Breckenridge seeks second term in Tiny

By Douglas Glynn Midland Free Press August 3 2010
Mayor Peggy Breckenridge has ended the speculation about her political future by announcing she will seek a second term of office.
Breckenridge will face off against former councillor Ray Millar and newcomer Peter Davenport for Tiny Township’s top job on Oct. 25.
Coun. George Cornell has decided to challenge incumbent George Lawrence for the deputy mayor’s spot.
The battle for the three council seats is already shaping up as a horse race, with eight people running, including incumbent councillors Nigel Warren and Andre Claire. The six new candidates are: Cathy Burgess, Janet Evans, Richard Hinton, Anthony Lancia, Ken Scott and Gibb Wishart.
A news release issued by Breckenridge says she has led initiatives that improved the municipality’s environmental and social well being.
It goes on to say she has guided council in priorities, such as beach management and water quality, fiscal responsibility, and the development of a consistent visual image.
“As well,” it says, “she was a strong force in reversing Simcoe County Council’s support for the Dump Site 41 proposal earlier this year.
“I have demonstrated my ability to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with our stakeholders -constituents, staff, county and neighbours. I would like to continue to build relationships with the county, to work for accountability and transparency at that level of municipal government, and develop the process to inform, listen and respond to the public.”
Looking ahead, Breckenridge says council faces a full agenda, including maintaining an “environment first” policy and examining new initiatives for the protection of land, water, air and wildlife.
“We need to work on developing and maintaining measured targets and indicators as established during the creation of the Severn Sound Sustainability Plan and ensure the plan is utilized and not shelved.
“Once the province approves the County’s Official Plan, Tiny can then review its Official plan to align growth targets to the County and the new provincial regulations.
Some of the priorities she cites include: an active volunteer program; a solution to septage disposal; finalizing master plans for municipally-owned beaches and ensure that parks programs are working cost-effectively.
In light of the cancellation of Site 41, she says, there is a need to speed up the process to increase diversion rates beyond the current targets.
“Zero Waste principles, including extended producer responsibility and product stewardship need to be explored, developed and implemented across the County. And constituents need to be educated and engaged in waste reduction and recycling programs.
“Of course,” she adds, “we want to accomplish all of this within a context of fiscal responsibility, maintaining our debt-free status and our position as the municipality with one of the lowest tax rates in the county.
Breckenridge is a graduate of Midland Secondary School with a science degree from the University of Guelph, and a Secondary School teacher’s certificate from the University of Western Ontario. She taught high school for 10 years before completing a securities course and launching a business career.