Against the grain awards

How the mayoral candidates made their mark in the campaign

After three candidates’ meetings, it is clear that all six candidates for mayor have more in common than not. Each has a passion for the way of life in the County, each would like to give you better value for your tax dollar, provide affordable homes for young and old and preserve our natural and architectural heritage. It is harder to spot the differences. But of course they exist—easily lost amidst the fine speeches. In these final days before the vote, we offer our nominations for distinctiveness.

THE BEST GOURD IN A RECURRING ROLE AWARD

Monica Alyea wins the best showman award for her use of vegetables as proxy for the County budget. But the distinctiveness of her argument goes deeper. She isn’t promising to slash spending upon the commencement of the next term of council. She believes County budgets nourish the aspects of life that most people enjoy and value. The remainder goes to pay for shared services over which Alyea suggests Council and ratepayers have little control.

THE LATE TO THE SOAPBOX AWARD

Paul Boyd gets the award for picking a distinctive slogan and sticking to it. “Stop the spending” has been his mantra, repeated throughout the campaign. It appeals to folks who feel the costs of local government have escalated far too rapidly without seeming to improve the services they receive. Boyd doesn’t offer many specifics however. The slogan is both the prescription and the cure.

THE NICE GUY AWARD

Gord Fox gets the award for being the most friendly and down to earth. He’s the candidate one would most like to sit down and have a beer with after the debate. Gord doesn’t have the answers but he’s willing and able to find them on behalf of the ratepayers of the County. He believes his collegial approach has been lacking at Shire Hall these past years, causing it to become fractious and dysfunctional. Gord believes he can turn down the temperature at council and in doing so, get more done.

THE IRON LADY AWARD

Sandy Latchford wins the award for the most earnest candidate in the race. She has been disciplined and hardworking during the campaign—rarely venturing off-script. She has pressed for zero-based budgeting as a means to end institutional budget creep (each government department starts with zero and must persuade council of the merit of each proposed budget expense). Her rigid demeanor would seem to be at odds with a demonstrated ability to bring people together, to encourage them to work together and accomplish a goal. What is less clear is whether her ambition and efficiency will inspire change or resistance.

THE WALTER MONDALE AWARD

Peter Mertens wins the award for being the most buttoned- down candidate in the mayoralty race. Peter appears mayoral and has demonstrated competence and skill in administration and financial management. He has said he will work to keep taxes at existing levels until a review of each department is completed and savings are rooted out. He has a track record of achievement in his first four years on council. He has not, however, roused the enthusiasm of the masses in this campaign. He has not been as visible and outspoken as some would like. Peter is banking on the electorate to choose substance over style.

THE ELIZA DOLITTLE AWARD

Lori Slik wins the most improved campaign award. Lori stayed tightly on her messages of repatriating planning authority to the local government and collaboration with neighbouring municipalities. Her campaign was professional— in concept and execution. She appeared prepared, friendly, mature and very nearly ready for the next rung in her climb up the political ladder. However, she has yet to demonstrate that she can consistently bring these campaign strengths and discipline to the daily grind of council.

rick@wellingtontimes.ca