Ken Hewitt running for Norfolk mayor

Ken Hewitt

Leah Bauer

Advocate Contributor

Since making Turkey Point his permanent residence nearly five years ago, former Haldimand Mayor Ken Hewitt has decided to enter the race to potentially become the next mayor of Norfolk County.

Following his move to Norfolk, Hewitt quickly got involved locally, including initiatives such as President of the Turkey Point Properties Owners Association, as well as his work with businesses in Norfolk County where he acted as a consultant providing group benefit advice, succession planning, state planning, and partnership agreements.

“I think that my strengths are what they are, and that is experience. I think that my business background prepares me well to look at budgets and manage them.” 

Hewitt has a passion for his Norfolk community and abilities he believes can be used to benefit the county.

“I’m passionate about my community. I'm passionate about where I live, and I feel I have the necessary experience and knowledge to be able to help Norfolk in the current position that we're in today. I feel that people are struggling to make ends meet and are looking for leaders that can help manage taxes and keep them at a level that is sustainable and predictable.” Hewitt has already begun meeting with local groups and leaders to identify major issues, and continue to establish relationships with constituents.

“I think the numbers speak for themselves,” he said, highlighting the financial numbers over the 12 years he was mayor in Haldimand where they kept taxes on average below two per cent for 12 consecutive years - and increased the reserves.

“I think that experience speaks for itself, and I think we need some experience to be able to have a steady hand on what's going to happen over the next four years.”

A topic that is high on the list of priorities for both voters and candidates in Norfolk is high taxes.

“I believe that people want sustainable taxes,” said Hewitt. “They want to be able to predict what their taxes are going to be on their annual basis. I can provide that. Make sure that we're not increasing taxes to build up a bank account. Reserves are important, and we do need to provide substantial reserves to protect the infrastructure, however, we also need to be able to make sure that the people paying taxes can also buy groceries and pay for the daily expenses that they are required to pay for.”  As of June 1, there are five Norfolk mayor candidates – Noel Haydt, Doug Brunton, Ken Hewitt, Rhyus Reeves, and Ken Milner. Nomination packages will be accepted until August 21 at 2 p.m. Norfolk County is using a hybrid voting system this year. Monday, Oct. 26 is the in-person election day. Online voting will begin Oct. 9 and continue until Oct. 23. For more information see norfolkcounty.ca/vote/

“I admire everybody who puts their name on the ballot because it demonstrates their conviction. It shows that they're willing to stick their head above the weeds, and take certain public abuse that comes along with that particular territory,” said Hewitt.