South Huron's George Finch hopes to be next Huron County Warden

BY SHAWN LOUGHLIN

South Huron Mayor George Finch has officially announced he will be running for the position of Huron County Warden this December after teasing the possibility late last month.

Finch, a retired 30-year veteran of the Ontario Provincial Police, said that after he floated the idea in late August, a fellow Huron County councillor encouraged him to put his name forward. He also says he has conferred with his family and they have pledged their support to him as well.

He said, at council’s Sept. 16 meeting, which was held via Zoom, that while every Huron County councillor has the ability to serve as the warden, he felt he would do a good job. He pointed to being ahead of the curve on the issue of homelessness, raising it over a year ago at a Huron County Council meeting.

He said it’s clear homelessness is no longer just a “big city’ problem and that those experiencing homelessness in Huron County need a “hand up, not a hand out” and he hopes the county will continue to support this portion of the population.

Other issues of importance moving forward, he said, will be the removal of OPP stations in Exeter and Wingham, as well as the ongoing support of Huron County residents, ensuring everyone is a priority if he were to be elected warden.

Finch also cited being honoured with awards numerous times in South Huron, specifically for his work with youth.

He told his fellow councillors that while he can’t pledge to be perfect, he assured them that, if elected, he would always do his best, adding that he would be reaching out to every councillor in the coming weeks to ascertain important issues to them and their communities.

Finch joins Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Mayor Glen McNeil in the warden’s race. McNeil was the first to announce his candidacy at a meeting last month.

Both announcements come after current Warden Jim Ginn declared he would not run again for the position. After serving two two-year terms as warden, he felt it was time to step aside and let another voice lead the county.

The election of Huron County’s next warden will take place in December, though a date and location have yet to be announced. Council and staff have expressed their intention to host the meeting in person, despite holding regular council meetings virtually.