ZURICH — With over 20 years of municipal experience, former Bluewater clerk-treasurer Janisse Zimmerman said she felt it was the right time to try a different seat at the council table with her decision to run in the Zurich Ward this fall.

"It gets in the blood," said Zimmerman, who retired just over two years ago and added she always had an interest in serving as a councillor and the right time came up quicker than she imagined.

Zimmerman has lived in Zurich for 27 years and started as the clerk-treasurer in Hay in 1989 before the Bluewater amalgamation in 2001.

While serving as a municipal staff member, Zimmerman said she always wished she could be involved in decision making.

She has a wide variety of experiences with groups such as the Huron County Crime Stoppers and the Zurich Optimists as well as the Zurich Bean Festival committee

Another group which she said was especially gratifying to work with was on the board of directors of the Bluewater Area Family Health Team. With her term as chairperson ending this fall, she felt the time was right to re-enter municipal politics.

"I have the experience, knowledge and skills to be an effective councillor,"  said
Zimmerman. She noted there has already been a large number of candidates declaring themselves for the Bluewater election, which she said is a good thing.

Residents shouldn’t be scared of putting themselves forward for the election, said Zimmerman.

"Just have an interest in your community…everyone has skills and interests they bring."

She added, "One thing I want to do is work as a team for the good of Bluewater."

One issue Zimmerman said she is concerned about is school closings and that she would have liked to see Bluewater council more involved in the process.

For the town of Zurich, Zimmerman said improvements to the lagoon is a positive thing that will allow development and is also good for the environment.

Zimmerman is also concerned about having a new library built, as the steps and heavy doors of the current facility make it inaccessible. "It’s an eye opener when you’re on the other side," Zimmerman noted.

She added more attention needs to be paid to the Zurich downtown and what role the town can play in the municipality.

A capital plan is also needed for the municipality, said Zimmerman, in order to make sure ratepayers don’t end up paying for too many projects.

Zimmerman said she has been reading all the council minutes and reports from the past two years and in regards to the petition launched by residents, she feels the council should respond to any petition for a public meeting, with the understanding there will be guidelines.

"The council represents residents and we are accountable," said Zimmerman.
The municipal election is Oct. 25, with the deadline for nominations Sept. 10.

As of July 15, Zimmerman is the only declared candidate for the Zurich Ward, which is held by Coun. Marg Deichert.