WELLINGTON NORTH – Councillor Dan Yake has announced he is running for mayor in the upcoming municipal election, taking place Oct. 24.
“After 28 years as a councillor, the time has come to step up with a new vision and strategy for Wellington North, and to open a council seat for a new voice,” Yake stated in an email to the Advertiser.
The Ward 1 councillor says he wants to make Wellington North a safer, stronger and more prosperous community by focusing on councillor engagement, support for local businesses and the agricultural community, tackling unprecedented growth and challenges, and advocating for continued spending in infrastructure, services and the environment.
“My vision also includes reviewing and updating policies and procedures, a review of the council makeup, to establish quality-of-life initiatives, and to set goals that are realistic and reachable to make sure we are ready for the next 25 to 50 years,” Yake said.
Yake is currently employed by the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), which contracts its services to the township to operate wastewater facilities in Arthur and Mount Forest.
“If I am elected, I will retire from my position with OCWA to work full time as the Wellington North mayor,” Yake said.
Looking back on a long career in municipal service, Yake believes he has the experience and that the timing is right.
“I still have a passion to make Wellington North even better and feel that I can continue to make a significant contribution from the mayor’s chair,” Yake said.
“By making it my full-time job, I will be able to dedicate everything to our future.”
