ACW Council
Colborne Ward
I have been a member of Colborne Township Council and the amalgamated Municipality of Ashfield Colborne Wawanosh for a total of 12 years.
During this time, it has been possible for me to attend many Municipal Workshops. In addition, the Ontario Good Roads Conventions and Association of Municipalities of Ontario meetings have broadened my knowledge of municipal issues, and provided me with the ability to work with other Council members, and the public, in advocating solutions to problems.
I feel that my 12 years experience in the role of Councilor, as well as my exposure to various issues that have arisen in this time period, has given me an understanding of the working principals of infrastructure, municipal government, and how these matters affect the constituents of Colborne Ward.
I have been married to my wife Carol for 40 years. We have two children and one grandchild. Our home has been in Colborne Ward for the past 22 years.
I am a retired Provincial Police Officer with 24 years of service at the Goderich Detachment. Upon completion of Police College in 1970, I was told that I would be posted to Guelph. Happily for us, a mistake was made and we were instead sent to Goderich. We have made our home here ever since.
My 24 years of policing in this area gave me the opportunity to meet many of the residents. I was able to touch their lives in a variety of ways, and, at the same time, learn to appreciate the many facets that make this particular area of Ontario so enjoyable. My contacts with farmers, workers, truckers and people in every walk of life, gave me a unique insight into the fabric of Huron County. I still feel privileged on meeting residents who are a great part of our municipality.
Prior to my employment with the Provincial Police, I served 3 years with the RCMP in Toronto.
Although there will always be issues, which tend to change as time goes by, the most pressing issues at this time, for ACW, appear to be:
At a time when renewable resources are being looked at as way of preserving our precious natural resources, wind turbines appear to be one way, in which to meet that objective. Our Council is working diligently to ensure that all turbines comply with regulations and set backs as set out in the guidelines of the Ministry of Environment. We are constantly working with EPCOR to address any complaints from constituents.
The issue of community health is one that must take precedence above all others. ACW Council has ownership of a number of community wells. Council works with the Ministry of the Environment and Viola Water on an ongoing basis to ensure that all systems are working in order to continue to provide safe, clean water to our constituents.
I presently serve on the Board of Directors of Mid-Huron Landfill. I am also Chairperson of Road Watch Huron. In addition, I am a Director of Goderich Community Credit Union.
My past commitments have included, as Director on the Board of Alexander Marine & General Hospital for 6 years; Goderich Fire Board for several years; Lucknow Arena Board.
For several years, I was a coach for Minor Baseball (Girls), Umpire for Goderich Fast Ball League, and a Leader in a Goderich Beaver Troup.
In closing, I would like to say that, as in the past 12 years, I will continue to be approachable and sympathetic to the concerns of constituents of Colborne Ward, and the Municipality of Ashfield Colborne Wawanosh as a whole. I am still vitally interested in promoting this area as a great place in which to visit, work and, for those who are especially lucky, reside.
I would appreciate your support on November 13, 2006.