GUELPH – The next warden of Wellington County will come from either Centre Wellington or Minto.
Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton and Ward 1 councillor David Anderson have both announced their intention to seek the warden’s seat for the next two-year term.
“I am putting my name forward as a candidate for warden because I do want to work with this new council and make a positive difference to our communities,” said Linton at the Nov. 29 Wellington County council meeting.
Linton, who is entering his second term on county council, added, “We have some challenges that we are faced with and I want us to work together to see some real results.
“Council makes decisions that impact the lives of almost 90,000 people in the county and we work hard every day to make sure that we set our priorities, communicate those priorities and then make decisions to make the County of Wellington an even better place to live and have a business,” Linton continued.
“Here at the county we’re privileged to have an exceptional CAO, exceptional management team and amazing staff. It’s our job as members of county council to establish the right kind of direction, establish our priorities and make sure we’re getting maximum results for the taxpayer.”
Anderson, who is set to enter his second term as Ward 1 representative, also served on county council as mayor of the Town of Minto from 2007 to 2010.
“I’m really pleased with the direction the county is going now and I’d like to be a part of moving the county towards this path of excellence,” said Anderson.
“I feel that I would be an excellent representative for the county, ensuring fair and equal representation for all the municipalities … while advancing the concerns of the county ward.”
Anderson added, “When you get into politics it gets in your blood and anti-biotics can’t fix this.”
He cited strategic planning as a potential concern for the coming term.
“There was a lot of talk about a strategic plan moving forward, rather than our current five- and 10-year plans,” he said.
“I feel we need to have a thorough discussion on the pros and cons (of the status quo) versus the cost of having a full strategic plan.”
Anderson said affordable housing is another area in which the county has a major role to play.
“There is universal concern about affordable housing, available housing … and that’s going to be a concern moving forward,” he said.
County councillors will elect the warden in a vote at the inaugural meeting of the new council on Dec. 7.
While county and lower-tier councillors serve a four-year term, a new warden is elected every two years.
Outgoing Warden Dennis Lever asked incumbent councillors to declare their interest in chairing the county’s various committees for the coming term.
The chair position for the solid waste services committee appears headed for an election at the inaugural meeting, with incumbent chair Don McKay being challenged by incoming Mapleton Mayor Gregg Davidson.
There will also be an election for roads committee chair, as both Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox and Ward 8 councillor Doug Breen indicated interest in the position.
During his remarks, Lennox offered a jesting response to Anderson’s quip about politics.
“When you talk about how politics gets in your blood, I’ve always looked at it as a genetic defect,” he said.
Minto Mayor George Bridge, current chair of the county’s economic development committee, indicated an interest in chairing the committee through the next term.
Guelph-Eramosa Mayor Chris White said he would like to continue as chair of the administration, finance and personnel committee.
Ward 5 councillor Mary Lloyd expressed interest in chairing the information, heritage and seniors committee. Erin Mayor Allan Alls, who currently chairs the planning committee, indicated he would like to chair the land division committee.
