Dear Ward 5 Families,

This past week, Oakville found itself in an important conversation about the proposed AI data centres on 9th Line.

Like many residents, I started with questions and concerns — especially around water consumption. As a kindergarten teacher and an “unofficial” Water Watcher with my students, protecting this precious resource matters deeply to me.

But as I continued listening, reading, and learning, another concern became clearer: the enormous demand these facilities could place on our electrical grid.

I don’t see that as changing my position.

I see it as strengthening it through learning.

My position remains clear: there should be no AI data centres without meaningful public consultation.

Before decisions are made that could impact our water, our electricity, our environment, and our community’s future, residents deserve the chance to ask questions, hear answers, and have their voices included.

This past week reminded me of something important:

The more we listen, the more we learn, and the more we talk with one another, the stronger our decisions become.

Leadership isn’t about always having the perfect answer.

It’s about being willing to listen, reflect, and grow.

That isn’t weakness.

It’s growth.

The strength of Oakville isn’t found in everyone agreeing. It’s found in our willingness to keep talking, keep listening, and respect one another — even when we disagree.

That’s what saying yes is all about.

I hope you’ll continue to say yes to me, so I can continue saying yes for you.

Together, we have the strength of each other.

And together, we have the power of time.

— Jerome Adamo

Candidate for Oakville Town Council, Ward 5

Dear Ward 5 families,

I’m indoors today. It’s hot outside, and I’ve been reflecting on the last few days of canvassing, Canada Day celebrations, and what they all mean. If it cools down later this week, I’m hoping to enjoy some live music at our waterfront.

I keep coming back to one word: community.

When we talk about municipal budgets, it’s easy to focus on the numbers. But budgets are also about opportunities. While Council approves operating and capital budgets each year, new funding partnerships with the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada can emerge throughout the year. Our responsibility would be to be ready to seize those opportunities for Oakville.

Words matter because they reflect priorities.

When the Government of Canada talks about Building Canada Strong, those words shouldn’t end with an election. They should translate into real investments in communities like ours through stronger infrastructure, innovation, manufacturing, and economic growth.

Likewise, when the Province of Ontario talks about Ontario Proud, those words should be reflected in better transit, safer neighbourhoods, stronger infrastructure, and a higher quality of life.

My role as your Town Councillor would be to help turn those commitments into partnerships that deliver results for Ward 5.

While canvassing, I was asked whether political differences get in the way. For me, they don’t. More doors are opening, and those conversations remind me that local government works best when neighbours simply talk to neighbours.

I believe in stronger civic participation because politics matters, and most people who step forward are genuinely trying to make a difference. An election doesn’t have to be the end of public service. Those who aren’t elected still bring valuable ideas and experience. They volunteer with community organizations; join advisory groups; help create citizens’ assemblies; organize around issues they care about; and continue shaping the conversations that move our community forward. That’s how we build a stronger community—and a healthier democracy.

I have tremendous respect for Anita Anand. We’ve shared the stage twice, and while we don’t always agree, I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work with her on issues that matter.

I feel much the same way about Stephen Crawford. We’ve certainly had our differences, but I’ve never wavered from my first impression of him: a man with his head in a book, doing his homework.

I will work with anyone if it means improving transit, strengthening our local economy, attracting new investment, supporting our businesses, protecting taxpayers, and making Ward 5 an even better place to call home.

Every day, I look at 25 to 30 students in my classroom. They remind me that they are the residents of tomorrow. The decisions we make today will shape not only their lives, but the community they will inherit.

This isn’t just about today’s residents.

Partnerships aren’t about politics.

They’re about people—now and for the future.

So let’s say yes.

Sincerely,

Jerome Adamo

Town Councillor Candidate

Ward 5, Oakville

Dear Ward 5 Families,

When we talk about town budgets, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers.

My experience has taught me to look beyond them.

I’ve served on governance boards overseeing budgets where every dollar carried real responsibility. As a union member, I attend annual meetings where financial reports are presented and members ask questions. I’m also active in a political party, where transparency and responsible stewardship of members’ contributions matter.

Money matters.

But more than money, people matter.

That’s the perspective I would bring to Town Council. Every financial decision should begin with one question: How does this improve the lives of the people we serve?

The Town budget isn’t one big pot of money.

The operating budget funds the services we rely on every day—maintaining parks, clearing snow, supporting recreation programs, keeping facilities running, and delivering the services that make Ward 5 and Oakville work.

The capital budget is different. It invests in our future through roads, parks, public buildings, infrastructure, and other community assets that serve residents for decades.

As an educator, I’m reminded every day that the children in my classroom are also the residents of tomorrow. The decisions we make today should serve today’s families while helping build the Oakville the next generation deserves.

Responsible financial governance isn’t about spending more or spending less. It’s about spending wisely—finding the right balance between meeting today’s needs and planning responsibly for tomorrow.

Ward 5 deserves leadership that sees budgets not just as numbers, but as investments in people, neighbourhoods, and our shared future.

I look forward to earning your trust and continuing this conversation with you.

Sincerely,

Jerome Adamo
Candidate for Ward 5 Town Councillor–

Dear Ward 5 Families,

This week, I found myself watching the World Cup and reflecting on the many cultures, traditions, and faiths represented around the world. People from different backgrounds come together around a common game, cheering for their teams, sharing experiences, and finding connection despite their differences.

Ward 5 is no different.

Our community is made up of people from many cultures and many religions. We have believers and non-believers. We come from different traditions, and we often see the world through different lenses.

I have never been the “verse quoting”Christian but there are a few I know by memory. One such verse has guided my understanding of leadership since my childhood. Mark 10:44: “Whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all.”

Across many of the world’s spiritual and ethical traditions, a shared principle emerges: leadership is not defined by authority over others, but by responsibility to serve them. In Christianity, this is expressed in the idea that “the first shall serve all,” while in Islam, leadership is similarly framed through the expectation that a leader exists in service to the people. Sikhism teaches selfless service as a sacred duty, and in Judaism, the concept of tikkun olam calls for repairing the world through meaningful action. Buddhism emphasizes compassion as a means of reducing suffering, while Hindu traditions often express duty (dharma) in practice as a commitment to service and right action. Indigenous teachings across many Nations likewise centre the understanding that leadership is grounded in accountability to community and the well-being of others.

Beyond religious frameworks, humanist and secular philosophies arrive at a closely aligned conclusion: that empathy, dignity, and concern for the welfare of others are foundational to a healthy society. Whether expressed through faith, culture, or philosophy, the consistent thread is that true leadership is measured not by control or status, but by the extent to which one uplifts others and strengthens the collective good.

The language may differ. The stories, rituals, and beliefs may differ. Yet a common thread runs through many of them: service over self, care over indifference, and community over isolation.

At a time when it can be easy to focus on what separates us, I find hope in what brings us together.

Different faiths. Different philosophies. Different traditions. One common good.

My hope is that we continue to say yes to community. Community is not simply a place; it is a commitment.

Each morning, when I walk into my classroom and see 25 young children looking back at me, I am reminded of why commitments matter. Every one of those children depends on adults keeping their promises, showing up, and working together to build something larger than themselves.

That is why we must continue to strengthen our communities. We say yes to community because, whether we always realize it or not, we already belong to one another.

Sincerely,

Jerome Adamo
Candidate, Ward 5 Town Councillor

Dear Ward 5 families and residents,

Over the past little while, I've been reaching out to a number of organizations, community groups, and residents across Oakville because I believe meaningful community relationships should begin long before election season is in full swing.

One thing I've always appreciated about our community is the incredible network of people who care deeply about issues ranging from the environment, education, seniors, accessibility, community safety, and preserving the character of our town while creating welcoming spaces for everyone. Organizations and community networks connected to groups such as the Oakville Community Association, and community voices connected to groups like We Love Oakville remind me just how engaged and thoughtful Ward 5 residents truly are.

As someone seeking to serve our community, I want people to know that I am not interested in simply appearing near the end of a campaign asking for support. I want to begin conversations now and continue them all the way through to October and beyond.

I also recognize that not every conversation will be easy, and not every issue will come with immediate agreement.
There may be times when difficult or unfamiliar topics arise, and I may need to step away, learn more, reflect, and then return to the conversation better informed. I believe good leadership is not about pretending to have every answer immediately — it is about listening carefully, learning continuously, and working collaboratively toward solutions together.

My goal is simple: to be someone who listens respectfully, engages honestly, and remains present in the community consistently — not just during election season.

I look forward to meeting many more of you in the weeks and months ahead.

Sincerely,
Jerome Adamo

Dear Ward 5 residents of Oakville,

My name is Jerome Adamo, and I am proud to share my intention to run to be your next Town Councillor for Ward 5.

I believe in doing politics differently—with honesty, accessibility, and full transparency from the very beginning. In that spirit, I want residents to know that I am currently on a temporary leave of absence from my work as an early childhood educator while awaiting an outpatient surgical procedure that has been delayed due to ongoing medical backlogs.

Because of that, I will be beginning this campaign gradually, with an early focus online and within the physical limits advised by my medical team.

I am deeply grateful to the dedicated volunteers who have already stepped forward to help build this campaign. Their support, encouragement, and hard work mean a great deal.

With May 1 marking the official start of the filing period for candidates, I wanted to share my intentions openly and without delay. While this unexpected leave has brought challenges, I am approaching both recovery and this campaign as a marathon, not a sprint.

As my health improves, I look forward to connecting with more residents, returning fully to my work with children, and earning your trust along the way.

I believe public service starts with listening, helping, and finding ways to say yes when it matters most. I hope to earn your support.

Sincerely,
Jerome Adamo