ACW Mayor Candidate: Evan Hickey

By: Kate Smith

ACW is home for Evan Hickey, and with deep family roots in the area, he wants to make sure it remains a great place to live, work, raise a family and build a future.

Hickey is seeking the role of mayor on ACW Council.

A proud graduate of the Ontario Agriculture College, Hickey is also a third-generation farmer. Combined with Hickey’s parents, the family farms 400 acres of land on Nile Road.

Currently, Hickey works for Flynn Farms in Clinton as a truck driver but says he is running or mayor because he believes he can build on what he’s learned during four years on ACW Council this past term.

“I want to provide strong, accountable leadership for ACW,” said Hickey.

“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.”

During his time on council these past four years, Hickey gained firsthand experience with municipal budgets, taxation, infrastructure, planning, development and many other issues that come before council. He also represented ACW on the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Board, where he serves as Second Vice-President.

Apart from political experience, Hickey has also ensured he is involved in the community. This includes the Dungannon Community Alliance, Economic Development Board, Short-Term Rental Committee and the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Board.

When it comes to comparing candidates, Hickey says he would leave it to voters to decide.

What he stresses is that he is bringing four years of council experience, strong community involvement and a willingness to listen with the ability to work with people who 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,” added Hickey.

“I’m asking residents for their vote because I’m prepared to do the work.”

Hickey explains he has a proven record of community involvement and will be accountable in his endeavour to work hard representing all residents of ACW.

If elected as mayor, Hickey’s priority item for the agenda would be to work with the new council. Hickey would like to see council carefully look at finances, infrastructure needs and growth pressures to establish a realistic plan.

Hickey believes responsible growth and infrastructure, fiscal responsibility and strong communities and economic development are top priorities for the ACW Township.

While ACW is growing, Hickey believes council needs to ensure roads and services can support that growth, while maintaining the character of the area that makes people want to live and invest in ACW.

Hickey values accountability, respect, fairness and community and his vision for ACW is a township 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,” Hickey explained.

At the end of the next four years, Hickey wants ACW to be financially strong, better prepared for future infrastructure needs, supportive of responsible development and a municipality where residents feel informed and heard.

“I’m proud to have served you on ACW Council for the past four years, and I’m asking for the opportunity to continue that service as mayor,” remarked Hickey.

“I will listen, do my homework, be accountable and work hard for the entire municipality.”

Each candidate was presented with the same interview questions. What is presented in these profiles, is a result of the responses received.