Glen McNeil

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

I was born, raised and have lived in ACW my entire life. I first attended a one room Schoolhouse at Nile before transitioning to Colborne Central School and then GDCI in Goderich. My wife Vanda and I have two children. Our daughter Katie is the Athlete Services and Operations Coordinator at the University of Manitoba. Her husband Dr. Dan Henhawk is a Professor at the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management at the University of Manitoba. Our son Curtis is the third generation, and with his wife Cathy own and operate our family dairy business, Heather Holme Holsteins. Curtis is very involved in 4-H and is currently Vice President of the Semex Alliance. His wife Cathy is also a teacher at CHSS in Clinton. We are blessed with four Grandchildren, Sam, Beth, James and Clark.

Why are you running in the election?

To continue to give back to our ACW Municipality as a Councillor.

What previous political experience do you have (if applicable)?

I have been privileged and honoured to have served two terms as ACW Mayor, two terms as Huron County Warden, and two terms as Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens Caucus.

How have you been involved in the community over the years? (Service groups, volunteer, coaching, committees, boards, etc.)

I have been President of the Huron County 4-H Club Leaders Association, Huron County Junior Farmers, Huron County Holstein Club, Holstein Ontario and Holstein Canada. I have also volunteered as a Board Member and Chair of the Board of Directors of AMGH and the Huron Health Systems.

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

I offer my experience and knowledge to the ACW Council, on behalf of our residents in directing and protect the interests of all residents in our Municipality.

Why should constituents vote for you?

A collaborative approach in providing progressive, proactive and visionary leadership in setting policy and direction in the best interests of ACW and our residents.

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

As a result of a request from ACW residents, the current Council has appointed a Property Standards Committee to review our bylaw as it relates to Property Standards in ACW for all residents. This Committee includes residents of ACW and Council Members. Our Staff on the direction of this Committee have sent out a survey to all residents for their input that will be evaluated by the Committee. The Committee will then make a recommendation to Council for their consideration. This will come to Council when the Committee completes it's mandate.

What are the three highest priority local issues you would like to focus on if you were elected? Why? How would you attempt to remedy these issues?

Continuing to make proactive decisions and setting policy and direction in the best interests of all residents of ACW, our youth to our Seniors. The growth that we have seen in ACW is very positive for our Municipality and our residents, especially for our youth, who will be the leaders of tomorrow. Our recreation facilities, our playgrounds and our community spaces are a priority. The diversity of ACW is a strength. Our Amish communities, our fertile soil for agriculture and our residential communities. We all need to be respectful of each other's viewpoints and listen to hear and understand.

What are your values, and values/priorities within this community? (want to find what your vision of this community is and how you intend to use your position on council to contribute to that vision).

Balanced, responsible representation and decision making for all residents of ACW for today, tomorrow and future generations.

I intend to make a financial contribution to the MRI Magnetic Moments Campaign rather than purchasing lawn signs. This will have a greater benefit for our community.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish in this position in four years? How will we be able to measure success halfway through your term?

Making proactive decisions in continuing to moving ACW forward for future generations. Success is achieved by consistently making good decisions on behalf of our Municipality and our residents. Progress is a marathon, not a sprint.

Anything else you'd like to say to the voters? Or your supporters?

With your continued support I look forward to contributing my experience and knowledge with all of Council in making proactive decisions in the best interests of ACW and all of our residents.