It’s a question fundamental to any democratic election: Why should voters cast their ballot for a particular candidate?
Barrie’s 103,000 eligible voters should be asking themselves that very question as Monday, Oct. 24 approaches.
BarrieToday asked the seven candidates vying to be the city’s next mayor in this election campaign to tell voters why they deserve the big chair.
Andrew Gordon, Weldon Hachey, Mike McCann, Alex Nuttall, Barry Ward, Gerry Marshall, and Rob Haverson all responded.
Their answers reveal some, but not all, of what Barrie voters need to know as this election campaign winds down.
Nuttall explained how he's different from the other candidates.
“I’m going to lead the city of Barrie to action. I will maintain the things that make our city great while addressing the problems that we have,” he said. “We have roads in our city that have needed attention for years. I will use the capital surcharge to fix the roads.
“Property taxes have skyrocketed. I will use my financial background to rein in spending and generate new revenue. Our downtown is beautiful, but the atmosphere isn't. I will end the prisoner drop-off downtown, other candidates will not,” Nuttall added.
“Violent crime in Barrie is increasing at a rapid rate. I will increase our police resources, while other candidates want to defund them,” he said. “Inflation is out of control. I will freeze taxes without sacrificing service. Other candidates want to continue to dig into residents' pockets.
“I am the candidate who has solutions to Barrie's problems. I look forward to taking action,” Nuttall said.
Ward says this election campaign is coming down to the wire.
“Indications are this is a two-person race. Voters have a clear choice in what direction they want to take Barrie,” he said. “I would make Barrie’s best next mayor because I will provide calm leadership to get things done over the next four years.
“For example, I didn’t panic in the final weeks of this campaign with claims about stolen election signs, the homeless not having accommodation this winter or the prisoner drop-off. I just kept presenting my ideas and solutions,” Ward added.
“I will work with people of all political leanings, as shown by both my record and the endorsements I have received from those across the political spectrum,” he said. “I will work to help local businesses thrive.
“I walk the talk and don’t make empty promises. Every campaign I’ve ever run has used only local companies for my signs and brochures, because I believe in supporting Barrie businesses," Ward said.
Marshall says he has proven leadership experience as a corporate executive, as a former Penetanguishene mayor and a Simcoe County warden.
“A track record of fiscal responsibility, driving the economy, ensuring those in need are cared for,” he said. “I am a change agent. What do I want to see changed?
“I want to see the affordable housing and homelessness mandate assigned to the City of Barrie so that we are empowered to plan, implement and manage this portfolio,” Marshall added. “I want to see a dramatic change of pace in the planning and building departments. Speed to market, especially for housing units, is a must.
“I want to see a hands-on, council-led economic development, complete with measurable outcomes,” he said. “I want to be much more proactive about growth.
“I will lead an outcome-driven vision that sees us plan today for a community that provides housing, jobs and recreational opportunities for all of us, our kids and our grandchildren," Marshall said.
McCann spoke about a familiar theme — leadership.
“We need strong leadership in Barrie council to attract investment and jobs here, to protect our environment, to manage growth, to clean up the downtown and to chart our future,” he said. “I am that strong leader that is needed now more than ever as head of council.
“I have created and successfully managed several businesses. In addition, I have represented residents and businesses on council for the last eight years,” McCann added.
“I am that leader that can build consensus on council to meet the needs of our residents and businesses.”
Hachey says he’s the real deal, not a politician.
“I am real people. I’m sick of politicians,” he said. “I will ask our city what they want and I will be very loud and speak for them. I will get things changed and will make sure every tax dollar is used as best it can be.
“I will go through every book and every office to make sure it’s operating efficiently and will make transparency and accountability a priority,” Hachey added. “I have a massive background in commercial construction. I can make sure we grow properly.”
Gordon spoke about being a hard worker.
“I should be Barrie’s next mayor because I’m diligent, ethical, decisive, and have a strong moral compass,” he said. “I can’t tell you much about the work ethic of the other candidates but mine is greater.
“I won’t be outworked and will always put the city’s needs above my own," Gordon added.
Haverson says he has seen both sides of an election campaign.
“This was always about the experience for me. I have learnt so much. I came into this not knowing a thing,” he said. “I got to experience what people really wanted. Even the people who hated me, and had so much to say. You have a voice too. Don’t talk about it online… do something about it.
“Everyone is so soft these days. You want to make a change? Then join the train,” Haverson added. "It was an honour having this opportunity. And I do not regret one thing about it. I had my say.”
Voting closes in Barrie at 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 24.
