Meaford residents will now be able to vote for their mayor in the October municipal election. And, if just two more candidates file papers to run for council seats we'll get to vote for councillors as well.
After an agonizingly slow start to the campaign season that saw only five candidates in total declared for the election, three new candidates filed their papers late last week.
Current member of council Jim McPherson has announced that he will seek election to the Mayor's position and is preparing himself to go toe to toe with current Mayor Francis Richardson who is hoping to be returned to the Mayor's chair this fall.
In a media release issued on Monday September 6th McPherson explained why he decided to run for Mayor.
“I believe I am a better candidate to represent the public. I know our taxes are too high. I know we can make better choices. And I know our finances need to be better managed,” wrote McPherson, “I know we can make better choices. And I know our finances need to be better managed. My vision of the Meaford Community embraces everyone. I am not interested in pursuing politics of division. We are all capable of contributing to this wonderful community. I will raise the bar for Council and Staff.”
McPherson also called the “Five Year Plan” implemented in 2009 to right the municipality's financial ship a “disaster-plan leading to higher taxes, greater debt, and a bloated bureaucracy.”
Similar to his mayoral opponent Francis Richardson who has established a website as part of his campaign strategy, McPherson is also using the internet as a communication tool and has set up a page on the popular social networking site Facebook called “Jim McPherson For Mayor”.
In addition to the declared candidacy of McPherson, two candidates have filed their papers with the Clerk to run for council seats.
Ray McHugh and Carol Smith have both declared themselves as candidates for council which brings the total number of candidates for the five council seats thus far to four with just four days remaining until the nomination deadline.
If no additional candidates come forward, or if just one more files nomination papers prior to the deadline, then those already declared will be acclaimed.
If however two or more additional candidates submit their nomination papers to the Clerk before 2 pm on September 10th, then Meaford voters will be able to elect their members of council.
If the recent TMI poll is any indication, the race for Deputy Mayor will be a tight one as candidates Harley Greenfield and Gerald Shortt evenly split the more than 1,000 votes cast.
TMI has extended an offer to any and all candidates to submit their opinions and platform information to the 'Candidates Corner' section. It is expected that once the nomination deadline has passed on Friday September 10th, candidates will step into high gear in getting their platforms and positions out into the public realm.
