Meaford voters will have the opportunity to elect their members of council after all.
Four new candidates filed their nomination papers with the municipal clerk yesterday bringing the total number of council candidates to eight with barely more than two days remaining before the nomination deadline.
The four new candidates are Gord Crapper, Barbara Arnelien, Peter Bantock and Jason Whaley. Those candidates join Lynda Stephens, Mike Poetker, Carol Smith and Ray McHugh in vying for the five positions around the council table.
TMI was able to reach a few of the candidates yesterday for comment.
Barbara Arnelien who has no previous political experience, told The Independent that she decided to run for council because she has become frustrated with what she perceives as a lack of common sense in the approach that the current council has taken in recent years.
“I am a common sense person, and we need more common sense on council,” said Arnelien.
When asked what issues would be a focus for her, Arnelien said that she would like to see a “leash-less” dog park in Meaford, and she is also passionate about developing what she calls “active activities” for Meaford's seniors and disabled residents.
Arnelien is the driving force behind Meaford's “Soupor Meal” community meal project which offers a meal by donation to all residents of Meaford each month at the community centre.
Jason Whaley who at age 37 is the youngest candidate to file their papers thus far told The Independent that his decision to add his name to the ballot was in large part out of a desire to help be a part of positive change.
“I like many others all over the world and within our own communities, have sat idly by complaining about what is happening around me but not stepping up to make a difference,” said Whaley, “Now is the time for change and I believe that I am going to bring a new level of energy to Council, a fresh view on things and will represent the working families, the younger demographic and everybody else who loves this community as much as my family and I do.”
After filing his nomination papers on Tuesday Whaley established a page on social networking website Facebook called Jason Whaley For Meaford Council. On that page which at the time of publication already had more than 20 members, Whaley tells visitors that the responsibilities that are associated with the position of councillor are not to be taken lightly.
“I am committed to continuing to grow Meaford and make it a more vibrant community with opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds while maintaining its' small town charm. This is a position that brings with it a great deal of responsibility and I do not take it lightly,” wrote Whaley.
Ray McHugh who filed his nomination papers late last week told The Independent that he was unable to respond to questions about his candidacy saying he had a previous business commitment and that he would try to respond before the end of the month.
Not all candidates were available for comment on Tuesday. TMI is working to contact the remaining council candidates over the next few days, and would like to remind all candidates that they can submit their opinions or platform literature to The Independent for publication in the Candidate's Corner section.
