Agriculture focus of mayor candidate night

Chris Abbott

Editor

The Norfolk Federation of Agriculture hosted a mayoral candidate night at the Delhi District German Home on Sept. 30.

Norfolk Federation of Agriculture (NFA) represents 1,140 farmers in Norfolk County, said Jennifer Schooley, NFA president.

“We are rooted in agricultural expertise, a legacy of community support, and a forward-thinking commitment to sustainable farming in Norfolk County,” said Schooley. “We blend innovation with tradition, empowering farmers and championing the next generation in one of the region’s most vital and thriving industries.”

Agriculture matters, said Schooley, and it deserves a front-row seat in municipal politics in Norfolk County.

“We care about the decisions made at council tables and we care about the land we live on, and the farms, some of us for generations.”

Twelve mostly agriculture-related questions were posed for the six Norfolk mayoral candidates who participated in the NFA event. The following is an abbreviated report from their introductions.

KEITH MILNER

“For over 39 years, I had the privilege of serving our country as an officer with the RCMP and the CSIS. That nearly four decade career taught me the absolute necessity of mature leadership and accountability and integrity. 

It taught me that real leadership means listening before acting, analyzing the facts, and always putting the well-being of the community first.”

Milner recalled the days he worked on his father-in-law’s farm, sweating through haying season and “more hours than I can count” on a Case IH tractor.

KEN HEWITT

Farming carries financial risk, he Ken Hewitt, former 12-year mayor of Haldimand County, and “that’s why municipal government has a responsibility to respect the people who feed our communities, employ our neighbours, and invest their own money back into Norfolk County. Agriculture is not simply another sector of Norfolk’s economy, it is one of the foundations of our economy and its identity.

“My experience in local government has helped me to understand that agriculture needs a municipal government that listens, understands the realities of operating a farm and gets out of the way when government is creating unnecessary barriers.”

NOEL HAYDT

“I live on a farm my grandparents bought in the mid-1940s, so agriculture isn’t just an issue for me, it’s my home. My tan isn’t from the beach, it’s from the fields,” said Haydt, who served four years (councillor) on a past Norfolk council. “I’ve had to work through budgets, infrastructure decisions, and policies that affect people on the ground.

“That experience taught me something, something important. That government needs to listen to the people that are affected by its decisions. 

Leadership isn’t just asking the right questions though, it’s about knowing what to do with the answers… Farming isn’t getting any easier. Fuel and fertilizer are expensive. Equipment isn’t getting any cheaper. A lot of these things are beyond the control of Norfolk County, but that doesn’t give government an excuse to make the things we do harder. That’s where leadership matters.”

DAVID FINCH

Finch, who grew up in Woodhouse Township and Port Dover, served three terms on the Grimsby council.

“I understand farming, I grew up with a whole whack of farm kids. I’ve got my hands dirty on a tobacco field and my parents had a small general farm… so I share your concerns, I understand your concerns. I understand what’s going on and how the world is impacting you guys.”

ADAM VERI

Farming begins and ends with the business they do on the land, said Veri, a Norfolk councillor, and between there are issues with governance, issues with permits, building, development, market, and new products on the farm.

“That’s where I think I can be the most help to you. My commitment to Norfolk farmers is simply that I will do everything I can, in my role, to help you grow your business, to help you plan for the future, to help you transition, to help you do whatever it is that the government can actually do. I’m also aware that the last thing farmers want is another politician meddling in the business.

“I think that I’m a good representative for your business, for your growth, for your community.”

DOUG BRUNTON

“My background is in civil engineering,” said Doug Brunton, also a Norfolk councillor. “Agriculture is on the floor tonight – it is the No. 1 economic driver in the county.”

Brunton highlighted crops grown on his ‘small acreage’ and remembered days years ago when he primed tobacco with ‘horse and boat.’ “I am very familiar with hard work and what’s involved.

“Norfolk County has over 400,000 acres under cultivation, and is one of the top producers, not only in Ontario but in all of Canada. Combined cash receipts are in the millions of dollars. Conclusion… farming is big business in Norfolk County. Other important issues for Norfolk are raising taxes, skyrocketing water bills and infrastructure. I have a wealth of background concerning these issues.”