Our choices

As voters head to the polls The Times respectfully offers our picks to represent each ward for the next four years.

WARD ONE PICTON – 2 seats to be elected

Bev Campbell and Laverne Bailey are the incumbents in Picton. They are being challenged by Brian Marisett, Paul Morris, Doris Lane, Don Ward and Richard Rowe. Campbell has been a studious and quietly sturdy spokesperson for the issues in Picton. We disagree, however, with her ambition for the County to acquire land around Picton harbour. Bailey was inexcusably absent during the discussions dealing with Picton’s waterworks over the past term—likely the biggest and most challenging issue facing the town in several decades. Marisett has been a diligent and hardworking councillor representing the folks of Athol with earnest. He would have our support in Athol but not in Picton. Paul Morris was narrowly edged out in the 2006 election by Bailey. He is a thoughtful and detail-oriented representative. The last council suffered from his absence. Lane, Rowe and Ward have run respectable campaigns and should be applauded for their participation. Campbell and Morris get our nod in Picton.

WARD TWO BLOOMFIELD – 1 seat to be elected

Phil St-Jean represented Bloomfield from 2001 to 2003. He offers deep roots into the community as well as volunteering with several organizations. He has trumpeted the need for a firmer hand on County finances. Barry Turpin has represented Bloomfield for the past two terms. He as been a calm and sensible voice on council for the last seven years. While he doesn’t represent the change many would like to see—he would be a stablizing influence on the next council. Our choice is Turpin—this time.

WARD THREE WELLINGTON – 1 seat to be elected

Bill Boultbee and Jim Dunlop have both served as Wellington residents on municipal government. Bill has been working hard to bring the issue of rising waterworks costs to the fore in this election. Jim, however, gets our nod primarily based on the remarkable service he has given this village in first working to secure provincial and federal funding for the arena project and then his monumental work in raising nearly $1.5 million in the community. He has proven he has the determination, stamina and patience to get things done in Wellington.

WARD FOUR AMELIASBURGH – 3 seats to be elected

Dianne O’Brien is the lone incumbent in the race—both her seatmates Lori Slik and Sandy Latchford are vying for the mayor’s job. O’Brien has been a passionate voice for Ameliasburgh, if perhaps a bit too earnest. She has worked to understand the issues and concerns of her constituents. Nick Nowitski promises to bring an energetic, if slightly over-the-top, approach to his representation of Ameliasburgh on Council. Janice Maynard got involved in local government in pushing for fair treatment for residents of Consecon. She has shown that she is willing to do the reading and reflection required to be a good councillor. Kathleen Vowinckel has a background in municipal politics as a former councillor in Sophiasburgh. She offers a sensible disposition and pertinent experience but it is not clear she shares the intimate understanding of Ameliasburgh residents as well as her fellow candidates. O’Brien, Nowitski and Maynard are our picks in Ameliasburgh.

WARD FIVE ATHOL – 1 seat to be elected

Paul Johnson is the former member of provincial parliament for Prince Edward-Hastings under Bob Rae’s government. Jamie Forrester offers his experience as a tourist business entrepreneur on East Lake. Johnson has attended most public meetings over the past few years providing sound services to many events. Forrester has been attending council, committee and public meetings across the County, learning the issues and the process of government. Johnson, however, gets our endorsement based upon his experience and track record of public service.

WARD SIX HALLOWELL – 2 seats to be elected

It is with fondness and respect that we wish Keith MacDonald had chosen to say farewell to council at the end of this term. He has been a vigorous supporter of sports, recreation and agriculture in the County. He is a defining icon of this community. It is, however, time for a fresh voice from Hallowell. Richard Parks has been a competent representative for Hallowell in his first term. We have quarrelled with Parks over the form residential growth should take in the County and the value it can bring existing ratepayers. He understands well, however, the pressures facing the modern agriculture sector and families struggling to make ends meet in the County. Heather Campbell offers a rich and varied background to the job of councillor. She has a demonstrated passion for her community and the energy to do the work that is required. Knowlton Hunter and Scott Johnston have provided welcome new voices to the politics of Hallowell. Our nod goes to Heather Campbell and Richard Parks in Hallowell.

WARD SEVEN HILLIER – 1 seat to be elected

Incumbent Peggy Burris is an institution in Hillier and the surrounding region. She is ever-present force in the community and an irrepressible volunteer. Alec Lunn has made two other attempts to gain a council seat. He demonstrated the capacity and determination to do the heavy lifting that is required of council. It is time for a new voice and new ideas in Hillier. Our nod goes to Alec Lunn.

WARD EIGHT NORTH MARYSBURGH – 1 seat to be elected

Ray Best has been an affable and approachable representative for North Marysburgh. His first term was going along without a hitch until he signed up with a developer for an option to put industrial wind turbines on his land. Robert Quaiff is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility. He has served for several years as chair of police services. As a former councillor he is familiar with the workings of council and its committees. Chris Billard offers a keen observational eye on the key issues that have tripped up the last council over the last two terms. His is a fresh but untested voice at the municipal level. He will be wellserved by a term on the sidelines attending council and committee meetings. Robert Quaiff has our endorsement in North Marysburgh.

WARD NINE SOUTH MARYSBURGH – 1 seat to be elected

Duncan Fischer is among the most competent administrators running in the County. His credentials are rock solid and his passion for South Marysburgh and the County are undeniable. Barb Proctor is a strong campaigner with well-grounded background in health care. She has worked hard on health care issues in this community and the local hospital. Proctor ran a solid second in South Marysburgh, edged out by Monica Alyea in 2006.

Ray Hobson offered an interesting campaign—demonstrating that he has a good grasp of the issues the County council must grapple with Erin Johnston and Sandy Blackford each provided fresh hope for the vibrancy of County politics in South Marysburgh. Jack Dall will continue to be a squeaky wheel on or off council. With a fine array of passion and talent to choose from, our choice in South Marysburgh is Duncan Fischer.

WARD TEN SOPHIASBURGH 2 seats to be elected

Incumbent John Thompson doesn’t buy the way the County is marketed, nor does he support residential development. He does, however, bring a pragmatic, reasoned, financially prudent and often innovative approach to council business. His seatmate Kevin Gale is prone to intemperate and ill-considered comments. His pandering to staff is at times excessive and self-serving. Gale understands, however, the challenges of running a business and raising a family in the County.

Terry Shortt was runner up in the last election. He is a reasonable and well-spoken representative and knows first hand hurdles of small business. He was, however, an enthusiastic supporter and promoter of the County’s failed accelerated roads program. He must resist the allure of untested ideas. Kristien Buikema has kept a low, barely visible, profile during this campaign.

John Thompson and Terry Shortt edge out Gale for our endorsement.

rick@wellingtontimes.ca