Warden says debate continues over how to fill the job at County Council.

Meeting oct. 12 to debate new selection method

by Mariane McLeod Bayshore Broadcasting September 17, 2012 

Mayors and Deputy Mayors from across Simcoe County are trying to figure out how best to choose their leader.

The County’s governance committee wants to streamline the number of people on council, but so far, has decided only to review how the Warden’s job is filled.

Wasaga Beach Mayor Cal Patterson — who is also the Warden currently — says a group of county councillors did some research and found most towns and townships were not willing to change how the County Council was selected.

However, Patterson says there is a lot of discussion about how the Warden is chosen.

Currently, the Warden’s job is part time, with a two year term and selection is through an election by fellow county councillors.

At a special meeting of Simcoe County Council on October 12th, there will debate over whether to change that method of selection.

The question will be whether the position would become full time, with discussion about the implications of that change.

Patterson says it’s a complicated issue because most of the county councillors do want to turn the Warden’s job into a full time position.

But Patterson says, that could cause problems, too, since it could take away a mayor or deputy mayor from their position at their home council.