Three vying to be South Huron’s next mayor

Municipality of South Huron logo.

By John Miner

One candidate for mayor of South Huron is hoping to keep the job he’s held for two terms. Another is aiming to make a political comeback. A third veteran councillor is attempting to move up to the top spot.

While it is still three months until nominations close and more candidates could be added, South Huron already has a three-way race for mayor.

The current mayor George Finch is running for a third term.

Finch handily won the previous two municipal elections, taking 56 per cent of the votes in 2018 and 58 per cent in 2022.

Maureen Cole was mayor of South Huron from 2014 to 2018. She won the 2014 election with 61 per cent of the votes, but was unsuccessful against Finch in the next two contests.

The third candidate for mayor is Ted Oke, currently the councillor for Ward 3 (Usborne) of South Huron, a position he has held since the 2014 municipal election. Oke faced challengers in his first two elections to council, but was acclaimed in the last round.

Jim Dietrich, South Huron’s current deputy mayor, is running again for that position.

Several candidates have filed their nomination papers for council positions.

As of May 14, three are running for the two council spots in Ward 1 (Stephen): Patricia Desjardine-Soer, Wendy McLeod-Haggitt and Marissa Vaughan.

In Ward 2 (Exeter), there are three candidates to date for the two positions: Daryl Demaray, Antonio Munion and Aaron Neeb.

No candidates have yet filed nomination papers to run for the one council position in Ward 3 (Usborne).

Nominations close on Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.

Besides presiding over council meetings, the job of mayor includes acting as South Huron’s chief executive officer and representing the municipality at official functions. The mayor, along with the deputy mayor, also sit on Huron County council.

The Exeter Examiner asked each of the candidates for mayor why they are running, what they bring to the position, what would be their top priority for South Huron for the next four years and their relevant personal background for the position.

Maureen Cole

Cole said South Huron needs a mayor who helps the council and county council listen to everyone, set shared priorities and develop an action plan for 2027.

“This should not be a popularity contest, but rather a choice built on education, skills and commitment to understand and advocate for the ordinary person. We are only as strong as our weakest,” Cole said in an email.

She said she will remain an advocate for local charities, non-profits and volunteers who are the backbone of strong communities.

As for what she will bring to the position, Cole said she has the courage to continue to explain the challenges preventing South Huron from being the place of choice, as in affordable housing, particularly home ownership.

“I am not afraid of hard work, informative conversations, or doing research to make decisions.”

Her top priority for South Huron will be affordability for all, particularly home ownership and fiscal responsibility to ensure taxes stay affordable too.

Her relevant personal background for the position includes experience as past mayor and county councillor, strategic planning consultant for non-profits, clinical site leader for the South Huron Hospital Association and retired nurse. She is a grandmother to two who are involved in sports.

George Finch

Finch said he was originally urged to run for mayor because of the number of challenges in the 2014 to 2018 South Huron council.

A seven-page report by integrity commissioner Fred Dean, contained in the Sept. 4, 2018, council minutes posted on the municipality’s website, described the council situation as a mess.

“I just ran to fix the mess and the broken chain of progress that we saw in that council term,” Finch said.

He said he is running again because people want him to continue what council has been doing over the last almost eight years.

Finch said he brings a sense of calm, stability and leadership to the position.

His top priorities include replacement of the Dashwood Fire Hall, completion of phase two of the South Huron recreation centre with a walking track and gymnasium, expansion of the Exeter fire hall and advocating for a roundabout at Highway 83 and Airport Line.

For his relevant personal background, Finch points to his years as an OPP officer. Policing gave him the opportunity to see the rich, the poor, the middle class and everything in between.

“I understand people, I understand what happens when people are in dire straits and I understand that we need to work together as a community to make ourselves better.”

Ted Oke

Oke said he is running for mayor because he believes he can make a positive difference in the lives of South Huron’s residents.

“South Huron deserves leadership that brings the community together, helps to make some thoughtful decisions and plans for the future.”

Twelve years of council experience have given him an understanding of municipal budgeting, infrastructure planning, and the recreational needs of the community. He knows local governance, what can and can’t be done.

Oke said he’s had the opportunity to listen at council meetings, community events and have conversations with residents and businesses across South Huron. He describes himself as a collaborative problem solver who understands that most times the best solutions come from listening to multiple opinions.

“I tend to establish a culture where people feel confident in sharing their thoughts and ideas with me.”

Oke said his top priority as mayor will be to broaden the economic base for South Huron in a fair and equitable manner, where growth benefits all residents.

For relevant background, Oke pointed to being raised on a farm in South Huron, attending public and high school here, playing sports and volunteering as a hockey coach and 4-H leader. In his work, he’s helped farmers, agribusinesses and small businesses develop their business plans.

“My understanding of financial budgets, I believe has benefited council.”