Evan Hickey

1. Tell us a bit about yourself -- background, education, career, family life.

ACW is home, and my family has deep roots here. I care about the future of this community and want to make sure it remains a great place to live, work, raise a family and build a future. I am a proud graduate of the Ontario Agriculture College in the Class of 2001A. I am 3rd generation farmer with my wife, Katie and 4 children, now aged 16-23. Combined with my parents we farm 400 acres of land on Nile Road. I worked for 13 years at Gaylea Foods in the dairy plant. I worked full time for 9 years driving milktruck, picking up at farms and delivering to dairy's. I continue to do this occasional part time for Gardiners Milk in Goderich. I currently work for Flynn Farms in Clinton as a truck driver.

2. Why are you running in the election?

I'm running for Mayor because I believe I can build on what I’ve learned during four years on Council and provide strong, accountable leadership for ACW. I want residents to feel heard, decisions to be transparent, and our municipality to plan responsibly for the future while protecting what makes ACW special.

3. What previous political experience do you have?

I have served as an ACW Councillor for the past four years. During that time, I've gained firsthand experience with municipal budgets, taxation, infrastructure, planning, development and the many issues that come before Council. I've also represented ACW on the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Board, where I serve as Second Vice-President. My involvement includes the Dungannon Community Alliance, Economic Development Board, Short-Term Rental Committee and Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Board. These experiences have allowed me to work with residents, businesses, community organizations and other levels of government and have given me a broader understanding of the different needs across ACW. Growing up we attended At Augustine Church and still belong to a strong group from there who care for and support the cemetery there.

5. Why do you feel you are set apart from the other candidates?

I'll leave it to voters to compare the candidates. What I can tell you is what I bring: four years of Council experience, strong community involvement, a willingness to listen and the ability to work with people who may have different points of view. I do my homework, ask questions and make decisions based on what I believe is best for ACW as a whole.

6. Why should constituents vote for you?

I'm asking residents for their vote because I’m prepared to do the work. I know the municipality and the county, I understand the responsibilities of Council, and I have a proven record of community involvement. I will listen, be accountable and work hard to represent all of ACW.

7. If elected, what would you put on the agenda first?

My first priority would be working with the new Council and staff to establish clear priorities for the term. I would want us to look carefully at our finances, infrastructure needs and growth pressures and establish a realistic plan for what we can accomplish over the next four years.

8. What are the three highest-priority local issues?

Responsible growth and infrastructure:
ACW is growing, and we need to make sure our roads, infrastructure and services can support that growth. Development needs to be planned responsibly rather than simply reacting to problems after they occur.
Fiscal responsibility:
Residents expect good municipal services, but they also expect Council to respect the taxpayer. We need to continually examine spending, set priorities and make responsible long-term financial decisions.
Strong communities and economic development:
Our villages, rural areas, agricultural community, lakeshore and local businesses all contribute to ACW. I want to support economic opportunity and strong community organizations while maintaining the character that makes people want to live and invest here.

9. What are your values and your vision for the community?

My values are accountability, respect, fairness and community. My vision is an ACW that grows responsibly, supports its residents and businesses, protects its rural and natural character and remains financially sustainable. As Mayor, I want people to know they can approach me, ask questions and be heard—even when we disagree.

10. What do you hope to accomplish in four years? How can success be measured halfway through?

At the end of the next four years, I want ACW to be financially strong, better prepared for future infrastructure needs, supportive of responsible development and a municipality where residents feel informed and heard. Halfway through the term, residents should be able to look at the priorities Council established and see measurable progress. If we say something is a priority, we should be able to show what we have actually done about it.

11. Anything else you'd like to say to voters or supporters?

Thank you for caring about ACW and taking the time to be involved in this election. I'm proud to have served you on Council for the past four years, and I'm asking for the opportunity to continue that service as Mayor. I will listen, do my homework, be accountable and work hard for the entire municipality.