Stephen candidates bring a mix of experience

By John Miner

Voters in the Stephen ward of South Huron will choose from three candidates that have already served terms on council and one new contender.

Ward 1 Stephen elects two representatives on the council, and also votes for mayor and deputy mayor of the municipality. The deputy mayor’s position this election has been filled by acclamation by the current incumbent, Jim Dietrich.

Candidate Marissa Vaughan has the longest track record on council, serving the past 12 years. Dianne Faubert served a single term, and Wendy McLeod-Haggitt was selected to fill a council spot with the resignation of an Exeter councillor early in the current term.

Emilly Girodat is running in her first South Huron election.

As part of its municipal election coverage, the Exeter Examiner asked each candidate:

(1) Why did you decide to run for council? Is there a specific problem or moment that made you decide to put your name forward?

(2) If elected, what is the top priority you hope to focus on during your time on council?

(3) What experience do you bring to the table that you think will help you address the municipality’s challenges?

Here is the e-mailed response from the candidates.

Dianne Faubert

(1) I have many hopes and goals for our wonderful municipality, all while trying hard to keep our tax increases each year within reason for the residents. Helping the Municipality of South Huron continue to grow and become a better place to reside in has always been one of my priorities. After all, this is my home as well. I fully appreciate every vote in my favour.

(2) There are many projects that I believe would benefit the communities in South Huron that I would like to see happen, such as:

- An off-leash dog walking park for our little furry companions.

- A new gymnasium and walking track (Phase Two) at the Recreation Centre for citizens to stay fit and independent.

- Updates to our fire halls for the protection of our communities.

- “Affordable” housing within our municipality.

- Support and maintenance of our hospital and staff in Exeter for the continued good health of our families and aging population.

- Opening a reporting station for the OPP In Exeter.

(3) My experience entails owning and operating a business for 20 years and totally appreciating the daily interactions with my customers (whom I also considered all to be my friends). I have had the pleasure of serving as a municipal councillor for a four-year term during the time of COVID-19. Although it was a difficult time, I enjoy the challenges that come with being a municipal councillor. For the past four years, I have been volunteering at the warehouse of the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre at Hwy. 4 and Crediton Road and got to know and enjoyed working with a large number of wonderful people.

Emilly Girodat

(1) My decision to run for council comes from an accumulation of community conversations and a personal desire to be useful where it matters most. I believe growth is an integral part of South Huron’s future, and I want to be a part of that. The rural residents of Ward 1 have felt underrepresented. Our unique needs are sidelined, and our hard-earned tax dollars yield little to no visible investment in our neighbourhoods. This lack of tangible results hits close to home. My own family has felt the impact of our severe shortage of rural childcare services and recreation opportunities for all ages. We see this disconnect clearly in public safety as well, where reasonable community requests — such as installing essential speed limit signs have been denied or dismissed as unnecessary.

(2) If elected as councillor for Ward 1, my top priority will be maximizing the assets we already have so that we can comfortably accommodate the continued growth of South Huron. We have municipal facilities sitting empty for much of the year. The municipality must shift its focus toward being a proactive partner for our community. By actively welcoming and supporting local small business owners, we can utilize these underused properties to facilitate rural childcare and recreation. We do not need to reinvent the wheel — we simply need to collaborate with the incredible talent and businesses already rooted in our community. Our residents have great ideas. By simply listening, cutting through red tape, and championing the solutions that fit, we can deliver a major win for Ward 1.

(3) While I am not a career politician, I see that as a strength. I’m running because I want to bring a fresh, practical perspective to our council. My professional background in insurance risk management and my formal education in law enforcement mean that I look at municipal concerns through a lens of safety, common sense, and financial accountability. I know how to look ahead, protect taxpayers from unnecessary costs, and keep our neighbourhoods safe. I truly believe Ward 1 is ready for a fresh perspective, and I have the energy, skills, and dedication to be that person for our community.

Wendy McLeod-Haggitt

(1) South Huron is home, and I am proud to have lived in Ward 1 all my life. Through my work, volunteer service and community involvement, I have built strong connections with residents and developed a deep understanding of the people, priorities and opportunities that shape our municipality. Serving as Ward 2 councillor broadened my perspective and has given me the opportunity to represent residents across South Huron. Over the past three years, I have demonstrated the experience, dedication and practical knowledge needed to serve effectively on council. I am ready to continue that work by listening to residents, advocating for our communities and making thoughtful decisions that move South Huron forward. I am asking for your support to serve Ward 1 on Council and to continue contributing to the future of South Huron. As a lifelong Ward 1 resident, I understand the importance of representing our community with integrity, commitment and a strong belief in its future. On election day, I ask you to stand with me and vote for a strong, experienced voice for Ward 1 — together, we can keep moving our community forward. I’m running because I still have more to give. I want to continue listening, being accessible and standing up for residents while helping South Huron grow thoughtfully and responsibly into a community where people are proud to live, raise their families and stay for generations.

(2) My top priority would be moving South Huron forward in a way that attracts new residents and, just as importantly, gives people a reason to stay. A significant amount of infrastructure work was addressed during the last term. While we must continue with the projects identified in our 10-year forecast, I believe it is time to broaden our focus and invest in the things that make a community thrive. That means supporting local businesses, encouraging appropriate housing, investing in recreation and community spaces, and creating vibrant, connected communities where people feel they belong. My campaign platform — fiscal responsibility, responsible growth, strong infrastructure, supporting local business, safe and connected communities, and transparent leadership — provides a foundation for this work. Ultimately, I want South Huron to be a community where people want to move, put down roots, raise their families and build their future, while maintaining the character and sense of community that makes South Huron home.

(3) I bring three years of municipal experience, a lifelong connection to Ward 1 and a strong commitment to all of South Huron. As a councillor, I’ve gained firsthand experience with responsible budgeting, infrastructure, growth, development and protecting taxpayers. Early in my first term, I challenged a proposed agreement that would have committed South Huron taxpayers to approximately $606,000 plus HST toward the oversizing of the Grand Bend Trunk Sewer. I asked the hard questions and voted against the proposal because I believed taxpayers should not take on that cost when there was another way to structure the project. That experience reinforced my belief that Council needs members who examine the details, challenge assumptions and make decisions based on

what is best for residents. My professional background has taught me to be organized, prepared and solution focused. I bring experience, independence and local knowledge, and I’m ready to continue working hard for South Huron.

Marissa Vaughan

(1) Primarily two things inspired me: the positive feedback I have received from constituents when I represent their concerns at the council table, and a desire to be part of finishing what we have started. Over the past 12 years, I have enjoyed talking with many of you and taking your concerns and needs forward to Council. It is an honour and privilege to serve the people of Ward 1.

(2) My top priority is to safeguard the pocketbooks of the people by living within our means. Taxpayer money is finite — there is no open chequebook. I shall focus on cost-effective, needs-based solutions and value for money, especially for our $600 million in existing assets that require ongoing maintenance. Rather than simply raising taxes to buy anew, I prefer realistic approaches that improve and make the maximum use of assets we already own. I will also finish key projects: facilitating new homes; increased water capacity on Grand Bend Line to unlock future employment lands; a new fire station for Dashwood; more recreation at Stephen Arena, in our parks and on our trail systems; investments at Olde Towne Hall to preserve our rural heritage; and the rebuilding and repaving King Street in Crediton with enhanced drainage. My goal is to balance safe and reliable services with affordability for taxpayers.

(3) I bring 32 years of diversified leadership experience from 32 years at CIBC in commercial and consumer lending, web site development, customer service and operations, product development and sales. For the past 12 years I have fully prepared for all council, committee and budget meetings by doing my homework, researching issues, listening to constituents, and asking tough questions. This work ensures I serve residents’ interests now and in the future. This term, major planning work included focus on the Official Plan, zoning by-law, Water/Wastewater Master Plan, Asset Management Plan, Community Improvement Plan, and more. Capital projects delivered included Stephen Arena and South Huron Recreation Centre upgrades, new sidewalks and streetlights in Dashwood, water and sewer improvements, resurfaced roads, and culverts. I will continue focusing on bringing value for your money with efficient infrastructure and services, striving to deliver affordability and initiatives that benefit the community today and for generations.