Passero seeks Fort Erie mayor’s job
Ward 2 councillor says he’d bring new energy, outlook
Stephen Passero says he can bring new energy and a new outlook to the Fort Erie mayor’s office.
The two-term town councillor announced Wednesday he’s running for mayor in the Oct. 22 municipal election.
As of late Thursday — and with hours to go until the 2 p.m. Friday deadline to register — it was a two-man race, with incumbent Wayne Redekop seeking re-election.
“As mayor I want to work confidently and boldly to chart a course where we kick open the door when opportunity knocks,” said Passero, 39. “And it’s been knocking. We need to let it in.”
Passero represented Ward 2 on council from 2010 to 2014. That year he ran for mayor, but finished second behind Redekop in a five-person race.
Passero rejoined council in March 2015, winning a byelection to represent Ward 2 following the death of councillor Rick Shular.
Over the past 15 years, he has also been an active volunteer in saving the Kinsmen pool and getting the town skatepark built. He’s also a past-president of the Ontario Shorewalk Association, which advocates for public access to waterfronts, and of the Fort Erie Chamber of Commerce.
“I’ve served in many public service roles over the past 15 years and regardless of the position, my focus has always been to contribute every ounce of energy I have,” Passero said, adding, “I tend to gravitate toward things that involve family and youth.”
He works locally at a customs brokerage, where he says his hours are flexible enough that being mayor “wouldn’t be a hobby for me, it’s a position that requires 100 per cent dedication.”
“I want to be out as much as I can, but not just to cut ribbons. I want to meet people, I want to discuss initiatives, I want to attend local and neighbourhood meetings … continue to get the pulse of the community.”