Reeve Paul Heffer looks ahead to next North Huron council term

BY DENNY SCOTT

After being officially sworn in on Monday night, North Huron Township’s new council members each took time to reflect on what being elected meant to them and what they look to achieve in the next four years.

Reeve Paul Heffer, formerly a Wingham Ward councillor, started by congratulating each member of council on their successful campaigns before talking about how unique North Huron is. 

He said that, with very different settlement areas and a rural ward, the municipality has some very different situations within its borders. He then took council on a journey highlighting the important parts of the municipality, from Blyth’s background of “art, theatre and agriculture” to East Wawanosh’s agricultural prowess, to Belgrave’s community spirit and to Wingham’s abundance of amenities and businesses.

Heffer encouraged council members to do their homework before meetings and ask questions of senior staff before they were at the council table to allow them to make expedient and informed decisions. 

He also said he had heard very clear messages in the platforms of those who were elected, including preparing for asset management and providing adequate services for a township the size of North Huron. He also said that he had listened when, many times, council hopefuls brought up the need for “strong, neighbourly relationships.”

Finally, Heffer said he was looking forward to providing leadership and integrity for the next four years.

Blyth Ward Councillor Kevin Falconer, who, later in the meeting, would be elected the municipality’s deputy-reeve, congratulated Heffer and said he was looking forward to working with the new council as he had a “distinct pleasure” working with the former council and learned, through that experience, to be a strong advocate for his constituents.

Blyth Ward Councillor Ric McBurney congratulated his fellow council members and said he was looking forward to working with each one of them.

East Wawanosh Ward Councillor Chris Palmer congratulated his fellow council members as well before going on to say that the ward system is critical in North Huron and he would “fight to the death” for it. He also said council needs to retain its current size, look at creating a “smart budget” through “smart spending and smart saving” and that council needs to be “open, transparent and fair.”

East Wawanosh Ward Councillor Anita van Hittersum thanked the residents of East Wawanosh for voting for her and said she looked forward to justifying the faith the voters had in her by serving the community with support and encouragement. She said she wants to make North Huron a progressive, sustainable rural community.

Wingham Ward Councillor Lonnie Whitfield thanked the returning council members for welcoming him as a new councillor, as well as Wingham Ward Councillor Mitch Wright, also new to the position. He said that acceptance has made it easier to settle in. 

Whitfield then said the next four years will be difficult with the potential for a recession and price increases, and he hopes to mitigate those problems through council.

Wright thanked the community for its support and congratulated council members on their election before thanking senior staff for helping to make his entry to council easier. He said this is an exciting time to be a part of a municipal council.