All candidates’ meetings
Administrator | Sep 03, 2014 | Comments 180
Municipal Election Day Oct. 27, 2014
The candidates are:
Mayor
Robert Quaiff
Jeff Goddard
Paul Boyd
Ward 1 Picton (Two to be elected)
Lenny Epstein
Phil St. Jean
Treat Hull
Ray Hobson
Stephanie Bell
Laverne Bailey
Ward 2 Bloomfield (acclaimed)
Barry Turpin
Ward 3 Wellington (One to be elected)
Jim Dunlop
Marilyn Szoldra
Tina Konecny
Ward 4 Ameliasburgh (Three to be elected)
Rachael Tracey
Nick Nowitski
Roy Pennell
Janice Maynard
Tim Fellows
Diane O’Brien
Ward 5 Athol (One to be elected)
Tim Vanhecke
Jamie Forrester
Stan Grizzle
Ward 6 Hallowell (Two to be elected)
Keith MacDonald
Brad Nieman
Kathryn Noxon
Gordon Fox
Ward 7 Hillier (One to be elected)
Alec Lunn
Steve Graham
Ward 8 N. Marysburgh (One to be elected)
Ronald Hendrikx
David Harrison
Ward 9 S. Marysburgh (One to be elected)
Kyle Douglas Mayne
Steve Ferguson
Ward 10 Sophiasburgh (Two to be elected)
Bill Roberts
Terry Shortt
Kevin Gale
Public School Trustee Wards 3,4,7, 10
Jennifer Cobb
Public School Trustee Wards 1,2,5,6,8,9
Dwayne Inch
English Language Separate School Board Trustee
Gavin Cosgrove
Kirk Romany
Catharina Summers
French Language Separate School Board Trustee
Dianne Burns
French Language Public School Board Trustee
Robert Comeau
Rachel Laforest
Here’s what happened in 2010:
Of the 21,351 eligible voters, 10,598 cast a ballot for a 49.63 per cent turnout for the county – much improved over the 39.4 per cent in the 2006 election.
(* elected)
Mayor
*Peter Mertens 3496
Sandy Latchford 2328
Monica Alyea 1832
Lori Slik 1203
Gord Fox 1075
Paul Boyd 594
Picton: (2 elected)
*Bev Campbell 655
* Brian Marisett 561
Laverne Bailey 526
Don Ward 353
Paul Morris 288
Richard Rowe 237
Doris Lane 140
Bloomfield: (1 elected)
*Barry Turpin 175
Phil St.-Jean 128
Wellington (1 elected)
*Jim Dunlop 827
Bill Boultbee 305
Ameliasburgh (3 elected)
*Janice Maynard 1462
*Dianne O’Brien 1306
*Nick Nowitski 930
Kathy Vowinckel 714
Athol (1 elected)
*Jamie Forrester 399
Paul Johnson 260
Hallowell (2 elected)
*Heather Campbell 987
*Keith MacDonald 644
Richard Parks 582
Knowlton Hunter 277
Scott Johnston 185
Hillier (1 elected)
*Alec Lunn 436
Peggy Burris 370
North Marysburgh (1 elected)
*Robert Quaiff 418
Ray Best 256
Chris Billard 77
South Marysburgh (1 elected)
*Barb Proctor 305
Duncan Fischer 119
Ray Hobson 79
Sandy Blackford 43
Jack Dall 26
Erin Johnston 22
Sophiasburgh (2 elected)
*Kevin Gale 592
*Terry Shortt 537
John Thompson 463
Kristien Buikema 113
Trustee Hastings & PE School Board Wards 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9
Dwayne Inch (acclaimed)
Trustee Hastings & PE School Board Wards 3, 4, 7, 10
*Jennifer Cobb 2386
Harry Marissen 966
Rick Langstaff 697
Trustee French Language Public Board
Marc Bissonnette 23
Frederic Tremblay 5
Trustee French Language Catholic Board
Andre Ouellette acclaimed
Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic School Board
Paul Candon 268
Greg Speagle 249
Question on the ballot: Are you in favour of council commencing a public consultation process to review the size of council for the County of Prince Edward?
Yes 7569
No 1798
Filed Under: Local News
Personally I think us County Folk would best served by mix of both Old and New Councillor’s. With the old more experienced members bringing knowledge and experience to the table while the newer younger Members bringing fresh new ideas.
Come to think of it, if our old Hallowell farmer, our old Hallowell sailor, our old acclaimed Bloomfield fellow and the old North Marysburgh farmer can figure it out I am sure some of our younger professionals can as well. It’s not difficult other than representing the betterment of the entire County. And I have nothing against farmers but I don’t think they hold a monopoly on how the County should move forward!
Oh come now. It’s not that difficult. We have some new intelligent people who can quite handle it.
When it comes to voting in the horseshoe, it becomes a different game of teaching or learning.
The voting can make and break ones digestion. It’s all politics by those who know the ropes. And the learning curve is a pretty steep one the first year, from what I’ve seen and heard.
We will see it all: integrity, morality, and the charmed interchanged with the not so likeable qualities of disdain, shameful, and the bah humbug.
Money will talk.
I pretty much agree. We wouldn’t want to dsicount newcomers either based on inexperience. Experience hasn’t gotten us to a good place so a mix suits me fine. But don’t just keep electing the same faces and expect things to change.
I am not suggesting elect for life Gary but it makes no sense to say that a councillor has nothing to offer simply because he has a long record of service. He must have done something right to be re-elected so often. Just maybe he learned something along the way that he can pass on to those eager newbies.As the saying goes a new broom sweeps clean but an old one knows the corners. We need both old and new not a council made up of newcomers with no experience and possibly no real idea of what their jobs will involve.
Laverne wasn’t on Council the last 4 years Marnie. That’s quite a pessimistic view you have of anyone new attempting to unseat incumbents with the view of bringing new ideas and approaches to the table. If we followed your logic there would be no need for an election. Just elect for life!
Convenient to blame Laverne and Keith for all of council’s follies in the past four years but not realistic. That so-called young blood is always highly touted just before the election but all too soon becomes tired anemic blood. It’s easy to promise the moon but a lot harder to deliver it. Once some of these nine-day wonders actually are elected they quickly discover that the job is not quite as easy as they expected and no matter how good their intentions it is not always possible to deliver their promises. Remember Mayor Mertens?
This is another example of why I support a County wide ballot of electing 8 councilors. As an example presently other ward councilors make huge decisions such as the waste water plant that significantly affect Picton ratepayers user fees. However they cannot be held accountable to that electorate in any fashion. Their poor decision making goes unchecked as the voters electing them in their rural wards are unaffected. Time for change!
Both Laverne and Keith and Gordon were part of the prior Council elected in 2006, that sat and twiddled their thumbs and delayed the waste water plant for ages. The result was a tremendous cost over run and we were handed a $30,000,000 plant that has waste pumped up hill at huge electrical costs. Hallowell has some younger experienced talent on the slate that want to end the same old mistakes and bring forward new and accountable approaches.
Sure Go Keith and Laverne! You have sat there a longtime and have been part of the decision making that has us where we are. That’s not service unrecognized but just maybe some younger blood and new approaches could be positive. Council isn’t meant to be a life long role. Change can be good especially when the current crop is struggling. If you don’t vote for change then don’t expect much different from the past.
Go Laverne, Go Keith – You may be “older” but since when is that synonymous with having nothing to offer or being out of touch? You understand the problems of county seniors a lot better than many of your younger opponents. Youth is not a guarantee of wisdom. You two have learned a lot along the way and both of you remember when council had a lot more common sense that it has shown in recent years. In every election there is always great sound and fury as new candidates promise what they will do if elected. Oddly enough if they do win seats in a couple of years time they seem to have an awful lot in common with those that they criticized.
There is no rule stating one has to live in the same ward, they are seeking election in, cause if there was..! You all thinking this way are wasting your brain waves.
Lenny:
Many working ppl spend more of the waking time at their workplace than they do awake in their own homes. All fine and well to improve the lives of ppl through decision at council, however, you must get past the admin.power and the old boys club of whom consists of 5 men and the mayor meeting. Sooo, with a cut to 8 councillors anyone can do the math for disaster.
Laverne: QUOTE:
” I know the county has changed and more people have moved in with city ideas that have cost the local elderly people being barely able to live … ”
About whom are you speaking: Mayor Mertens, the CEO, Dr. Rose, to name of few? Or the children born in the county, who have moved out of the county and are now living back in the county bringing their city ideas, education and worldly experience with them. I could go on …. it is a free island, sailor over and live on it.
Emily:
No sense bitching about the 30 million dollars now, it’s done. The issue is: how to get the rest of the taxpayers who do not use this facility, to pay for it in a fair way!
Ppl keep saying about getting things done with less councillors (8) this being easier to control the outcome. Ever think the “$30 mil” sh*t plant was > GETTING THINGS DONE! and “getting things done” before the larger public had any say over what happened and the cost? Example, like when the mayor’s maps of re-zoning the county wards were printed off for councillor’s urgent presentation to public town hall meetings, the ink wasn’t even dry. Consider that: abuse, unfair to rights. All without a mandate.
Reality!
Hi Emily and others,
Thanks for asking about my campaign. I reside 5 minutes from Picton (officially in N. Marysburgh). I am running in Picton because Picton is where I ‘live’ in the sense of where I take the kids to the library, do my shopping, socialize, and feel part of the community. The fact is, when someone is elected on Council, they are making decisions on issues that come from each and every ward and we need them to think in the broad interest of the County. The time of pitting one ward against the other needs to end.
Now, where to begin…the sewage plant atop the hill, the number of residents who have told me of simple issues with their roads or sidewalks that could be easily addressed except that they are ignored by staff. The number of people who try to get ahold of their councillor and don’t hear back. This does a disservice to what our municipal government ought to be.
Who knows better how to improve their neighbourhoods than the citizens who live there? Right now, it seems that public meetings are held just to check off a box saying that a public meeting was held. Are people’s thoughts and ideas being respected and considered seriously? We have so much talent here, and so many people that have so much to contribute. We need to see those voices as an asset and part of the solution. One thing I have learned in my time as a filmmaker, teacher, and business owner, is that you never know where a great idea is going to come from.
I invite you to check out my website at http://www.lennyforcouncil.ca and see for yourself. I am someone who makes things happen and cares about our community. What I have been trying to get across is that whether you have lived here for generations or have recently moved here, we are in this together. I am invested here. I am raising my family here and I want to see economic opportunities for our young people here.
I understand the challenges faced by those who have grown up here. Housing is not affordable for many, roads and infrastructure are not being maintained to the standards people were used to pre-amalgamation. I genuinely am concerned about these things and I am solutions-focused.
It’s time for a new generation to have a voice at the table. If you really want something different, well, then you have to vote for someone different.
I am happy to answer any questions you might have.
Thanks,
Lenny
What ward does Epstein live in? I think if you live in a ward under the stupid electoral system we are currently stuck with you have a better appreciation for the issues. An example would be the outrageous unsustainable water and waste water charges in Picton! Picton ratepayers are paying through the nose to provide a commercial hub for the rest of the County residents and our abundant visitors. If the few Picton ratepayers weren’t paying for the 30 million dollar s..t plant would the tourists flock here? Not equitable or fair.
I see, it’s the newcomers that have moved here from the city and added to our residential tax base that are the underlying problem!
Why do you candidates not have your photos up there at the top right side of the page alongside Mr. Quaiff?
Gary missed your name on the ballot somehow, because there is no Gary on the ballot. Myself & MacDonald maybe older and more mature, but we are both still working for the betterment of the COUNTY. I know the county has changed and more people have moved in with city ideas that have cost the local elderly people being barely able to live in the place they call home. Also well we are on the subject of candidates not living in the ward they are running, you hear nothing about Epstein, Lunn running in wards they do not live in.
Nothing particularly against elder councilors but haven’t MacDonald, Bailey had their time? It’s a different world and the responsibility of overseeing a multi million County corporation requires new skills. We have an amalgamated County government that requires vision, smarts and experience to deal with the new world. Just my take!
Not too bad a response. Not too fusssy on those 237 cottages however that the residents strongly objected to on a small lake.
I, Laverne Bailey born and raised in Picton, educated at P.E.C.I. Entered politics in 1982, served on and off for 18 yrs, Warden of the County in 1995.
I love the County including Picton and if you knew me you would know I work and don’t look for an easy ride or something for nothing.
Some residents of North Marysburgh now live in Picton and they deserve proper representation.
During my time on council representing Picton from 2006 to 2010 several streets were repaired, several trees were saved on Queen St., Home Hardware was started and completed and 237 Cottages was started employing many county residents.
And on another note if I wanted an easy ride South Marysburgh would have been a ticket!
That was an excellent response. Thank you.
Gary
I cannot speak for Mr. Bailey.
I am running in Picton because I have very close personal and business ties to Picton. I was born in Picton. My life revolves around Picton. I previously owned a small restaurant in Picton. I run my current business in Picton and the surrounding area. I have spent over 25 years volunteering with organizations like the Picton BIA, The Regent Theatre, Elks, Legion, Curling Club, Picton Splash Pad Committee and Picton Kinsmen. I have been or currently am playing a leadership role with these valued organizations. Where you live in The county matters not. What truly matters is that a county councillor, wherever they live and wherever they are elected from can understand and relate to the people of the county. Every elected councillor needs to focus their efforts on the greater good for the entire municipality. A councillor from which ever Ward they are elected is the first point of contact for people in their Ward, but ultimately they are County Councillors, representing everyone.
If there is an “easier way to the trough ” I’d like to hear about it. Running in Picton is not easier in fact it requires far more time and organizational effort than most areas. Try walking every street and knocking on every door, talking to as many people as you can. Then you tell me if it’s an easy path. I enjoy the challenge and fortunately I have the ability to get out there to represent myself as the best candidate to represent the people of Picton and Prince Edward County.
One always wonders if big insurance and other $$ are directed to a new comer with no municipal experience what control they have and what payback is expected!
I agree Bill. It is difficult to organize these meetings under a ward system (lol). You can’t acommodate everyone’s interest. There is obviously enough money in the Mayors race at least on the one side that I am sure there will be a Mayors debate for all voters to attend.
We in Ameliasburgh organized our Town Hall meeting mindful of the fact that the Picton meeting on the same evening was a councillor’s only meeting.This has nothing to do with divisiveness, it’s statements such as “them from the centre” that breeds animosity.
Phil; Can you tell us why you and Bailey are running in Picton ward outside of the ward you live in? Is their a purpose for that other than trying to find a safer route to the Shire Hall trough?
FYI
Picton BIA is sponsoring a candidates meeting for council and mayoral candidates.
2 possible dates.
October 8th or 16th.
Details and confirmation of date/time to be announced very soon.
The opportunity to elect a female are few in this election. They are further restricted by our ward system. There will be fewer women on this Council with 3 departing.
If you/we want women on the council, then it’s time to vote for them.
Women use both sides of the brains at the same time making them more intelligent than their opposite gender, according to a long term cat-scan study. (google it)
A woman running for mayor this time would have been a nice choice. 4 yrs is a long time to wait through the squabbles at Shire Hall.
I also think Ms.Noxon would be a good selection for Hallowell. We need her new ideas. I also think Mr. Nieman could bring a lot of insight and experience to the table given his extensive public works resume. That type of knowledge at the horseshoe is much needed. I had hoped the older councilor might finally step aside for some new blood and fresh ideas.
Doris, in a more democratic process you would be able to vote for Ms.Noxon. We are losing at least 3 women from Council.
Read Ms Noxons ideas for council. She makes sense–wish I could vote for her. Hope she gets elected
Two Candidate Debates on the same night in different town halls. How can ppl attend both, even if they wanted to. Not possible for one to hear about the concerns of ppl in these 2 wards. Is that the point > they can’t. Picton folks will not have the opportunity to see mayor candidates address the high friction issues that face off these two districts. And Ameliasburgh with mayors attending, will not see candidates debate issues that antagonize them from the centre, Picton.
This set up continues to separate and divide county folks from one another. A challenge to know and understand what issues are: different, or the same facing each Ward; or how we are connected for the benefit of the whole county. It leaves wanting the ppl’s democratic process to connect not only with Shire Hall potential councilors, but on the greater stage of higher level Gov’ts.
It’s almost impossible to find out the true feelings and views of each ward unless you are taking part in their communities, where folks live in their hearts. Surely newspapers are NOT the vehicle for this; nor the internet of Shire Hall business, where views of the few that bring issues to council are personally or group focused specific.
I think there’s something missing in meaningful communication to the ppl. throughout the county. And with all this, I see no one with a solution for communicating facts to them or unifying them.
And NO mayors attending Picton, but yet in Ameliasburgh. This forces a decision in both places for attendance. Fairness gets thrown under the bus (if the county had one). sooo ……. there will be comparison and query with dissatisfaction lingering to rear its head like a serpent in the future debates . . . as in the past.
(ponders)
Last week for your info. I basically was throwing the question out there for discussion recognizing we now have County governance not township. As for rants, hey it’s open for anyone to comment. Have at it.
Snowman: LOL @ “run for council”. I see you are included in the 3 or 4.
Um Gary, when was the last time you were in your town hall? taking in a community event, a community meeting? Local groups use these bldgs. for many things, esp throughout fall to summer.
Just wondering: how did this “final slate of municipal councilors” evolve into 3 or 4 people’s private rants????
You ppl should run for council.What a meeting that would be! Yikes.
Begs the question that under an amalgamted County just how many town halls do we require. You see it goes back to the base issue. Some are trying to put a square peg in a round whole. Small township, village and town governance is no more. It is gone. Time to think County not your little piece of the pie.
Emily,
you must have more signs in your neighborhood than mine. Unless my general area has more sign thieves. I know it’s happening, one candidate: 6 out of 40 signs stolen.
Gary:
They are leaning towards what you said > “adjacent to the skate park”. However,
“Option 3: Ball Diamond: New land for Ball Diamond: +$170,000 – $200,00+/diamond”.
Gosh, the town halls are easily put on the chopping block at anytime. Begs the question whose ward is going to lose their hall and be the sacrificial pig. This will fragment and fracture the common connections in one community . I don’t like this future reality.
QUOTED:
” Another option is to reduce services in another recreation area to allow for the increased cost of the splash pad. Fore example, there are multiple town halls that have approximately the same operating expenses as the splash pad. Consideration could be given to declare one or more surplus to generate enough ‘room’ for the increased cost of the splash pad. An in depth review of service reductions have not been completed for this report.”
THIS is an example of the thinking at Shire Hall!
Town halls are at risk from every direction. This topic was a point raised in discussions re: changing the boundaries and reducing council size.
Is your community willing and ready to lose it’s town hall?
Can we get much more sign pollution going on our roadsides during this campaign? I’d say it is a little over the top. It seems if anyone erects a sign at a heavily travelled intersection then the Goddard campaign puts up a dozen. Is that necessary?
The proposed site is behind the skatepark not affecting the ball diamonds.
well said, Gary,
however, where are they going to put the ball diamond they talked about moving, in another park, buy property,? That’s a major issue constructing anew and it would be on top of the splash pad expense. More ppl use diamond then ever would use a splash pad. Ball runs Apr. – mid Sep. And players will not be happy while this is going on.
A thought, just use New York City style, slightly let loose one of the fire hydrants to cool off kids: regular time and place to be announced.
The more I think about this splash pad, it’s a luxury and not all that physical fitness inducing for the short duration of use. Going back to it initially being put on the books says that it’s not that much of a priority now being 2014-2015. Tax payers are more in debt now with greater issues for road repairs and ongoing tree removal, sand and salt maintenance after severe storms. When you get a reality check, how important is this pad?
Another facility for taxpayers to maintain aaarrgh, keeps staff employed. Ppl will not like this.
Priorities, please!
I think the reason for the proposed location is primarily to do just that, make sure it is centrally located and accessible. I don’t think there is County owned land to the west and we wouldn’t want additional costs of purchasing land.
Since this is a municipal candidates thread perhaps we could get their take on the proposal even though it is small potatoes compared to the pressing issues i.e. policing, health care, roads, affordable housing, water costs, wind factories, council size, etc.
wow, that splash park ain’t going to be inexpensive, with moving buildings and other facilities.
Another location would be my suggestion, due to the already busy use of the park, esp. holiday time in summer. There is so much traffic on days when the buildings and grounds are being prepared and used for example: Women’s Institute Craft Sale, etc. for more than one day due to vendors unloading/loading. This creates a danger for little kids. And are days when it’s the hottest and children need to cool off the most. This brings about an accessibility and safety issue. imo
It’s silly that one issue creates 3 other major issues: moving stuff like buildings or a Ball field (eeps) to create room, and 3rd traffic congestion through downtown Picton. This begs for another location.
Are many summer tourists and cottagers going to use the splash park? Of course they are, then definitely move it from that side of Picton, say on the west side so it IS MORE accessible, and easing the traffic congestion trying to get to the splash pad. But hey, guess the traffic is already there from going to the beer store, just drop the kids off, while I go across the street and pick up the beer.
I have read nothing in the findings / submission sent / presented at Shire Hall (at the previous link posted) about traffic congestion that is the bigger issue of which a splash pad comes under this umbrella.
After reading the report a little more closely … And a project start date of May 2016 I may have jumped the gun a bit here, this could well be a worth while endeavor. heres a link or url copy and paste to your browser
https://princeedwardcounty.civicweb.net/FileStorage/B7A0254FFE1F4C7C868FAAF032388B02-FINAL%20Report%20to%20Council%20September%2025%2014%20-%20on%20Sept%20.pdf
I am not apposed to the Children having a splash pad or any other recreational facilities. Where will the money come from to build run and maintain when streets and roads can’t be repaired. The estimated cost to build the splash pad near the skateboard park is $412.000 plus annual operating costs of $27.714 ??? Gary ??
Paul, I have done my share of volunteer work for many years to the benefit of children. I however do not feel the need to provide an extensive list. I did not mean to offend and I regret you found my suggestion offensive. I was just informing you since you were opposed to the children having a splash pad that there was an opportunity to express that at the level it is being dealt with. It is my understanding that the build costs would be fundraised and only operating dollars from the ratepayer. We spend money on a lot of worse things than something for our youth, such as $30,000 for a fruit of the Loom marketing logo.
Well Gary Im not against the Children having anything I’am against the County spending money they supposedly don t have. I find your remark offensive Gary. I coached hockey for many years sat on the Minor Hockey Executive ran the Ball Hockey program for a year. What have
you done for the Kids of The County Gary ?
The splash pad is on the Committee of the Whole agenda this Thursday Sept.25th. If you are against the children having this go and speak your opinion.
Its been a dusty summer on my street in Picton, you see the potholes were so bad they were coming every week to cold patch them, so instead they put gravel down a gravel road sorry street in the Town of Picton. No money to fix it they say so a splash pad is a no for me…