Lou Maieron has inferred incumbent Rod Finnie is indecisive, while Finnie has suggested Maieron may talk too much.
The two mayoral candidates in Erin squared off for the second time in a week at the all candidates debate at Centre 2000 on Oct. 14.
Overall the debate was very civil, but perhaps the most interesting moment of the evening was when the candidates were asked what skills they possess that their opponent does not.
Maieron, currently a county councillor, said he has a vision, with targets, and he always keeps his eye on the prize. He said the role of the mayor is not to “sit on the fence” or to “be a flag flapping in the wind.”
Finnie said the mayor must “have a willingness to listen,” and can’t be talking all the time. The goal, he added, is to get things done by working together as a council, and not by “shouting with the loudest voice.”
Finnie and Maieron were then asked about the major pay increases county councillors voted themselves in 2007, despite both members pledging in the previous election to keep costs down.
Maieron said county council did vote in favour of higher salaries and benefits, but if the county wants to attract good people, it has to pay them fairly.
“You do get what you pay for,” Maieron said, noting county councillors are now paid comparably to city councillors in Guelph.
Finnie said he actually voted against the large increases – not because he was opposed to the idea, but because he disagreed with the timing. He said the right time to increase councillors’ pay is right before an election, when it’s uncertain if all members will benefit from an increase.
On the topic of whether or not there is too much “back room politics” going on at the county, Finnie said he was unsure exactly what the question means. He explained a lot of discussion does take place at the committee level, but everything must be approved by council. He again stressed the importance of councillors working together and cooperating.
Maieron said he agreed there is far too much back room politics at the county. Often if he doesn’t ask questions, there are none asked at all, Maieron added. He acknowledged council needs to work together, but stressed questions also need to be asked before making decisions.
When asked what they would do if the rest of town council was unhappy with their election as mayor, Finnie said once the successful candidate discovers the reason for the problem, he would have to change his management style.
Maieron said if he is elected he plans on discussing goals with each councillor, which should help foster understanding. He agreed with Finnie that the mayor has to listen to council, but stressed the head of council also has to listen to the people who elected him.
