Ward 4 Wellington County Council Ward 4 candidates Jim Heinbuch and Lynda White squared off once more as debates moved from the north to the southern portion of Wellington North.
Heinbuch believes what most people are looking for is value for their dollar, someone who cares and someone who will listen.
“None of this will happen if you and your tax dollars are not respected.”
Heinbuch said his lack of council experience is made up for by knowing how county council should work.
He also asked those in the audience “Don’t confuse experience with accomplishments.”
Heinbuch said he cares about the community and wants all ratepayers to get the services, local improvements and infrastructure they deserve.
He said that 45 cents of every tax dollar is spent at the county level. He said he wants to provide strong representation at the county table.
Incumbent White stated she had served as the ward’s representative for the past 10 years, and prior to that had served on Arthur village council.
In 2004, White was elected as warden of Wellington County, “a position which requires leadership, dedication, trust, and integrity.”
She currently serves as chairman of the Wellington County Police Services Board, where public safety and safe roads are a priority.
“We have rebuilt the Arthur and Mount Forest libraries, and road and bridge construction is ongoing.”
White added that earlier this year, she was instrumental in the start-up of the Arthur Community Policing Committee.
“I am committed to maintaining fiscal responsibility.”
Questions and answers
One of the first questions to the ward candidates was actually a question outside the county councillor mandate – as they were asked about the proposed limestone quarry at Monck, adjacent to the Luther Marsh.
That proposal has been on the books since 1991.
White understood that proposal is a local municipal situation and as such did not know the status of it. Her own opinion on the issue of aggregate resources in general is that it needs to be looked at case by case.
“But as we build and continue to grow in Ontario, aggregate is a very necessary commodity that is needed.”
She noted “there are various aggregate mines throughout Wellington County, and I have let my opinion be known on each and every one.”
“Each place is different,” White stressed. “You need to look at the surrounding area to determine the effects.”
Heinbuch responded, “I really couldn’t answer your question … respectfully.”
Councillors were then asked what their priorities would be to improve Wellington North.
Heinbuch said his biggest priority would be to improve communications with constituents to find out what they want.
“I’ve talked to people who have no idea who their councillor is or what county council does. We’re paying tremendous taxes to the county, and people don’t even know how to get in touch with their councillor.”
White said, “My priority, is and always will be the people of the community and making sure they are living in a safe community and that we have a wonderful quality of life.”
She said much work is done at the county level to accomplish just that – from roads, to policing, social services, and even waste management.
“Another priority of mine, is to work closely with the lower tier municipality and keep in mind what they are looking and what they require from the county,”
