Residents heard from a trio of candidates, David Kopp, Walter Trachsel, and Gary Williamson running in county Ward 3 – which encompasses the northern portion of Wellington North Township.
Walter Trachsel
Incumbent Walter Trachsel said over the past five years, he has worked with many residents with their concerns.
During the campaign, someone asked, “Does Wellington County really care about Well–ington North.”
Trachsel assured the person the answer is “Yes.”
He said the county has spent over $11-million in various infrastructure projects over the past term in he area.
Trachsel spoke of issues he believes important for consideration for the next term.
He commented on the slow economic recovery and the lack of stimulus funding in the future.
“Many municipalities may be heading into The Perfect Storm financially – with only one taxpayer and many demands.”
Trachsel said as a county representative, he will advocate less capital spending to help keep taxes to a minimum.
Clearly the relationship between the county and the citizens of Wellington North is important for the success of both, he said.
Trachsel has concerns regarding the lack of public transportation, because it is on the minds of residents. He said many low income residents do not have access to transportation.
And, he said, statistics indicate that 48% of seniors do not have a driver’s license.
He said transportation seems to be an area where there is subsidization to make communities more accessible – but not in rural areas.
“I’m asking, ‘Why not’?”
David Kopp
Kopp has lived in the area for about 20 years, and currently works as a building official for the Township of Mapleton.
He ran for the same position six years ago in a by-election and hopes those who voted for him then, would do so once more.
Kopp operates a small business, including business rental units. Some of those units are being fitted with solar panels in the next few months.
“I promise to work hard and I think there’s lots of room for cost cutting,” he said. “For the most part, I just think there is too much money being spent at the county level compared to what is being accomplished.”
Gary Williamson
Williamson has lived in the area all his life.
He is the past president of both the Wellington County Road Supervisors and the Ontario Road Supervisors Association.
He currently is employed as Wellington North’s Manager of Public Works.
“Why run for county council?” he asked.
He said his experience in all aspects of local government has given him the opportunity to work with all levels of government “and gave me a broad understanding of the many challenges faced by municipalities.”
He believes that experience provides a strong foundation to be a county representative.
“County decisions im–pact our lives every day. Considering almost 50% of the tax dollar goes to the county, each county initiative needs to be fully investigated to justify the action being proposed and the potential impact.”
One of those impacts could come through the proposed downloading of some county roads to local municipalities, or county takeover of bridges or water systems.
Williamson said those ex–amples show the importance of having someone with practical experience to making informed decisions.
He said in the past, questions have been raised on the accessibility of county representatives.
“I know from experience how important it is to be accessible and to respond to the public in a timely manner.”
He said that he has worked with many councils over the years, and the one thing they’ve had in common is wanting to give back to their communities.
“I would like to follow in their footsteps.”
Questions and answers
Following presentation of their platforms, candidates were offered the chance to respond to identical questions from the floor.
Would you be willing to attend meetings of Wellington North council to give updates as to what is happening at the county level?
“Absolutely,” Williamson said. “I think there is no better way than attending the open council meeting. The press is there, the general public can attend, and I just think it’s the best thing you can do.”
Kopp agreed, “It keeps things more transparent and local council gets a better idea of what is going on.”
Trachsel said, “The key is that you have to be invited.”
He maintained that every time he is invited, he attends to deal with specific issues.
What is your stance on an elected warden as compared to the current system of being elected from you peers.
“My stance is that it is a very difficult thing to implement,” Trachsel said.
He also said it could be very costly as well.
Trachsel said there are concerns that the warden would always come from the areas where most of the people are.
“It’s going to take a lot of work to look at it.”
Kopp favoured the elected at-large concept. “It’s more democratic for people out there to decide who they want to represent them.”
Williamson said, “I know this issue has been brought up at county council at length. I believe it would be better if the warden was elected publicly, but, as my opponent mentioned, it is a very complicated thing.” Williamson said there would need to be investigation and being able to weight the vote to be fair in electing a person to that position.
