Voters here will see familiar names on the ballot in this October’s municipal elections.
Four of Wellington North’s councillors have made their intentions known – although one, Bob Mason, will not be returning to the council table after his term of office.
In a prepared statement, Mayor Mike Broomhead reflected on his past 20 consecutive years on council, seven of those as mayor of Wellington North.
During that time, the membership on council has remained the same.
“We have taken on a large number of projects and have set our goals and accomplished them on time, and within budgeted amounts,” he said. “Our greatest success is the enormous amount of grants that we have lobbied for and received.
“Balanced growth is extremely important to our community. During the recession, we continued to move ahead in a positive position.”
Broomhead continued, “As a member of county council in the last six years we have accomplished over six major county projects in Wellington North, totalling an unprecedented $12-million.”
He also thanked reporters “who are extremely dedicated and show professionalism, and commit a lot of time to ensure our success stories are known to the community. Good luck to everyone who chooses to seek election in 2010.”
His comments started the ball rolling, as it seemed most councillors had made up their minds for the coming election.
Councillor Dan Yake announced his intent to run for council again. Like Broomhead, he has filed his papers.
Councillor Bob Mason announced that he will not be seeking re-election for the next term. “I really debated the last time over the four year term … and I’m getting to a point where I’m getting older,” he said. Another four years would just be a little too much,” Mason said. “I’m going to miss sitting around the table and the people here.”
Broomhead said Mason had done a tremendous job over the years. “You’ve really put heart and soul into this and you’ll be missed.”
Mason then quipped that he might come back to sit in the corner to keep watch.
Councillor Ross Chaulk has filed his nomination papers, confirming his intent to run for mayor.
“That’s still on.”
The decision of Chaulk and Mason will leave a northern and southern council seat for contesting in the coming election.
Councillor John Matusinec was unable to announce his intentions at the meeting; he was absent due to illness.
