WELLINGTON COUNTY – It appears current Warden Kelly Linton will lead the county’s governing body for two more years.
Linton was the only member of Wellington County council, during a Nov. 26 meeting, to declare as a candidate for the position he has held since 2018.
“The past two years have gone by really, really quickly,” said Linton, noting early strategic planning sessions set the course for the municipality over the past two years.
However, he said, “There is one thing that was never mentioned during these strategic conversations and that is COVID-19.
“Little did we know that during our time here we were going to be slammed by a global pandemic.”
The warden noted the pandemic forced the municipality “into an emergency management situation.
“We had to declare a state of emergency across the county. We introduced new protocols at the Wellington Terrace Long-Term Care facility, in our childcare centres and other county facilities.”
Linton noted council supported Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health’s issuance of a mandatory mask order in June.
“We were one of first counties in Ontario to do that,” he pointed out, noting the county was also among the first off the mark to create a business sustainability fund – the $1 million KeepWell program – “to help county businesses survive.”
Linton noted the county “continued to get things done” despite dealing with the pandemic impacts, citing the successful rollout of a county-wide green bin program, implementation of a cross-county efficiency review, completion of a business plan for the proposed Continuum of Care supportive seniors community, and efforts to lobby the province to review the tax assessment system for gravel pits.
“Bridges, roads and other infrastructure renewal projects continue, essential social services continue to be provided, the library, museum – the list goes on and on,” said Linton.
He acknowledged the support and hard work of CAO Scott Wilson and county staff, as well as county councillors and mayors, which helped keep the municipality on track.
“Thank you for your on-going support. It made all the difference in the world that we have been able to present a united front to our communities throughout this pandemic,” Linton said.
“I’ve been extremely proud to be your warden and to work with this incredible staff team and a very good team of county councillors.”
He added, “I think continuity is essential and I’d be honoured to continue on as warden for the remaining two years of this term of council and I appreciate your support.”
Other members of council also listed their interest in committee chair positions and preference for committee assignments at the meeting.
While Linton is the only declared candidate for the warden’s chair, the floor will be open for nominations during the inaugural meeting on Dec. 11. The meeting will be held through a virtual format due to current pandemic conditions.
The Nov. 26 meeting was the county’s first videoconference meeting. Four members were present in the council chamber.
Residents can listen to the meetings via teleconference. Dial-in information is provided with the meeting agenda on the county website.
