Guergis is gung-ho

By IAN MCINROY, BARRIE EXAMINER September 9 2010
Incumbent Springwater Township Mayor Tony Guergis is asking residents to put him in the mayor’s chair for another term.
“I made my decision a long time ago,” he said Wednesday, from the township offices in Midhurst. “I am the mayor (and am making the announcement) so I can do my job without the campaign being an issue,” he said. “I felt a role and responsibility as mayor, so this campaign can begin and we can start looking at a vision for the next four years.”
Guergis was first elected mayor in 2006 after serving as deputy from 2003 to 2006 and was a township councillor for Ward 4 from 2000 to 2003. He was also Simcoe county warden for an unprecedented three consecutive terms in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
“I’m very excited about this very special community of Springwater,” he said, adding he’s happy with the accomplishments he has achieved over the past four years.
“Our economic development strategy is something I’m very proud of,” Guergis said. “I want to make sure it becomes a living document and that it doesn’t end up collecting dust on the shelf.”
He is also pleased with his efforts to keep Elmvale District High School (EDHS) viable by creating community partnerships.
“My strategy to save Elmvale District High School is getting some momentum and support. I want to continue with that effort,” he said. “The education ministry has expressed an interest in making (those efforts) a document for other areas in the province.”
Guergis said township residents are pleased tax increases have been avoided during his watch.
“We’ve built the new LEEDS silver certified town offices and we have more roads paved than ever,” he said.
“I’m proud of the fact we’ve been able to maintain our level of taxation. We’re in the middle of the pack compared to other municipalities in the county.”
He also wants to continue with efforts in marketing Springwater Township and launching a new brand for the township.
Guergis believes he has the skills to lead Springwater into the future.
“This is a most important time for continuity of leadership with all the volatility at the provincial level,” he said. “We need someone who knows the ropes, as well as the careful and delicate negotiating processes.
Guergis said he’s become “well-skilled in the delicate negotiations and careful planning” it takes to preserve the community.
“We’ve got a lot of great documents done but I want to make sure we’re dealing with the province to hold them accountable,” he said.
Guergis was front and centre during the debate over the controversial Site 41 — the proposed landfill located north of Elmvale — which was eventually killed by county council.
“I regret that county issue put me at odds with ratepayers and people in Springwater Township in my role acting for the County of Simcoe as warden,” he said. “I’m pleased it’s behind us and, in the end, I voted against it.”