Old Grey Mayors

We have something a little different on this episode of the Old Grey Mayors podcast. Luisa D'Amato a longtime journalist at the Waterloo Region Record, joins Rob to talk about her career and insights into journalism.

D'Amato discusses her early influences, including Bernard Levin and her education at Columbia Journalism School, recounting her experiences covering social services, investigative journalism, and local politics, including her work on a significant story about a suspected murderer while she was about to give birth.

D'Amato and Rob also dive into the challenges of modern journalism, including the decline in local news coverage and the impact of social media on public discourse. D'Amato also shares why local journalism is critical to holding institutions and leaders accountable and offers tips for politicians interacting with the press.

In this episode of The Old Grey Mayor’s Podcast, host Robert Deutschmann reconnects with Geoff Lorentz, a veteran of municipal politics with 34 years of service, including 21 years on Regional Council.

Geoff discusses his journey from being appointed to Regional Council under the old double-elect system to becoming a councillor through the direct election process.

The conversation reflects on significant projects like the ION light rail system, airport development, and the challenges of managing regional governance. Geoff shares insights about key issues such as working with staff, Uber’s arrival in Waterloo Region, and the impact of roundabouts on traffic safety. He concludes by reflecting on his transition away from public office and the camaraderie that made his time in politics fulfilling.

This episode provides a deep dive into the nuances of regional governance, the balancing act between innovation and responsibility, and the satisfaction of public service. Geoff Lorentz offers a seasoned perspective on the rewards and challenges of managing public infrastructure, budgets, and evolving community needs. Tune in for practical insights into local politics and stories about the key projects that have shaped the Waterloo Region.

In this episode of The Old Grey Mayor’s Podcast, host Robert Deutschmann speaks with Jenn Pfenning, a farmer, advocate, and former Wilmot Township councillor.

Jenn shares her journey from working on her family’s organic farm to becoming involved in local politics. They discuss her experience on council, the role of community engagement, and the complexities of balancing advocacy for sustainable agriculture and migrant labour rights. Jenn also reflects on the challenges of municipal governance, the importance of local infrastructure, and her decision to run for mayor in 2022.

This episode offers valuable insights into grassroots advocacy, community engagement, and the realities of local governance. Tune in to learn more about Jenn's passion for public service, sustainable agriculture, and the power of local politics.

Jeff Henry returns to the podcast to talk all things municipal budgets, from managing capital projects to the costs of upgrading infrastructure in older neighbourhoods.

Karl Kiefer joins Rob on the podcast to talk about his journey into local politics. Inspired by the amalgamation of Preston and Cambridge in 1973, Karl ran for and was elected to Cambridge City Council. He shares stories on community involvement, recreational facilities, and managing public funds and resources.

Former City of Kitchener councillor John Gazzola is back on the podcast. This time, Rob and John talking about the history of Centre in the Square, dealing with budget surpluses, and a surprising change of perspective on amalgamation.

With the housing crisis continuing to dominate the local political discourse, Rob is joined by former City of Waterloo Councillor Jeff Henry to talk about his time on council, changes to rental housing regulations and licensing, and how suburbs can be revitalized through great urban planning.

Rob sits down with Scott McMillan to talk about his time as a Waterloo Region District School Board trustee and Woolwich Township councillor.

Former City of Kitchener councillor Geoff Lorentz joins Rob on the podcast. Geoff shares his thoughts on the key decisions that helped transform the downtown core, the challenges of working with teams across city and regional government, and the work to bring the Huron Natural Area to the community.

John Gazzola has seen Kitchener and Waterloo Region grow over his 20 years as councillor for Ward 3 in the City of Kitchener. John joins Rob on the podcast to talk about watching the community evolve over his career, the creation of the Region of Waterloo, and how the city came to own its gas utility.