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Maycock unopposed in bid for second term as Warden

December 17, 2014   ·   0 Comments

After its 13 members were sworn in last Thursday, Dufferin County Council chose Warren Maycock, Orangeville’s deputy mayor, as its warden for the first year of its four-year term.

Dufferin’s warden in 2011, Mr. Maycock is the 138th warden since the county came into being in 1881.

He was nominated by Mono Deputy Mayor Ken McGhee, and seconded by Shelburne Mayor Ken Bennington. There were no other nominations.

In accepting the position, Mr. Maycock spoke to his confidence in possessing the appropriate background, knowledge and a desire to work towards bridging the gaps which currently exist between Dufferin’s rural and urban residents.

Justice of the Peace John Creelman, who also served two years as Dufferin’s warden in 2001 and 2002, presided at the swearing-in.

The Warden began the morning by quoting a paragraph from The History of the County of Dufferin, in which county archivist Steve Brown addressed the difference between the urban and rural relationships of the 1970s and now, addressing how Orangeville’s rapid growth, the disappearance of many family farms, and a new group of rural, non-farming residents, had created a new complexion within the county.

“One of the best challenges facing Dufferin is finding a new balance to best serve all of its residents,” said Warden Maycock. “I can assure you that I am very well acquainted with this great county that we call home. I am well aware of the uniqueness and diversity of the municipalities that make up Dufferin County.”

He added that since the 1970s, community leaders have been struggling to find that new balance needed to push the county forward.

“Let me say that during my two terms on County Council, I have witnessed council find this new balance time and time again,” he said. “I know that working cooperatively over this next term, we too will find that new balance, and by doing so be able to best serve all the residents of Dufferin County.”

Retiring Warden Bill Hill also spoke at the inaugural meeting, passing his congratulations to Warden Maycock, and offering some words of wisdom as the new council moves forward.

“There will be some challenges as you move forward,” he warned, adding that sometimes it can be difficult for leaders to balance the county’s best interests against the ones of their own municipalities.

“You may find it challenging on occasion to rationalize some of the decisions you have to make,” he said. “They may be the best thing for the county, but not necessarily how you view things at your local level.”

Mr. Hill also spoke to some of the accomplishments of County Council in 2014, as well as some of the shortcomings.

In his own speech, Warden Maycock addressed several issues he hopes to tackle over the next year, including the County Official Plan, the County Forest Plan and recreational policies surrounding the forests, as well as ensuring that all residents in Dufferin will be able to gain access to ultra high speed Internet service. He also hopes to move forward with a county-wide trail network.

“I want to thank all of the members of Dufferin County Council for the honour that you have bestowed upon me,” he said. “I am truly honoured and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Warden of Dufferin County. I want to assure you that I will do the very best to fulfill the duties of Warden, to the best of my abilities.

“I look forward to the many challenges that lay before us, and with your help, will be able to meet each one dead on,” he said. “I look forward to working with all members of council, and getting to know the new members of council.”

Along with Warden Maycock’s appointment to the position, three other members of County Council were selected Thursday morning to chair county committees throughout the year.

Mono Deputy Mayor Ken McGhee was selected to lead General Government Services, moving over from his previous position as chair of Public Works. The new chair of Public Works selected was Mulmur Mayor Paul Mills, and the County’s Community Services and Dufferin Oaks Committee chair will be Melancthon Mayor Darren White.

Other members of council who received assignments were East Garafraxa Mayor Guy Gardhouse and Mono Mayor Laura Ryan, who will represent the county on the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health board of directors, while Amaranth Deputy Mayor Jane Aultman was chosen to represent the county on the Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Ryan was also re-appointed to The Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association.

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