the growing needs of the township. We need a leader with the vision to manage today and plan for tomorrow. Our mayor has to look after the needs of Wilmot while recognizing the unique needs of the smaller communities that make us great. Wilmot’s mayor is also our representative to the Region, where sometimes it is time to fight and sometimes negotiate and compromise. I believe only one candidate running for mayor brings all of these attributes to the job. Paul Knowles has a proven track record of success in our community and is the best choice to lead Wilmot into the future. We need Paul Knowles as the next mayor of Wilmot!” - Erik Kuttis
"I have really appreciated how Paul has embraced the tremendous assets of people within our community. A great mayor is someone who understands how to utilize and encourage those within their constituency - something Paul understands well." - Charlene Nafziger
"Paul will work to give New Hamburg and Wilmot back its own identity. As a long-time resident of New Hamburg and Wilmot, Paul knows what needs to be done." - Paul Ming
"I am a newcomer to New Hamburg, and Paul and his wife welcomed me in great style...and quickly recruited me to help with local challenges and opportunities. It was clear to me from the outset that Paul cares deeply about this region and would be a great ambassador for Wilmot." - Ginny Dybenko
"I have known Paul Knowles as a friend for over 15 years. The three reasons I will be voting for Paul Knowles to occupy the mayor's chair of Wilmot Township are: Paul is a good listener and after you have spoken with him you feel that he has really listened to what you said.
"The second reason I am voting for Paul is that the mayor's job...is more than just chairing council meetings. Wilmot Township will only run smoothly if the employees can work in an environment where they feel valued. It is the mayor's job to ensure each employee enjoys coming to work and serving each of us - the residents of Wilmot - every day. Paul understands how to motivate people and solve problems.
"The third reason...is that the mayor of Wilmot sits on Waterloo Regional Council. This position is Wilmot's direct connection to the Region. The communities of St. Agatha, Petersburg, Baden, New Dundee, and the rural home owners and farmers in these areas are directly affected by the Region of Waterloo pumping water from wells on the east side of Wilmot township to supply the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. I believe Paul is more than capable of representing Wilmot's best interests with regards to water and the many other issues that are dealt with at the Regional level." - Richard Cressman
"I've known Paul Knowles professionally and personally for more than 20 years, including the time he was publisher of the New Hamburg Independent. He's totally invested in his community, engaged with the people, and passionate about the issues and projects that will shape and determine Wilmot's future. For years he represented the New Hamburg Independent at the same table as much larger papers from Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph, and he ensured his hometown paper had as loud a voice as any other. I have every faith he'll do the same in the Mayor's chair." - Rick Campbell, Editorial Director, Rogers Healthcare Group and former publisher, the Waterloo Chronicle
"I've known of Paul for many years, but only got to really know him in the past year. I'm impressed by his common-sense logic, his leadership and his ability to get things done. Through various volunteer roles Paul has demonstrated his commitment to Wilmot Township. I know he would continue to be a good leader and spokesperson as our Mayor." - John Wagner
"Paul knows how to turn good intentions into action. I've worked with Paul on a number of projects, including the New Hamburg Flood Relief. His commitment as a dedicated volunteer has made our community a better place to live." - Paul Ditner
"Paul Knowles cares for his community, and puts his actions where his mouth is; he has happily put hundreds of volunteer hours into Wilmot township." - Audrey Cook
"We know Paul Knowles to be a leader who listens. His passion for our region, evidenced by twenty years of local service, coupled with his seriousness of purpose, evidenced by his successful leadership of many varied projects, have made Paul a highly credible and respected community leader." - Janet & Don Worthington
"I know Paul Knowles as a volunteer who took on fundraising leadership for the creation of the Castle Kilbride Museum, an innovator whose vision helped found the New Hamburg Live! Festival, and a supporter of community events which celebrate the spirit of Wilmot Township." - Mary-Eileen McClear
"I'm supporting Paul Knowles for Mayor because he has been a true column of support to our community and it has been proven in his leadership. I know that Paul has a vision for the community and also the abilities needed for this challenging job." - Kevin Russell
"Paul always has the best interest of the Wilmot community at heart." - Kathie Jordan
"I have known Paul for about 20 years. As a lifelong resident of Wilmot township, I was impressed by how he got involved and made New Hamburg his home. Over these years I have seen him take a lively interest in Wilmot township issues. He has been an active participant in local projects and has demonstrated a sincere concern for the well being and betterment of this community. Now himself an established New Hamburg resident, he encourages newcomers to feel welcome and to get involved as well. I think these are some of the attributes of a good community advocate and leader." - Susan Seyler
"We know Paul to be passionate about our community. Wilmot Township needs someone with a passion and energy to put Wilmot on the map. We believe Paul is the man to do just that." - Jeff and Amanda Dow
"In the six years that I’ve known him, Paul Knowles has proven to be a fervent advocate for this region, and an avid supporter of small business. Under his direction, the New Hamburg Board of Trade has been reinvigorated, and our collective vision renewed. Paul is a leader around whom the citizens of this township may rally. When our community works together, it becomes a force that is strong against a flooding river, that is immovable against the indifference of the MTO, that is generous when there is poverty, and that proudly parades our history, our arts and our culture, for us all to celebrate.
"I’m voting for Paul because I’m aware of the pressures that come to bear on a Township of our size. Our actions today will determine whether we secure our place as a distinct and unique district, or whether we are absorbed by the featureless sprawl of urban growth.
"Interesting times lay ahead. We need a leader. We need Paul Knowles." - Kristen Hahn
"New Hamburg suffered devastating floods in 2008. People's homes were wrecked and lives disrupted by this extraordinary event. Where were the township's councillors when we needed them? While they stood idly by, Paul Knowles stepped up and took the initiative. He set up the New Hamburg Flood Relief Fund, which raised $60,000 to help flood-affected residents pay for damaged furnaces and other essential equipment in their homes. This would not have happened without Paul, who worked tirelessly to bring together local businesses, churches and fellow New Hamburgers, so that we could all help our neighbours.
"The councillors who are running against Paul claim that they are a good choice for mayor because they are good workers. That's not enough. I say that Paul Knowles will be a great mayor because he is a true leader." - Nigel Gordijk
"Paul's contribution to the Township of Wilmot is already considerable. It's notable that he is offering to serve our combined municipalities as Mayor. His involvement in projects such as Heritage, Environment and the Arts, I can speak to from experience. He has invested his time and talents over the years with enthusiasm and vigour. He has added knowledgeable insight on municipal issues as well as Regional and Provincial concerns, through his volunteer and occupational associations. He has earned my support." - Bill Weichel
"I had the pleasure of first meeting Paul around 20 years ago. Fairly new to volunteering, and a bit apprehensive about my endeavor, he was not only very approachable but a good listener. Through the years I have found Paul to have a sincere, hard working approach towards a broad spectrum of community causes." - Marlene Miller
"Ric and I watched Paul take leadership when our community was struck by rising waters of the Nith. Then his skillls in raising funds took over and helped put residents back in their homes with a minimum of delay. Paul has always taken a keen interest in community matters and if anyone can get a job done quickly and thoroughly, Paul is the man!" - Jan and Ric Latimer
"Paul Knowles is an excellent organizer and knows how to delegate responsibilities." - Bob and Gail Kostash
"Paul Knowles is a community leader on many levels. He was instrumental in the formation of the New Hamburg Flood Relief Fund, is a strong opponent to the re-routing of Highway 7 & 8, and has been integral in the development of the New Hamburg Live! Festival. Paul believes in the Township of Wilmot, its residents, and will strive to champion the causes of its constituents." - Patrice Green
“I could not be happier than to have him as our mayor -- he is steadfast in his determination to preserve the character of Wilmot communities.” – Gail Corning |
