Wells bows out of all-candidates event
Councillor sorry for Norfolk's shortcomings
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PORT DOVER – Wednesday’s all-candidates event in Port Dover this week represented a low point in the long political career of Ward 6 Coun. John Wells.
Challengers shared scathing assessments of Norfolk’s performance in recent years before it was Wells’ turn to deliver his opening remarks. Wells – a councillor in Port Dover since 2001 — appeared demoralized as he came to the microphone.
“I have a speech prepared but I don’t think I’m going to give it,” Wells told the 600-plus in attendance at the Lions Community Centre.
“I wasn’t aware we had so many problems in Norfolk County. For that I apologize.”
With that Wells sat down. Shortly after, he left the stage and did not participate in the remainder of the program.
Organizers said afterward that Wells, 74, complained of feeling ill.
He confirmed as much Thursday, saying he spent much of Wednesday dealing with a gastro-intestinal ailment. Wells added that – when he got to the podium – there wasn’t enough light to see his speech.
All in all, Wells said it was a bad day.
“It was just a multitude of things,” he said.
The councillor candidates that preceded Wells were challengers Jeff Miller and Rick Misner.
Miller referenced the recent firing of long-serving Port Dover fire chief Gary Spragg in his opening remarks.
Miller said each fire hall in Norfolk has a unique history and culture, adding Norfolk staff – which wants a uniform corporate identity across the county – needs to respect that.
“There must be change at Norfolk County,” Miller said. “The status quo is not an option. We continue to elect the same councillors and they debate the same issues over and over. Enough is enough.
“I want to be part of a council that works for all of Norfolk. But Norfolk council must understand that one size does not fit all.”
Misner also said some pointed things about Spragg’s firing and county staff’s role in that. If elected, Misner said no one better cross him when it comes to the best interests of Port Dover.
“I can argue real bad,” he said. “I’m not afraid of anybody. Things have to change because things are not working well at all.”
Other councillor candidates speaking at the three-hour event were Adam Veri, Amy Martin, Doug Long and Gary Muntz.
Muntz and Misner distinguished themselves on the evening for sharing strongly negative views on the concept of a new $40-million recreational complex in Simcoe.
Even with significant federal and provincial funding, Muntz said the proposal smells like a boondoggle in the making.
“I’ve never heard of anything dumber, stupider and more non-supportable as a hub,” Muntz said. “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
That got a rise out of Amy Martin. Martin has been a vocal supporter of the idea for more than a year.
Martin said the hub is key to promoting wellness and community in Norfolk as well as encouraging youth to stay fit and call Norfolk their home.
“Anything that supports the growth of Fanshawe College in Simcoe is a big `yes’ as far as I’m concerned,” Martin said.
Doug Long placed second behind Wells in the 2014 councillor race. A major plank in his platform is establishing a county satellite office in Port Dover similar to Langton and Delhi.
“Let’s get a county presence back in Port Dover,” Long said. “If we get an office here maybe that would help deal with some of the red tape problems we hear about.
“We’re the second largest urban area in the county and the fastest growing. We need a bigger bang for our buck.”
Veri touted his Port Dover credentials, which range from serving as president of the board of trade since 2014 to dressing up as St. Nick in the town’s annual Santa Claus parade. Veri exhorted the crowd to embrace the opportunity for change that the Oct. 22 election represents.
“Change is here,” he said. “We’ve waited too long to keep up with our neighbours and meet expectations. Change can be uncomfortable for people. But be part of that change.
“Don’t resist. Change is going to happen so make it happen. If you don’t help, you will stop feeling part of your community.”
MSonnenberg@postmedia.com
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