Friday morning at the county administration centre, a new warden and committee chairs were elected by their peers. It is an occasion we try not to miss.
The Inaugural is a chance to connect with people and catch up on their busy lives, get a glimpse of the current political brain trust, but most importantly, show support and offer encouragement to the new warden. It’s a tradition we value and believe is appreciated.
Collegiality has served the county well. Issues come up from time to time that create conflict between personalities and their beliefs, but when the meeting is adjourned, all leave as friends. That is the intent anyway. Wins and losses are accepted with grace.
There is little question there were disappointments for some candidates this year. This is not a new phenomenon and something we have seen play out many times over decades. But the unsuccessful often muster up the courage to nominate their rival and the pursuit of harmony continues. Grace in defeat builds character.
Sadly, there are plenty of people who don’t understand the process. Maybe they do, but just don’t like the results. It leaves the door open for self-serving misinterpretations. In a letter to the editor this week, Curt Hammond, owner of Pearl Street Communications, brings attention to “a concerning outcome: every single leadership position was filled by men.”
Diane Ballantyne and Mary Lloyd, the only two women on county council, didn’t secure the top job they sought, nor a position as committee chair. Our story on pages 1 and 22 explains it all.
On the face of it, that does sound coarse, when two good councillors miss the electoral mark. But with creative writing a hook is often used when pitching a product or service. In this case, the results added weight to Hammond’s appeal for attendees to a municipal campaign school he has been involved with for a number of years.
A few facts were left out – let’s call them inconvenient truths – for this particular narrative. Failing to disclose to readers he was part of Ballantyne’s campaign team previously is lamentable, but his is the world of storytelling.
It has been a rare event for people running for warden to succeed the first time. This year, five people ran for the office, which currently pays $147,521 plus benefits and pension. For reference, Gregg Davidson of Mapleton was the runner-up in the race last time against Wellington North’s Andy Lennox.
Chris White from Guelph/Eramosa, who has held the post before, was chosen by peers to navigate oncoming headwinds with his experience. Neither Ballantyne, nor Lloyd ran for warden before, making them a long shot at best.
The upcoming provincial and federal elections represent the potential for at least two county councillors to seek higher office. If readers recall, Ballantyne ran for the provincial NDP during the last term of county council. With Ted Arnott’s announced retirement, chances are a PC candidate for the nomination will emerge from council ranks. It would not surprise us if this undercurrent factored into choices made last Friday, with council opting to avoid any situation where personal political ambitions would disrupt the term.
The prestige attached to chairing a committee is a bit misplaced, but plenty of folks get hung up on titles. Ballantyne, who has never sat on the roads committee, wanted to chair it, which made little sense considering numerous big-ticket items are ongoing.
As for Lloyd, who served three consecutive terms as chair of Information, Heritage and Seniors, is it not reasonable to share that opportunity with others? This is, after all, a council of 16 people, duly elected by residents.
Were Hammond not so engaged in peddling stereotypes for commercial interest, he might actually benefit from a little tutorial on the past he denigrates so casually.
Enough already.
