While the trio of candidates for Wellington County Ward 3 were in town to present their platforms, residents were asking if they were getting their money’s worth at the county level.
David Kopp ran for the position previously, and hoped those who supported him then would do so again.
Currently working as a building inspector for Mapleton, Kopp has over 15 years experience working with municipalities.
He is also a small business owner in Mount Forest.
If elected he plans to keep municipal operations open and transparent.
Kopp said millions of dollars seem to be spent at the county level with little thought and he hoped to change that.
Incumbent councillor Walter Trachsel has served as Ward 3 councillor for the past five years.
During that time, he said Wellington County has contributed greatly to Wellington North’s local infrastructure.
“The job of a Wellington County ward councillor is to be responsible to you, the taxpayer, in matters involving the County of Wellington.”
He wants to continue to provide a strong voice to make decisions in the best interests of local residents.
Three issues he sees as important in the next term include: the ability of the taxpayer to pay, the sustainability of agriculture, and the lack of public transportation throughout the county for seniors and low-income families.
Gary Williamson will be retiring in 2011 after 30 years managing the works department in Mount Forest and later in Wellington North.
He said during that time he has been involved in every level of government, which, he said, will be a strong foundation to be a county representative.
Williamson said he would work to improve the lines of communication and use a common sense approach to present Wellington North’s concerns at county council.
Question and answers
With 45% of local tax dollars going to Wellington County, candidates were asked flat out if residents are getting their money’s worth.
“I don’t believe so,” said Kopp.
He contended that too much money is being spent.
Kopp believed people should know the whole costs of certain projects.
He cited the example of libraries.
“It’s good to have libraries, but sometimes not to the excesses that they are sometimes built.”
Trachsel said some of the highest costs are on services provided by the county such as policing, social services, solid waste, and roads.
Much of that is dictated by the province – specifically policing and social services.
“I think you are getting your money’s worth, but I agree we can always do better.”
Williamson responded that without having a better knowledge of the county council budget, it would be difficult to provide an opinion.
But as pointed out previously, Williamson said “the county has taken over a lot of big ticket items, from waste management, to social services to policing.
“They do cost a lot of money.”
However, Williamson said that historically, “It’s always been an uphill battle for the north end of the county to get its fair share. That is something I pledge to do.”
