Oates vies for Norfolk council seat
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When she was a Norfolk County employee, Doreen Oates was unable to run for council.
Now in retirement, the Simcoe resident has thrown her hat in the ring.
Oates, a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 79 for over 35 years, has declared herself as a candidate in Ward 5.
“I had thought about it for quite a while but never really got right into it because I got so busy with Legion things and other (commitments),” said Oates, who is currently the Legion’s zone commander after stints as both president and past president.
“Now that I’m retired and have lots more time on my hands I feel I can do something for the community.”
Oates said she’ll focus on repairing roads in the county and working to attract tourists and businesses to Simcoe while improving the downtown core.
As of May 30, there were five candidates vying for two positions within the ward. In addition to Ian Rabbitts and Ryan J. Taylor, Oates will oppose current Simcoe area councillors, Doug Brunton and Peter Black.
“That’s expected, I knew they would be running – that’s not deterring me in any way,” she said.
“Of course it will be more of a challenge because they probably have their followers but I’m still going to try hard.”
One issue facing anyone willing to run in Simcoe is the possibility of the county building a multi-use recreational hub. It’s been proposed that the building include two ice pads, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, walking track and seniors’ centre as a way of improving Simcoe’s aging recreation facilities.
“I’m going to get more information and would like to know more about it before I can really make a decision on that,” Oates said of the hub. “I’m really for the people – I don’t like to make promises I can’t keep. I just want to see things better in Simcoe, I’d like to see some place where the seniors can go because they do need a place and the Rec Centre does need to be repaired.”
While Oates has gained the approval of many in her ward, she’s waiting until after the provincial election before ramping up with her campaign.
“I seem to have a lot of support,” she began. “A lot of people that I’ve talked to are quite happy that I’m running – I’m just waiting for the provincial election to be over with before I really do a lot.”
The election takes place Oct. 22.
jrobinson@postmedia.com