Aspden in the race

By Janis Ramsay Barrie Advance Sep 08, 2010
BARRIE – Barrie Mayor Dave Aspden is in the race.
Today the incumbent mayor announced his desire to represent Barrie for another four years.
Aspden waited to make it official so he could concentrate on council duties, he said.
“I believe the citizens of Barrie want an elected official to work and not run an election.”
He’s served for 13 years on council, with the last four as mayor.
Addressing rumours of his ill health, Aspden said he’s on the mend after a fall at city hall the night of the Olympic torch run, which injured his neck.
“Instead of (opting for) surgery which would have had me out for six weeks, I’ve been undergoing laser technology in Toronto,” he said. “I’m expected to get back to normal in time.”
However, he noted his health issues means he won’t be able to go door knocking as much as he’d like.
Focusing on business growth is high on his priority list, as is ramping up city transit services. “I want to do more for seniors and make transportation more available through the week. The transit system also doesn’t run at night and you can’t promote good lifestyle and safe driving without it.”
Joining him in the mayor’s race are Harry Ahmed, Rob Hamilton, Jeff Lehman, Mike Ramsay and Joe Tascona.
Aspden has had some controversy during his reign, most recently with a police chief want ad in the Globe and Mail.
“Council shouldn’t have gotten involved in it,” said Aspden – who said former police board chair Rick Jones has admitted fault for the ad, and the board will ultimately pay the $8,000 tab. “What did I do wrong there?”
As for taking the fall in other council decisions, Aspden said it is the same as being the coach for a hockey or football team. “If things fall apart, people blame the coach, when it wasn’t the coach’s fault—it was the players