Past experience emphasized by South Huron mayoral candidates

Maureen Cole.

By John Miner

Asked to talk about the future of South Huron, the three candidates running for mayor in the upcoming municipal election didn’t mind digging into the past to bolster their case for being the voters’ choice.

Maureen Cole, George Finch, and Ted Oke participated in the candidates meeting Sept. 30 organized by the Huron Chamber of Commerce.

Billed by the chamber as a discussion, not a traditional debate, the three were given the opportunity to tell the crowd filling the South Huron District high school gym in Exeter why they are the best candidate.

Cole, who was South Huron mayor from 2014 to 2018, emphasized that her background in health care leadership positioned her well to advocate for South Huron hospital, both at the county and ministry level.

In addition, Cole said her 30 years of farm ownership gave her a strong understanding of rural economic realities and long-term land use planning.

One of her highest priorities will be financial transparency, stability and accountability, she said.

“I’m committed to evidence-based practice. In God we trust, all others will provide data.”

Finch, the current mayor running for re-election, said under his leadership South Huron has become the economic engine of Huron County and the region. The municipality has gone from having the fifth highest tax rate in the county to the third lowest, he said.

“We need to remember where we were eight years ago, the challenges we faced, to appreciate where we are today. Ask yourself if we are in a better place now,” Finch said.

Finch said his goals for the next four years include pushing for an OPP reporting location in South Huron, an addition to the Exeter fire station, more affordable housing and pursuing a gymnasium and walking track. His highest priority will be continuing to advocate for health care as a region.

Oke, who has been the Usborne Ward councillor for the past 12 years, said he is running for mayor this time because he cares deeply about South Huron and believes it is time for a change in leadership.

Outside of work as a councillor, Oke noted he has spent decades working with agriculture, financial and commercial businesses.

“That experience has taught me to understand the numbers, evaluate risks, ask questions, balance competing priorities, and make decisions based on facts, and follow through.”

His priorities will be affordability, responsible growth, community engagement and broadening South Huron’s economic base to create jobs and reduce pressure on the tax base.

Moderator Colin Carmichael asked the candidates what should South Huron and Huron County do to increase both the supply of housing and the range of housing types.

Finch said the municipality needs to continue to attract developers rather than wait for developers to call.

“I’ve actually reached out to many developers and that is why we are seeing the building we are seeing,” he said.

The job of the municipality is to facilitate construction with the proper zoning.

“Supply and demand is what works, we need not over-think it.”

Oke said more housing supply is needed, but also more choice.

As mayor he will encourage the county to be innovative on housing, such as supporting modular construction and design to speed up building and decrease costs.

In South Huron, more apartments, townhouses and smaller homes are needed. The municipality’s role is to make sure planning rules, approvals, and infrastructure support are appropriate for appropriate growth, ensuring both builders and residents know what to expect, Oke said.

Cole said she doesn’t believe municipal policies or approvals are the primary barrier to building more homes.

The challenge has been that the municipality has historically encouraged higher priced houses to be built because they generate higher revenues for taxes rather than focusing on modest home ownership options, she said.

On the topic of investment in culture and recreation, Cole said many communities, such as Goderich, operate with smaller budgets than South Huron yet achieve strong outcomes. The communities focus on partnerships with non-profits and community organizations rather than running every program themselves.

“It is not all up to the municipality,” she said.

As mayor, Cole said she would immediately form a recreational committee after the election that can look at the funding streams that are available.

Finch said South Huron’s recreational facilities will be under increased pressure with 5,000 people moving in over the next 25 years.

“We are going to have problems with capacity issues and we need to do something about it.”

He said South Huron needs to start thinking about an outdoor sports complex, possibly located on the 25 acres of land the municipality owns across from the cemetery.

It should be remembered that the Wagner soccer fields in Exeter are on privately owned land.

“My concerns are what happens if that sells. We have no plans in place.”

Finch said he will form a committee in January to see what can be done.

Oke said if he is elected he will recommend not closing any existing recreation facilities.

He would also recommend reinstating the recreation committee made up of community members and council representatives.

“The people that use our recreation facilities should have a voice in how they are managed and what recreation opportunities we provide in the future.”

Following the discussion, people attending the event had the chance to meet and individually question the contenders for the five spots on South Huron council. The deputy mayor’s position has been filled by acclamation by the current deputy mayor Jim Dietrich.