Wasaga Sun endorses status quo candidates

Simcoe.com October 13 2010
WASAGA BEACH – We are advocating a vote for the status quo.
We suggest the incumbent candidates for mayor and deputy mayor should be returned to the table. Not only have they proven to be knowledgeable and dedicated members of municipal council and county council, but their opponents have no council experience.
We do not believe Mayor Cal Patterson and Deputy Mayor David Foster should be unseated by candidates who have never held council seats.
Having watched council in action for the past four years, regularly attending council and committee of the whole meetings, we feel the current council has a cohesive and team approach. Members of council don’t always agree but they work together in an efficient and respectful manner. Their behaviour allows them to get things done.
We see no reason to remove councillors George Watson, Nina Bifolchi, Stan Wells and Connie Gray from their seats.
They consistently come to the table having done their homework on all issues and appear to represent their constituents well.
While some of the incumbents have been accused of having conflicts of interest, we agree that as long as pecuniary interests are declared, as required under the Ontario Municipal Act, in the spirit of openness and transparency, there is no wrongdoing.
An incumbent council seat has been left vacant with the retirement of councillor Rick Archdekin.
Two candidates stand out as strong replacements.
Ron Anderson has the council experience combined with the financial expertise. Anderson, an accountant, served on council from 2003 to 2006, but lost his bid for mayor in the last election.
Anderson proved to be a strong voice on council and has identified economic development and the responsible development of Beach Area One and Two as key issues, which we think will resonate with voters. The redevelopment of the main beach is an issue that has capture the attention of everyone who has an interest in Wasaga Beach, be they permanent residents, cottagers and visitors.
Morley Bercovitch also stands out as a strong candidate. He has a long history in Wasaga Beach having owned a local business and serving on many local boards.
We are sure Bercovitch’s focus on controlled spending and minimal tax increases will be appealing to Wasaga Beach residents. Wasaga’s large senior population has identified preserving quality of life on a fixed income as their main concern.
While many of the candidates running for council have good qualities and a fresh perspective, Bervovitch and Anderson are complete package candidates. They have lived and worked in Wasaga Beach for many years, understand the issues and exhibit a desire to see Wasaga Beach prosper.