Carrier, MacEachern back Patterson for warden

Candidates for warden bandied out
By Laurie Watt Barrie Advance
Simcoe County needs to begin rebuilding trust and that should start at the top with the election of warden, says Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier and New Tecumseth Mayor Mike MacEachern.
In the wake of the Site 41 controversy, the county needs someone like Wasaga Beach Mayor Cal Patterson, they say.
“I believe Cal’s consensus, conciliatory approach to decision making and his strong direct communication skills will enhance and restore that valued commodity of trust needed to achieve the greater good in Simcoe County,” said Carrier.
“I have worked closely with Mayor Patterson and Mayor (Ken) Ferguson of Clearview Township on a number of issues, especially transportation and servicing. Collingwood and Wasaga Beach in particular have a strong working relationship based upon mutual respect for our individual community needs but at the same time recognizing that the co-operative efforts have proven more effective.”
Patterson, retired from a corporate career, has served as chairperson of the county’s influential Performance Management Committee for several years.
He unsuccessfully challenged Springwater Mayor Tony Guergis last year, as Guergis argued for consistent leadership as the county finalized its growth and transportation plans.
However, Ontario not only rejected the county’s plan, but suggested its own plan for growth in the area June 4.
Guergis was surprised by Patterson’s declaration Tuesday.
“I already ran for warden (last year),” Guergis said, adding he expected the mandate to be two years. “I have no idea where (Patterson’s announcement) came from. We agreed to change the term to two years.”
Due to provincial law, however, the county cannot officially increase the warden’s term until next year’s municipal elections. County politicians pick the warden every December.
The county should look for change this year, MacEachern said. The public wants change. The public says there needs to be a change in leadership,” he said.
“I really like Cal. He has the business experience. It’s time for a change.”
He added Patterson would work better with the “urban nodes” group, which consists of Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, New Tecumseth and Bradford West Gwillimbury.