The Municipality of South Bruce Peninsula has three candidates running for mayor for the upcoming 2022-26 council term.
Incumbent Janice Jackson, who has been mayor for two terms, is running against challengers Garry Michi and Donald Tedford.
Taking a look back at the previous council term, Jackson says there is lots to be proud of.
“We’ve completely eliminated our town debt, which is very rare. We have produced budgets with the lowest property tax increases in Bruce County, and we’ve run a very tight ship financially. We’re in terrific shape,” added Jackson.
Jackson says they started a lot of new projects during this past council term, and if re-elected, she’d like to see them come to fruition.
“The conversion of the Propeller Club in Wiarton to an affordable housing apartment building. We also have the land claim at Sauble Beach that we need to see the conclusion of. Also, I’m always advocating for increased internet and cellular service throughout our municipality.”
Michi says the best way to start a change is to take action, which is what made him decide to run for mayor.
“Sitting around talking about how things could be better doesn’t accomplish change. I chose to get up and take action,” he added.
Michi has 18 years of experience working in business, and 24 years of municipal experience, which he says gave him the skills needed to successfully do the job of mayor.
“I respect the job what this council has done. It’s a big job, there’s no doubting that. But I know it’s time for a different outlook and some fresh perspectives. I plan on being a strong mayor, going out in public and meeting with various groups.”
Michi says if elected, there are some issues he’d like to tackle.
“Water is very expensive here in South Bruce Peninsula, so we want to figure something out to fix that. Also the fish farm is a big issue, and there’s been rumours around [the ownership] of Bluewater Park. We need to know more about that,” said Michi.
Tedford has decades of municipal experience, and most recently has been working as the director of development for the town of Hanover. He says his first priority, if elected, would be to come up with a Growth Master Plan to accommodate the growing municipality of South Bruce Peninsula.
“The town is very unique, and it’s seen some significant growth, but it needs to get ready for many years of growth to come yet. The next priority would be to look at The Hub, and the Sauble Beach area, looking at parking and washrooms. My next priority would of course be doctor recruitment,” said Tedford.
As mayor, Tedford says he’d represent all of the municipality.
“I have the knowledge and the experience, working in municipal government and working with the province, and I’ve always been known to get things done. I know the town, and I would like to see more cooperation and symmetry between the residents throughout the whole town,” said Tedford.
Jackson encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote, and research each candidate so you can be informed and confident about your decision.
The 2022 Municipal Elections are slated to be held on Monday, October 24. The Township of South Bruce Peninsula will use Internet and Telephone Voting for the 2022 Municipal Election.
More information can be found on the town’s website.
