A race for Deputy Mayor in upcoming election

Town Council

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Incumbent Saugeen Shores Deputy Mayor, Doug Freiburger, is in a race when it comes to the 2010 election after Councilor Luke Charbonneau threw his hat into the ring.

Charbonneau announced his intention to run for the position of Deputy Mayor despite his only having served one term on Council. 

"One thing I've learned over my years of experience in municipal politics is that you leave your ego and career aspirations checked at the door," says Freiburger. "Serving in a municipal capacity is all about listening to peoples' concerns.  For instance, when the wind farm issue came to council by those concerned with health issues, I absolutely agreed with them.  The upper tiers of government are wrong when they take away the rights of municipalities to make decisions as they have with the Green Energy Act and I will continue to stand up for my community in making its own decisions."

Freiburger also feels that there has been a waste in dollars when it comes to studies and reports.  "I have always argued against these studies.  Why do we continue to spend money on 'outside consultants or experts' when we have a wealth of knowledge right here in the community.  We have retirees who have more experience than any young consultant today and, yet, we don't use their expertise when they are more than willing to give it.  We have the ability to develop our own 'road maps' using local expertise."

In addition, he said that he feels the town is suffering badly from tax fatigue.  "I would really like to see more industry come in to Saugeen Shores and, in these days of high technology, I see that as a distinct possibility."

"One area in which we have excelled is the development of the Rail Trail System, that is second to none anywhere and most of the that success is due to the dedication of the volunteers and town staff," he points out.  "It has definitely become not only a tourist attraction, especially from MacGregor Park, but is also a requirement that people who are moving here are looking for."

Chairman of the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA), Freiburger has also been an advocate for the quality of water and the lakeshore.  "Families who come here need and deserve a healthy lake and beach areas.  I've always stood for that and will continue to do so."

As a volunteer member of the local Doctor Recruitment Committee, Freiburger points out that Saugeen Shores has done very well when it comes to recruitment.   "Bruce Power has come on board and that's a good thing but we cannot relax on trying to secure young doctors into the area and we still have a lot of work to do as we have doctors who are approaching retirement."

According to Freiburger, being Deputy Mayor requires a lot of hard work and time.  "The Deputy Mayor steps in to fulfill Mayorality duties when the Mayor cannot be in two places at one time.  It also requires sitting on several committees and ensuring that you attend four to five meetings a week, whether they are held during the day or in the evening.  Fortunately, I was given a good work ethic by my parents and may family is grown so that I have the time to commit."

"What would I like to see for the future?  I would like to see us move forward using common sense, team work and listening to our citizens.  It takes a lot of hard work, commitment and long hours in meetings to sit on council.  It isn't just about attending two meetings a month and  your heart really has to be in trying to help your community."

Two Councilors represent each of the three wards in Saugeen Shores after amalgamation.

In Port Elgin, there are only two running after Victoria Serda announced her intention to run for Mayor and therefore they are are acclaimed - incumbent Fred Shildroth and Marcel Legault.

Southampton's two incumbents, Thead Seaman and Diane Huber are being challenged by newcomer, Sunny Cushnie and in the Township, there is a three-way race between incumbent Taun Frosst, Cindy Cartwright and Gary Brown.

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Saturday, September 18, 2010