Say hello to Warden Cal Patterson – again

By Kate Harries AWARE News Network November 27 2012

Unless something unexpected happens in a chamber not known for outbreaks of spontaneity, Wasaga Beach Mayor Cal Patterson will be acclaimed for his third term as county warden.

Patterson was the only person to declare his intention to run for the county’s top job at today’s council meeting. The actual vote comes at council’s next meeting on Tuesday December 11 and a last-minute candidate could emerge at that time. But that’s unlikely.

Patterson was first elected in 2009 in the wake of the Dump Site 41 battle, when he replaced Springwater’s Tony Guergis, who was going to run for an unprecedented fourth term as warden (that was when terms lasted one year; now they are for two years). Springwater voted Guergis out of office the following year.  

Patterson was also acclaimed as warden in 2010.

Patterson, who battled cancer during his recent term, works well with senior staff and charts a predictable course. 

In remarks to council today, he promised to remain sensitive to “the financial realities in our communities” and ensure “the services we deliver are affordable.”

He also said: “I continue to recognize water quality and water quantity as a major concern for some of our municipalities.”

There will be a choice for the deputy warden’s chair – a new position created by the current council. Running against incumbent Oro-Medonte Mayor Harry Hughes is Penetanguishene Mayor Gerry Marshall.

Bradford-West Gwillimbury Mayor Doug White told council he had considered running for deputy warden but had decided not to, because he would have had to give up his day job (he works for Canada Post). 

Marshall has been outspoken in the fight by municipalities across Ontario on the need to address the impact of rising policing costs on municipal budgets. He has made economic development a priority in Penetanguishene and played an important role in forging a united perspective on economic development among North Simcoe municipalities. 

At county council, he has had an eagle eye for the bottom line and battled – unfortunately in vain – to unravel the intricacies of the county’s bidding system in relation to the waste collection contract.   

Hughes was called upon to fill in for Patterson during the latter’s illness. The transition was “seamless,” he told councillors, emphasizing the harmonious relationship he says he has with the warden.

Stability is an important part of what he has to offer as deputy warden, he said, explaining that research shows that four years is needed to bring about lasting change. Stability is even more important because an election year is coming up, he added. 

The candidate session was chaired by Adjala-Tosorontio Mayor Tom Walsh, the longest-serving councillor. Although questions were invited, none were asked by any councillor.

The heads of standing committees will also be chosen at the Dec. 11 meeting. Clearview Deputy Mayor Alicia Savage, who chairs the human services committee, announced that she will seek re-election to that position.