into political candidates were out of the gate early on Monday.
After nominations ended on Sept. 10, almost all municipal candidates made it to the Harriston-Minto community centre for the first all-candidates’ debate. Nearly three-quarters of the hall was filled.
David Anderson (Mayoral candidate)
As incumbent mayor, Anderson stood on the record of the accomplishments of the past term. He said in his past 16 years in politics, he’s learned the importance of partnerships.
“It brings in a lot of expertise to help make things go forward.”
He said the past council worked as a good team, and was able to accomplish quite a few positive projects. His objectives and goals include extending those partnerships to get the job done.
He said the town needs to work as one, while still recognizing the uniqueness of individual communities. “Working together, we’re stronger.”
He said council will need to review its current tax base and services the municipality provides – “to ensure the best level of service while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”
George Bridge (Mayoral candidate)
Looking at the number people attending, Bridge said, “This is what elections are all about.” He said it gives voters a chance to meet the candidates, but it gives candidates a chance to get to know each other.
“It’s through events like this that our democracy shines through.”
He said his family history in Minto dates back to 1859 and noted the involvement of his grandfather and father in municipal politics in Palmerston and Harriston.
Bridge was born and raised in Minto and after a career in banking, decided to move back to the area to be closer to his family. He said his campaign is based on three areas of experience – leadership, management and financial.
His goals for Minto are fairly simple, “Run the town as a business, with the taxpayers as shareholders. If our tax base doesn’t increase, we have to keep our expenses down.”
He said there needs to be an open and responsive council and staff. Bridge also believes there needs to be a strong voice at the county.
Judy Dirksen (Deputy-mayor candidate)
Dirksen thanked those attending for showing their interest in the town, its people and local government.
“Minto has always been home to me, and my family roots go deep.”
She has been a member of council for nine years, and served as deputy-mayor the past four.
Dirksen listed a number of issues she would like to continue to work on. She cited the Communities in?Bloom program which led to Minto’s national win for communities of its size in 2009.
“It’s been an incredible boost to our town,” she said.
Dirksen noted a Clifford area resident recently invited councillors to look at the state of the Clifford cemetery and suggested perhaps there should be a cemetery board in each community to address concerns. It is an idea she agrees with.
One of her roles is on the board of Jamesway Manor in Clifford, “a very well-run seniors apartment complex.” While she is uncertain if it was possible to work with the county to create more such apartments, she sees a desire for similar accommodation in Minto.
Dirksen has also represented Minto on the North Wellington Health Care Board, which includes the Palmerston Hospital.
“Council must continue to work with health care providers to enhance local services – for quality care close to home,” she said.
She added that in regard to infrastructure funding, that unprecedented program is coming coming to a close, so the town was wise to use it when it was available. She stood on her record of experience, dedication and time to do this job.
Terrence Fisk (Deputy-mayor candidate)
Fisk said there is such a turnout and the number of candidates running “indicates that we need change in this municipality. I’m prepared to be part of that change.”
He said, “I have concerns with what is going on at the municipal office. I think we have a morale problem.” He cited the municipality having gone through two clerks and a deputy-clerk in very short time.
“It’s an indication that something is not right with our municipal government.”
He said the staff and elected members have to be able to work together. “I’m not convinced that’s working as well as it should.”
Fisk wants to see the community be established and be looked upon as a community that is heading in the right direction. He believes the municipality should be doing more to improve the environment.
Fisk said one also needs to keep in mind, “We just need to be doing a better job of keeping you, the electorate, informed of what is going on at the municipal level. I feel there are too many in-camera meetings.”
While he agreed there are items that need to be dealt with that way. “I don’t think there’s enough transparency.”
Ron Elliot (Council candidate)
“It is with great pleasure I am running for the position of councillor.”
Elliott said he has built his entire life in the community “and it one with which I have immediate pride. It is a strong vibrant community with a rich past, and it is my commitment to see it develop into a prosperous future.”
He said the past year has been difficult, with job losses, tax increases, and poor market conditions.
Elliott is committed as part of municipal government to address such issues as they pertain locally.
“We have a responsibility to our constituents to ensure that every tax dollar is spent wisely, and that taxpayers are informed of these allocations. My past experience in municipal government ensures that I can hit the ground running.”
He believe that experience combined with his work ethic will allow him to serve well as a councillor.
John Brown (Council candidate)
Brown said his objective “is to fairly represent the interests of the residents of Minto.”
His family has lived in Palmerston for over two decades and he is involved in various volunteer activities and minor Sports teams. He has assisted in the campaigns for provincial and federal candidates. “I’ve always had a keen interest in politics and finance.”
Brown believes this is a great opportunity to give back to his home community. “To me this seems the next logical step in my civic duties.”
He has found residents are quite concerned with the condition of the downtown cores and wants to see increased work in that area. People are also concerned about rising taxes, he said. Brown wants to keep tax increases to a minimum by keeping on top of all unnecessary expenses.
“I did not enter this election with the intent to unseat any member of the current council, but to fill one of the two vacant seats.” He believes the current council has done an excellent job working as a team, and thanked them for their dedication to the town.
Ron Faulkner (Council candidate)
Faulker said he has a vested interest in the Town of Minto.
He grew up here and his family remains here.
Faulker is a retired OPP inspector with 13 years as the chief of police in Harriston.
During his career he has dealt with various municipal governments, human resources, and fiscal management. In his work in various municipalities, he has observed the “haves” and the “have-nots.”
He said, “I want to see the Town of Minto to be the place of choice, and to be affordable for our children.” He sees the need for the revitalization of community spirit and change.
Faulker said over the past months he has seen increased county influence and downloading from the provincial government increase costs to local governments. He commented on the 1999 amalgamation, which changed his personal life as well.
But, he said, “You cannot see the road ahead if you keep looking in the rearview mirror.” He sees challenges of decreased enrollment in schools, the costs to repair aging water systems and roads.
“Without vision, our Town of Minto will become a suitcase workforce.” He said cottage industries and small businesses are key.
“Do I have the answers … not at this time. But I have ideas, I have vision, I have energy, and I have time.”
Faulkner said he chose to run for council “because I feel I have a lot to offer our town.”
Glenn Bell (Council candidate)
Bell moved to the area three years ago. “From what we’ve learned in the community through volunteering … This is a great, great community.”
Bell has attended council meetings for over the past year, to find out what goes on in the community, and to see what he could do to help make Minto one of the better municipalities in Ontario. Bell was disappointed in some of the things he found, such as costs of what it takes for parents to have their children involved in sporting communities.
He saw no need for the high costs of what is paid for young people to experience those activities.
Rick Hembly (Council candidate)
While most candidates stood at the podium, Hembly walked into the crowd to introduce himself and his family connections to the community.
Hembly is a volunteer firefighter in Palmerston and a career firefighter in Cambridge. “I have time to represent you and I enjoy it.”
While he did not see a big problem with amalgamation, considering existing connections between the communities.
“I’d like another opportunity to represent you people. I really believe we have a great town here.” Hembly would like to see more residential development and a means to cut the red tape to bring industry to the community.
“I think it’s time that we do hold the line on taxes.” He said the town is in great shape as a result of recent infrastructure projects.
Dave Turton (Council candidate)
Turton spoke about himself and his family and background.
“I’ve spent my life in the Town of Minto.” As maintenance manager and chief engineer at Rothsay, he daily deals with people, contractors, waste management, and budget issues.
“It’s been an honour and privilege to serve you and the Town of Minto for the past two terms.”
He enjoys the challenges and sees partnerships with other levels of government has provided funds to accomplish numerous infrastructure projects. He sees challenges for the new council will include paying off its debt.
“These very needed capital projects came at a cost.”
He noted that 19% of the typical local tax dollar goes towards recreation. He said Minto’s volunteers are a huge asset to the community.
“Where would this town be without them?”
Mary-Lou Colwell (Council candidate)
Colwell said “Honesty, integrity, accountability. is a phrase used and abused by politicians at every level.”
However, she said those three words have been her focus in all aspects of her life. She and her husband have lived in Minto for over 15 years.
Colwell said there were two reasons behind her decision to run for council.
“As a taxpayer and a concerned citizen, I think the financial stability of our town is of utmost importance.” And, she added, a large part of maintaining that stability is understanding the financial reports and statements presented to council.
Her education and professional career is in finance. Prior to moving to Minto, Colwell had her own accounting service with three employees for several years.
In 1992, she was offered a position with Wightman Telecom as controller. Since then, she has worked in the finances of two local companies and provided accounting services. About a year ago, she was offered a similar part-time position with C&M Seeds. That position, she said, now gives her the time to pursue her other area of interest.
“I enjoy living in Minto and working in the community. I feel my financial background will be an asset to the council of Minto.”
Wayne Martin (Council candidate)
Martin said he works in education and is an employee of the Avon Maitland School Board.
“But I have my priorities right, and I skipped school this afternoon to be here with you.”
Martin spoke of his 10 years of municipal experience.
“What it always comes down to is the great volunteers we have in this community.”
He also has high expectations as the the town moves into a new administrative model.
He said the changes are designed to streamline the administration, realign the support services, and “create a healthy workplace to provide the best customer service we can for all the citizens of Minto.”
Martin agreed council will face some difficult budgets in the next term. “We need to take a more business-like approach and get control of our spending.” He said Minto has $5.3-million in reserves, and external debt is $8.7 million.
“It would be really beneficial if we could remove the roadblocks and let our business interest move on in a more timely manner.
“Let’s work together and make Minto the best it can be.”
Irma De Vries (Public School board)
Only one of the four candidates for the northern representation of the Upper Grand District School Board was able to attend.
De Vries said she was educated in the public school system and lived in the area for the past 31 years. She and her husband raised four children in the community and were glad for the activities they were able to experience.
De Vries was said her children attended Listowel Christian School. She said people were probably wondering “Why is this lady running for public school trustee? I seek an opportunity to bring some new perspectives to the position of school trustee.”
De Vries said she shows commitment to the organizations she takes part in. “I’m willing and eager to serve with vision and creative perception.”
Her goal is to ask if operations and decisions are fair, balanced and unbiased teaching within the public school system “or is this propaganda?”
De Vries said she supported the public education system through her tax dollars through the years.
“And I want to make it better for the children who remain in the system.” She wants to address both the all-day kindergarten and sex education within the schools.
“I oppose both, because I see them as being propaganda based and politically driven.”
While she recognized her limitations in affecting the issue overall, “but we should be talking about them, and that is my primary goal.”
She said it is the parents’ right to have children educated the way they see fit.
