Holden by-election campaign hinges on fiscal prudence and preservation

Westwind Weekly News Photo submitted. Micah Holden and Family

By Heather Cameron
Westwind Weekly News

Stirling local Micah Holden is one of three who will be running in the Stirling by-election that will take place on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Stirling Community Centre, located at 409 – 2 Street, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

“Since my late teens, I’ve been quite fascinated by politics, particularly south of the border, but I’ve always been keen to know who’s who during our Canadian election seasons,” said Holden. 

“Both my wife and I participated in our local elementary school as parent/teacher councillors years ago in Waterloo, Ontario, and since seeing how much of a difference that can make, I decided to get off the sidelines and see what else is possible,” said Holden. “Over my decades of voting and participating in our democratic system in Canada I’ve become more traditionalist in my worldview. I’ve seen how the more tax dollars that are devoted to special interests the more of our core identity seems to erode. I’ve also seen how when parents in the community stop participating in earnest, others with different agendas will come forward, take those seats and then can change the core nature of what those institutions value. Canada is a wonderful union of peoples and provinces, but one common thread that I have seen and understood as essential is that hard work, and communities of faith are our legacy in the west. Participation is key to building, sustaining, and guarding that which we cherish.” 

Currently working as a facility operator at Richardson Pioneer across the highway from Stirling, Holden considers himself a ‘blue collar worker’ and has also spent the better part of two decades in CNC manufacturing, welding, and plant management. His wife and him, Holden says, have two sons and three dogs. 

Holden says that if elected, his goal as a councillor would be to hearken to the old ways. 

“I believe that Stirling is lovely, and I’d not change it, save it to make a space for the elderly in our community who are needing support, be that in old age housing or services,” said Holden. “In many cases, these are they who have built and sustained this village in recent time past. I plan to review the budget and seek savings to put towards these ends, but I know that we will need private and provincial support to get such a facility started, and I believe that the community here would be in favour of finding a way for our cherished elders to remain in their beloved Stirling village, but raising taxes is not the right way forward. I’m an optimist and a good listener. I hope those reading who can vote will ensure to get out and vote for the best candidate on May 7.”