Candidate Profile: Perth-Wellington - Romayne Smith Fullerton
Romayne Smith Fullerton, a long-time resident of Perth County, is an associate professor of journalism and media studies at the University of Western Ontario.
Romayne is also a community and environmental activist, who became the spokesperson for Friends of the Transvaal, a group of rural citizens opposed to a proposed gravel pit which would have a significant environmental impact on the Thames River, its valley and surrounding farm land in her community.
It is her community experience that led her to seek and win the nomination as NDP candidate for Perth-Wellington.
“I came to realize that the political process is not terribly responsive to community needs and requires some fixing,” she said. “I don’t consider myself a typical politician nor do I want to make a career of it. I am leaving a good job to see if I can make a difference. I plan to be a very grassroots, community-based and active representative at Queens Park.”
Romayne has travelled the riding listening to people’s concerns around kitchen tables, in coffee shops and at town hall meetings.
Romayne believes one of the key issues is jobs and the economy.
“It is very clear that this riding is going through an economic transition,” she said. “With the loss of close to 2,000 manufacturing jobs between 2006 and 2011, many people are struggling to make ends meet. Many are working in more than one job. They don’t get the hours and they don’t get benefits or security to build a future for themselves and their families.
“I don’t think that is acceptable and together we can change this.”
Romayne lives on a farm near St. Marys with her husband and son.
Telephone: 519-273-3223
Email: romayne@romayne.ca
Website: www.romayne.ca
