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Ex-warden John Creelman lone new face on Mono Council

October 30, 2018   ·   0 Comments

By Jasen Obermeyer

In sharp contrast to Orangeville, voters in Mono have opted to keep the status quo for its council, with incumbent Mayor Laura Ryan, and councillors Ralph Manktelow, Fred Nix, and Sharon Martin all being re-elected.

The only new member on the five-person council will be former mayor and warden John Creelman, who will replace Ken McGhee as deputy mayor.

Voter turnout in the Town significantly improved compared to the 2014 municipal election, with 2,344 of the 7157 eligible voters casting their ballots online or by telephone. That is 32.8 per cent, up from 25.6 per cent in 2014.

“It’s always a nice feeling to know that the majority of residents are happy with what’s going on and they want us to continue,” said Mayor Ryan, who will enter her third straight term at the top spot on council. “I think we have a very strong council representation.” She won with 75.7 per cent of the vote (1770), a comfortable victory over challenger Stephen Unwin’s 522.

Speaking to the Citizen Tuesday morning, she said that during her campaign she had made it clear to residents on what she stood for, including the environment, development planning, and source water protection.

One thing Mayor Ryan wants to address in the new term is the Town’s bylaws, including property standards and enforcement. “They need to be updated.”

She added that the ongoing discussion of the Parkland Needs Study needs to get more citizen response and input.

Beyond that, she wants to push forward high speed broadband, though stressing that, “It’s not going to be an easy fix. We’ve got to try and work it through and look at what other rural municipalities are doing and try to work in some opportunities and discussion with providers.”

She said she appreciates the vote of confidence, and is looking forward to the work ahead. “I’m certainly excited about the four years ahead.”

Similar to Mayor Ryan, it was clear whom voters wanted in the deputy mayor’s seat. Although he is the only new member of council, he is a familiar face; John Creelman defeated Elaine Capes with 70.4 per cent of the votes, 1639 to 652. He was previously a member of Mono council from 1991 to 2003 with terms as mayor and County warden.

“I’m honoured and humbled,” the newly elected deputy mayor told the Citizen shortly after hearing the results. “I’m going to channel the concerns and issues that were being raised by residents, and I think they resonated.”

He noted that two frequently talked-about issues during the campaign and candidate meetings were Internet service, and speeding and police enforcement, in particular speeding on Highway 10 and Airport Road.

Automatically gaining a spot on Dufferin County council, Deputy Mayor-elect Creelman said they need to make a deal that benefits the county regarding the Provincial Offences Administration court, as well as to look into options for Go Transit throughout the county.

Ralph Manktelow secured 1456 votes, Fred Nix 1257, and Sharon Martin with 1256. Followed behind them were challengers Diane Walmsley (1058) and Bob McCrea (1015). Mr. Manktelow and Ms. Martin are both heading into their second terms, while Mr. Nix is heading into his third.

“I feel very grateful,” said Councillor Manktelow. “I really look forward to a continuation of the same warm, and respectful relationship we have had in the past,” referring to staff and fellow councillors.

He said he has heard many complaints on road safety and speeding, particularly on Airport Road, being an “inherently dangerous road” with its topography. “I’m more convinced now than ever that it’s something we have to do.” He added that the Parkland Study needs more input from residents in the Island Lake area.

Councillor Nix said his top priority is to keep a handle on expenditures and the local tax rate, calling it a “serious responsibility,” and said he is proud of Mono having the lowest tax rate in Dufferin.

“We have to review some of our bylaws,” he noted, specifically the fill, noise, and property standards bylaws.

He added he would like to have a more collaborative approach to recreational opportunities amongst the other municipalities. “I’d love to see that.”

“It’s going to be a really good four years,” said Councillor Martin. “I’m looking forward to it.” She said she would love to see more people come to council meetings. “I’d really like to see these issues that people have, really come to the meetings and see what’s going on.”

She would like to thank all those involved in helping and supporting her during the campaign, and those who voted.

All said they were pleased with the increased voter turnout, which Mr. Creelman said it was a “spectacular success,” and future turnouts “will simply get better.” Councillor Nix added,

“It’s an improvement,” crediting this year’s turnout with a race in all positions, and electronic and telephone voting making it easier for people to exercise the franchise.


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