Wellington All-Candidates

Candidates make their pitch at Wellington on the Lake

Mayoral candidate Paul Boyd got the all-candidates meeting in Wellington on the Lake off to a jovial start—thanking the residents of the retirement community.

“Doctors, dentists and restaurants have all invested here because of you,” said Boyd.

He went on to list a series of ills he sees hurting these residents: higher taxes, higher policing costs, diminishing hospital services and “mind-boggling” red tape.

“Hopefully we can get rid of amalgamation and save some money,” suggested Boyd.

Jeff Goddard told the crowd the County needed a strong council led by a strong mayor.

“We need a fiscal responsibility as well as a clear, consistent voice,” said Goddard.   He warns we are losing the fight with the province for local healthcare and policing.

“We need change,” said Goddard. “We need to fight to keep and create jobs. We need to take our County back.”

Robert Quaiff said the issues with the province won’t be settled by a fight, but rather a plan—a plan developed in close co-operation with the community.

He proposed a series of breakfast meetings with groups and community leaders around themes of healthcare, policing, economy and jobs.

“There is a wealth of knowledge in this community,” said Quaiff.

LOCAL CANDIDATES
Then it was the Wellington councillor candidates turn to make their case.

Jim Dunlop pointed to a track record of achievement: the Wellington Community Centre and walking track, the new gazebo, as well as the conciliatory role he played, and continues to play, in working toward a resolution between a Hillier winery, its neighbours and council.

He talked about the sod-turning for a new assisted living residence in Picton, as well as the progress toward the development of a new hospital.

Tina Konecny says she is running because she loves Wellington. Frustrated by what she sees as a lack of answers regarding Lane Creek reconstruction, she decided to run for council to “be your voice.”

“I don’t have the answers,” said Konecny. “But I will ask your opinion. What do you want me to do?”

Marilyn Szoldra highlighted her administration background. She says costs have risen far too high and too fast. She says the County must encourage growth as a means to share the burden of rising costs.

“Where would we be without wineries?” asked Szoldra. “I support the expansion of wineries to estate wineries—to create jobs and spur investment.”

She also believes the County must look at alternative sources of funding to improve the County’s deterioriating roads and infrastructure.

The first question from the residents sought the candidates’ vision for a sustainable County economy in ten years.

Goddard says the County must do more to encourage tourism and wineries. He says he regularly meets people now living here who first came to visit a winery.

Quaiff says council needs to engage on a much richer level with the County’s young people.

Boyd said his vision for ten years was that “we would all be here.”

The same question was posed to the Wellington candidates.

“My vision is for the whole County,” said Konecny. “We have to work together.”

She asked the gathering to consider the possibility of growing healing herbs or hemp.

“It is the product of the future,” said Konecny. “Maybe we can save the world.”

Szoldra said the County must encourage more affordable housing.

“My vision is of a larger school in Wellington because young families are moving here,” said Szoldra.