In an effort to promote discussion on key issues during the current election period, we are giving candidates the opportunity to answer a number of questions that may be of interest to local voters.
Everyone receives the same questions, and their answers are presented with minimal editing for format purposes only.
Here is the candidate profile for Quinte West Council Candidate in Sidney Ward (Ward 2) Don Kuntze.
Election day is October 26th.
First and Last Name
Don Kuntze
What position are you seeking in the upcoming municipal election on October 26?
Quinte West Councillor, Sidney Ward
Question 1 – Why are you running and what are your main priorities if elected/re-elected?
I have been serving Quinte West since winning a rare By-Election in 2008. I have come to meet hundreds of new friends. I take great pride in assisting residents from all of Quinte West. It could be a By-Law or Planning issue. Even on how to address Council with an idea or concern they have. I also have great respect for the Senior Management Team in place at City Hall and I enjoy working with them. Such energy and dedication they have to achieve their goals gives me the desire to continue to serve. Quinte West has such beauty. So much potential. As always when there is a challenge the citizens step up to raise funds or cheer on a sports activity. It is very rewarding to see! I am a retired Insurance Broker. I am very much about negotiating, teaching and working together to reach a mutual goal. I am a people person and look for solutions to solve challenges. If elected I will be Quinte West’s longest continuing serving member of Council. I feel that I can be of valuable service to assisting our new Mayor and be a mentor to the many new Councillors, minimum of 9, that will join the Council. The first priority will be helping our new Mayor get organized setting up the committees, take a leadership role with the Council and getting through the 2027 budget.
Question 2 – How do you balance budgetary restraint with continuing increases in many areas of the municipal budget?
No question this can be stressful. I always try to share my ideas and listen to others so we can come up with solutions. It is important to remember that Mayor, Council members and City Staff are a team. The options are tossed into the pile and we all work together to select which option is the best path forward always keeping in mind the money. There are times when there are reductions such as recently the Recycling Program. Yes our City has some debt but we also have a new Public Works facility, a YMCA, a OPP police station, a fire hall. I could go on. All these new facilities make it safer for our staff, more efficient to operate and better serve the citizens!
Question 3 – Infrastructure projects are a huge strain on local budgets, especially when it comes to water/wastewater. How can we address/reduce these costs moving forward and mitigate the impact for ratepayers/taxpayers?
Infrastructure projects are necessary. In 2025 I participated in Quinte West’s Asset Management Plan. City Staff came up with many options to extend the life of certain assets. We also decided on a multi year plan extending 10 years into the future to address aging infrastructure.
Question 4 – What measures can the municipality take to address the issues of affordability and housing security?
Last year I supported Quinte West’s new Housing Action Plan which provides a road map and incentives to increase housing throughout the Municipality. I have been a member of the Planning Committee since 2014 and there are close to 20 housing developments, large and small, in the works in various stages of construction. Quinte West’s Official Plan continues to evolve and forecasts growth for years to come. For people to live they need jobs. Quinte West has commercial and industrial lands available now and I support Quinte West acquiring more commercial and industrial lands for the future. Quinte West has many ways to encourage people to work, live and play.
Question 5 – Homelessness has become a major issue for most local communities. What would you do to address this issue and what needs to happen to have a meaningful impact?
I don’t have the answer to homelessness. I support the work of Hastings County Social Services. I supported the purchase, development and current plans for the College St. School property in Trenton Ward. I supported the Quinte West incentive program within the Housing Action Plan introduced last year. I encourage the people I meet to reach for their goals be it education, a new job or starting a new venture.
Question 6 – What message do you want the voter to know about you and your campaign and your priorities for the next four years?
I have the support of my wife, family the many friends all across the Quinte region who all have encouraged me to continue my service to the citizens of Quinte West. The number one priority will be to support our new Mayor in building consensus with the new members of Council. Number 2 will be the 2027 budget. I hope to sit on the Planning, Conservation, Financial, Public Works Committees and any service where the Mayor feels I can be of best use.
