Who's running in fall election in Saugeen Shores?

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It appears that most members of Saugeen Town Council have decided on whether or not to run in the next election.

Mayor Mike Smith

Mayor Mike Smith announced some time ago that he will seek re-election, as will Deputy Mayor Doug Frieburger and Vice-Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock.   The current Mayor, who has been on Council for 22 years in some capacity, said that he has special projects he would like to see completed, including the affordable housing building project.   "This is very important to me," says Smith.  "We are leading the entire province with this project and we are desperate in this area for this kind of housing and I would like to see more of it."

Deputy Mayor Doug Frieburger

Frieburger said there are still several projects that he also would like to be part of in their completion, including, the new swimming pool or retrofit to the old one, the issue of parks and their possible relocation, the possible centralization of our public works, possible divestiture of the harbours and continuing infrastructure projects.  "I've been on Council for 12 years," Frieburger said, "am Chair of the Police Services and also the Conservation Authority.  Saugeen Shores is growing more quickly than any of us imagined and, the strength that this council has its ability to work together.  There are other councils out there that don't have the cohesiveness that we have developed."  Frieburger will again run for Deputy Mayor, a position that also stands in for the Mayor in his absence.

Vice-Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock

Vice-Deputy Mayor, Doug Gowanlock, said that he felt there were going to be several challenges over the next terms. Gowanlock, a local business owner, said that "I really enjoy serving on Council.  We have a system here in Saugeen Shores that works.  The next term is going to be very interesting. We have capital monies allocated for a variety of projects but the next few years are definitely going to be a challenge."

One of the more surprising moves was made by Councilor Luke Charbonneau, who has decided to make a run for the Deputy Mayor Position.

Although Charbonneau only has one term under his belt as Councilor, he has also chaired the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) committee and is part of the Conservation Authority.

"I will bring a new generation of leadership to Council ... will work to advance the following priorities ... building our local economy, revitalizing our beaches and improving our downtowns.   For more detailed information on my candidacy and platform for the 2010 municipal election, please visit my website, www.lukecharbonneau.com  "

Summer photo of Councilors Victoria Serda and Thead Seaman, Deputy Mayor Doug Frieburger & Mayor Mike Smith

Southampton Councilor, Thead Seaman, said that he had considered not running but was convinced by council to let his name stand for another term.  "I've been on Council for more than 20 years and was convinced that I should stay and represent Southampton for another term.  I must say," smiles Seaman, "it didn't take too much convincing because I think it's important and I still enjoy it."

Councilors Victoria Serda, Fred Shildroth and Taun Frosst are also seeking re-election.  Councilor Diane Huber said that she had not yet made a decision.

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Sunday, May 02, 2010