Advertisement 1

Guiler looking to 'shake things up'

Article content

Delhi's Albert Guiler is looking to bring his years of experience working in municipal government to Norfolk's council chambers this fall.

Some area residents will remember Guiler as the former clerk in the old Township of Waterford and City of Nanticoke. Guiler also worked for municipalities in Burford, Newcastle, Palmerston, and Wainfleet before retiring and eventually moving back to Norfolk in 2017.

He will oppose incumbent Mike Columbus in Ward 3 in the upcoming municipal election.

“Some of these guys have been on council far too long and it's time we shake things up a little bit,” said Guiler. “I looked at some of the decisions that are coming out and I said 'they're not doing things right, I don't like what they're doing'. I just think it's time for change in the county, right from the top down and the only way I can affect it is to run for council.”

The most valuable thing Guiler feels he learned throughout his career is how to deal with people and take their needs into consideration.

“I don't believe in numbers, I believe in names and faces,” he said. “I like to deal with people in their home, in my home, I don't care where, and I'll always answer a cell phone.”

Guiler believes that each councillor needs to look at the best course of action for the entire county first and worry about their individual wards second.

“It's nice to have things in your ward, but can the county afford it? Do we need it? Is it a need or want?” he asked.

“Let's look at the needs first, wants second, just like we do in our own household.”

One of the biggest things to focus on going forward, Guiler said, is the shape of roads within Norfolk.

“Our roads are deteriorating faster than anywhere else in the province,” he said. “You go out into Charlotteville, Windham, Middleton, Townsend - they used to have some of the best roads in the area and they're deteriorating and deteriorating fast. They're not getting looked after.”

One issue that will face the roster of elected officials is what to do regarding a proposed community hub. With aging facilities in Simcoe, some would like to see a facility built that could include two ice pads, a swimming pool, and seniors' centre. Guiler isn't on board with the idea.

“Do we need more arenas? No, we don't have the population to support what we've got,” he began. “Swimming pool, they're always a money eater – I don't care what municipality builds a swimming pool, they're always a drain on your pocketbook. Seniors' centres, they're the thing because we're all getting there, but we have to look at how we get our seniors to it. Do we put all our eggs in one basket? Then how do our seniors get there because they have no transportation, a lot of them are getting to the point they can't drive anymore ... You've got to look at all those things ... right now, I can't support it.”

As of Monday, no other candidates have declared in Ward 3. The election will be held Oct. 22.

jrobinson@postmedia.com

 

 

 

Article content
Advertisement 2
Advertisement
Article content
Article content
Latest National Stories
    News Near Tillsonburg
      This Week in Flyers