I am honoured to have the support of family, friends, colleagues, current and former residents, and local businesses in the County of Brant for my re-election campaign.

Please contact me if you would like to show your support for my campaign, or if you would like to have me come by to chat on your porch.

From Bill and Sheila Tough, semi-retired, former Business Owners in Downtown Paris:

Had a memory pop up today. Our good friend Steve Howes and his lovely wife Christine! We go back a long way! He’s a fair and good man, and we have confidence in his ability to represent our community on council. Would love to see him continue to do great work!

Note from Steve: The Tough family were a retail cornerstone in Downtown Paris for decades, providing solutions (and lots of free advice for helpless handymen like me), and they also delivered much needed affordable housing. We miss Bill and Sheila in Ward 2 and I’m very grateful for this endorsement.

From Taylin Graham, Entrepreneur, Resident of Paris:

Ward 2 will always hold such a special place in my heart. I grew up there, and although I no longer reside in Ward 2 myself, it is still very much a part of my life. It’s where my daughter attends school and spends part of her life, and so many of my friends and family still call Ward 2 home. What happens in this community will always matter to me.
My entire family has deep roots in the area of Paris many of us know as “the Junction,” by the railway tracks. It’s where my grandparents raised their family, and where my aunts, uncles, cousins and I grew up and raised our own families, all within just a few streets of one another. Although I no longer live on Silver Street, some of the best memories of my life will always be there. I’ve also known Steve Howes for many years, not only as a longtime family friend, but through my own experience as a local business owner. When I decided to open my home business, Steve was one of the first people I turned to with questions. He was supportive, encouraging and incredibly responsive. Whenever I’ve reached out, I’ve typically heard back within hours. If he didn’t have the answer himself, he knew who could help me find it.
Those are my personal experiences with Steve, and they’re why I wanted to share a little about my connection to him and to Ward 2 during this election. I may not have a vote in Ward 2 anymore, but this community and the people who call it home will always mean a great deal to me.

Note from Steve: Sending a big Thank You to Taylin for this endorsement! Taylin grew up in our neighbourhood and I have known her family my whole life. I’ve watched Taylin become a true powerhouse of entrepreneurship and determination with a focus on wellness and her words of support mean so much to me. Thank you, Taylin!

From Kari Raymer Bishop, Resident of Ward 2:

Out delivering election cards for my friend Steve Howes, even though everyone in this neighbourhood knows voting for Steve is a no-brainer. He is a darn good councillor — and I say this as someone who can be hard on politicians because everything is political. A vote for Steve is a vote for reasonable, respectful, honest, diligent, and smart leadership. In the midst of uncertain and difficult times, Steve is the opposite of chaos and I very much appreciate his steady approach to decision-making. And, in an election campaign that features some burn-it-all-down candidates, I am grateful for Steve’s willingness to work well with others, disagree respectfully, and bring substance rather than antics to the council table. I trust Steve Howes to represent our community and make decisions that serve the County of Brant … and you should too.

From Crystal Adams, Resident of Ward 2:

Hey! There’s my buddy Steve Howes running for councillor again in Ward 2! When Steve isn’t busy being at town meetings and trying to help our county you can often catch him in Mexico, enjoying a taco or perhaps sketching with Paris Sketchers … or maybe even enjoying an ice cream at the local ice cream shop. But Steve and myself go wayyyyy back … well him and my family go way back. My dad/uncles all went to school together, and he was the volunteered band photographer (a couple of his pics shown below) and he’s been known in the family ever since I’ve been around.

I consider him a long time friend of myself and my family. He’s always been the greatest and nicest guy anytime I run into him in all the years I’ve known him. A few things we have in common are our love for tacos, music and Legion outings … but most importantly, the love for our small town of Paris. He’s working hard dealing with all the issues in this town and I’m sure it’s not an easy job with everyone online and all the things they have to say. We may not always agree on what our county is doing, but some of the members actually do care about Paris and I believe that he is one of them. People our age need to get out and vote more and if you are voting, please go and vote for Steve Howes councillor Ward 2! Voting starts October 19th and runs to the 26th. He’s been in the game for a few years now he knows what he’s doing. Let’s keep him around a bit longer Steve Howes you got my vote!

Note from Steve: Sending a BIG Thank You to Crystal Adams for this endorsement post. I was fortunate to have my life intersect with the Adams family many times over the years. Crystal’s Uncle Doug and I were Cub Leaders together, and I had great fun photographing Chris and Crystal’s Dad Danny in their various rock bands back in the day. And the family patriarch, Crystal’s Grandpa Dave Adams used to call me “Young Howes” and then he would remind me that he has driven more miles backwards than I have driven forward. (He was a truck driver specializing in transporting new cars to dealerships as I recall). Crystal, you are one hard working young lady and an absolute success story. I appreciate our shared taste for tacos and good music and old Paris stories, and I really appreciate your endorsement.

From Dr. Kathryn Carter, Professor of English, Wilfrid Laurier University, Resident of Ward 2:

I have known Steve Howes since Grade 10, and even then, he knew so much about Paris, its history, and its inhabitants! He was community-minded from a young age. Since then, I watched him develop a remarkable set of skills that set him apart as an exceptional county councillor. When I work with leaders in government and post-secondary institutions, I meet very few who share Steve’s skills for leadership, problem solving, and consultation! I have watched him handle the sometimes difficult and emotional situations that come up in local politics with real grace: he responds quickly when someone reaches out, he really listens, and then he is creative about how to solve problems that address differing concerns. Because he seems to know everyone, he relies on a wide network of citizens to make informed choices for our community. I like his practicality about what is affordable and what is possible to achieve. Aside from that, though, he is open and creative and eager to imagine where our ward and our county can go with some guidance and foresight. We are super lucky to have Steve Howes in our community corner.

Note from Steve: Sending a big Thank you to Dr Kathryn Carter who has been a local community builder, Heritage Advocate, friend and Trivia Rival for many years!

From David Powell – Internationally Renowned Designer, Built Heritage Advocate, Resident of Paris:

As he quite recently reminded me, I have known Steve since he was a teenager when he first carried my groceries to my car. That was just typical of him: thoughtful, considerate and openly friendly. Since then I have observed him as he has grown in character and maturity, always exhibiting those same characteristics.
As a lifetime resident of Paris he brings a deep understanding and commitment to his role as County Councillor for Ward 2. During the time that he has served on Council I have witnessed his genuine concern for his community: its heritage, its residents, and its best interests moving forward. He has served with dedication and fairness. He possesses a clarity of vision and is often a voice of reason in times of serious debate.
Unfortunately I do not live in his Ward, but I can think of no one who I would rather have represent me at Council.

Note from Steve: David Powell and I met 45 years ago, when I worked at Calbeck’s grocery store. I carried out his groceries and coveted his VW convertible (and still do!). David is one of those people who was born here, found an incredible career in designing beautiful spaces that took him around the globe, but always considered Paris home. He has led a jet set lifestyle at times, with many fascinating friends and clients worldwide, but he has always been incredibly approachable and generous, especially when it comes to passion projects involving architecturally significant buildings in our community. (His original sketch of the new Lawn Bowling club in the photo above is just one example). I’ve seen him passionate, joyful and heartbroken over local projects, and our friendship has allowed for many interesting conversations. (And a now happily retired David is helping teach Christine and myself TaiChi in a County program at Syl Apps!!) I greatly appreciate this endorsement

From Lukas Oakley – Councillor Ward 2 County of Brant:

While I may not be running in the next election, my Ward mate Steve Howes will be! Ward 2, and the County as a whole, is so fortunate to have his calm, reasoned leadership representing them. I consider myself so lucky to have sat next to Steve these past four years as a colleague and political mentor. I encourage all to support him in the upcoming election, you couldn’t ask for someone who cares more for this community to be at the helm.

Note from Steve: Thank you so much Lukas!!

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While you are here, it would be great if you take a few moments to read through my Priorities for Ward 2 and the County of Brant.

Endorsements received for my previous Re-election Campaign (2022)

From Marc Laferriere, former Councillor Ward 2 County of Brant:

Steve Howes has been an exemplar councillor since being elected in 2018. I have watched him with grace and energy advocate for residents and fight for Brant effectively with other levels of government. He innately understands how to work with others, but he also understands how all of this works – and it is complicated and complex. Different levels or government, committees, finances, processes, and joint committees with various other larger municipalities can be a lot to learn and adapt to. Steve has done that work.

That knowledge will prove very helpful to whomever will be new to council and to the other Ward 2 seat if you choose to Vote Howes again on Oct 24th, 2022. He makes all of us on council better with his grounded positive attitude, vast historical community knowledge and his strong ethics. He will not tell you what you want to hear but will always tell you the truth. He will also ask your questions in public meetings and privately to get the answers needed to make good decisions. He cares deeply about the public and the public good. I have seen this countless times over the last 4 years. On a personal note, I have been thankful every single day of this past term that the voters of Ward 2 decided to put us to work together for them. In my opinion you could not ask for a better wardmate and ward councillor than Steve Howes. #VoteHowes

Note from Steve: No matter what happens in the rest of my political career, I will be forever grateful for the tremendous experience serving with you Marc. Thank you!

From Avery Moore Kloss – Voice Artist, Storyteller & Journalist, Paris Resident:

I spent years not saying much about politics publicly. Old journalist habits die hard. But when it comes to local government I’m very vocal. So I’m more than happy to endorse my friend Steve Howes, Councillor Ward 2, Paris, County of Brant ahead of this municipal election. We even delivered door hangers as a family to help “Team Steve”. In Steve’s first four years as a Brant County councillor he’s really showed his dedication to leadership, to representation and to hearing all opinions from his constituents while making decisions that affect all of us. Steve is somehow able to weigh both the wishes of families who have lived here for generations (like his) and families who are new to the area. He hears everyone. I even sent my dad to him with some concerns he had, not realizing he didn’t live in Ward 2, and Steve showed up to listen and help anyway, even though it’s not his ward (oops!).I’m proud to call Steve a friend, and I’ll be even more proud to see him as a leader on council once again. You get two votes in ward 2 – and one of mine will be Steve Howes.

It’s more important than ever to vote in municipal elections. Use your vote and your voice, they’re powerful.

Note from Steve: Avery Moore Kloss is an amazing journalist/storyteller by profession, who goes to great lengths to research and prepare before delivering a final product for her audience.

The same dedication was applied recently as Avery and her husband tackled the task of creating Ward 2’s first Additional Residential Unit. I have also seen firsthand how Avery uses her passion and creativity to be a wonderful and inventive Mom….

Avery, I’m grateful that your family decided to call Paris home, (and that Marc introduced us 4 years ago!). I appreciate your wonderful endorsement and your help with my campaign—Thank you!

From Paul Cheney – Visual Artist, World Traveller, former Ward 2 resident:

I first met Steve Howes while he was campaigning to be a councillor for the ward I lived in, in Paris Ontario. Though I no longer live there I know a lot of you do. I envy you for having such a fantastic representative. Over the past four years, Steve has helped me personally with several issues. Not only has he taken the time to help with issues I faced while in Ward 2 he has become a great friend. Steve is not only the most attentive representative I have ever met, but he is also an advocate for the arts and a fantastic artist himself. If you are fortunate enough to live in one of the best areas of one of the best towns, you owe it to yourself to vote for Steve.

Additional Endorsements & Campaign Button Sightings from 2022 Re-election Campaign

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