With ten council candidates running for four seats, it is possible that the Drayton Rotary Club might have wished for four wards in order to divide the speeches and candidates into a more workable forum here on Oct. 7 at the community hall.
Nonetheless, candidates managed to get through their brief opening speeches in good time and handle several questions from ratepayers who packed the hall at the PMD Arena.
The first speaker was Richard Brimblecombe, and his opening remarks mirrored the tone of the mayoralty candidates that opened the meeting. “We’re still going to be friends when it is all over,” he said.
Brimblecombe said one of his concerns is “household income is not keeping pace with fixed costs,” and he offers responsible spending.
Candidate Wayne Burnett said of his fellow contestants they “all bring some good qualities to the table.” He said, though, “The voters all want change.” He would like to bring new business to the township and “keep others from leaving.”
Incumbent Dennis Craven said he has “plenty of time for council business.” He acknowledged one big issue is high taxes, but he noted the township provides a high level of service in Mapleton and, of the many he has spoken to, “None of the people concerned about high taxes wanted a decrease in services.”
He said increasing sewage lagoon capacity can lead to some growth and that would keep costs down in Drayton and Moorefield.
Incumbent councillor Jim Curry has completed 17 years on council, and he said tax dollars are “invested wisely and effectively.” He said local health is being threatened by the Ontario government, which has taken control of wind turbines from the municipality, and that has “the potential to affect many.”
He concluded “I will continue to fight on your behalf.”
Incumbent Mike Downey said he grew up in the township, lives in Alma, is an agricultural marketer and, “I’ve dealt with people all my life.”
He said he has spent 10 years on Mapleton council and “been dedicated to try to make things better.” He said he appreciates the township staff, “not that I don’t challenge them.”
He cited his experience on the COP committee, farm safety committee, soil and crop improvement committee, and has “looked at ways we can occupy our kids.” He has promoted a number of minor Sports organizations.
Neil Driscoll promised he would “listen, respond and act on your concerns.” He is a cash crop farmer who has been involved in the Optimist Club, Mapleton parks and recreation, the Drayton Icemen hockey team and the Drayton Fair.
“Our family is big on community,” he said, adding he wants to “keep Mapleton beautiful.” He has heard Drayton is becoming a bedroom community and, “We need to be a living room community.”
He said, “We’re not individual groups. We’re Mapleton.”
Andy Knetsch served on Waterloo Regional Police for 26 years and has lived in Mapleton 33 years. He said his years on the police service taught him teamwork.
Knetsch was on Drayton council from 1988 to 1991 and said he is running because “I know a little about municipal politics.”
He admitted “the dynamics have changed” but he has helped by starting a drop-in centre in Drayton for youths. He said many were skeptical, but it has been operating now for 10 years. He said the township needs to protect its farmland and increase its industrial base.
Candidate Dan McIntyre said he moved to the community in 1997 because it is a great place to raise his two children. He has been involved with the MAX committee that is fundraising to pay for the addition at the arena.
McIntyre said he believes change is needed on council, and it needs “fresh ideas. We can’t be stuck in our ways.
“This township needs to grow,” he said. We need to bring in new business.” He advocated a marketing committee, and said the township should fill the industrial park.
Candidate John Schnieders said he wants to see council practice fiscal restraint, particularly in day-to-day spending.
He advocates retaining community businesses and bringing in industry for more employment, more housing, and thus creating a better tax base. He also said agriculture needs protection.
“Business should be allowed to stay and expand We need the tax base,” Schnieders said.
Candidate John Slot said he moved to the township in 1975 and has been involved in the commodity board, so he has learned negotiating skills.
“I can truly bring a new face to this new council,” he said. He would promote Mapleton and let people know “we are open for business.”
He said the township should be promoting things like the Drayton Tulip Festival, develop agri-tourism and using the Drayton Festival Theatre as an attraction to promote Mapleton. He would review township operations, “and make sure we are just as cost effective as neighbouring townships.”
Questions
One resident asked the incumbent councillors what they have left to offer the community.
Curry said he can make “proper business decisions” and added “It normally takes a year-plus before you’re into it,” for new councillors.
Craven said “I feel I have a whole bunch to offer.” He said in 2012 there will be fewer grants and “We’re going to need experience to maintain services.”
Downey said, “I’m not burned out by no means. I always challenge staff and research how we can do things better.”
The resident then asked “what happened to the ABC park” that was destroyed by fire over a year ago. Curry said the contract is let and work should start this month.
Another resident asked about wind turbines.
All the candidates indicated opposition to them – at least until the health and property value issues are determined.
Candidates also discussed questions about sewage lagoons and their expansion and costs.
