Two candidates are running for Mayor in the municipality of Meaford.
Incumbent Barb Clumpus is not seeking re-election, leaving two current councillors to battle it out for the top spot.
Ross Kentner and Paul Vickers are both currently councillors in Meaford, and both had a lot to say about development and the crucial role they feel it is playing in Meaford for this election.
On development, Kentner says "Meaford is really growing. In 2021, we had $100-million dollars in new permits. There's a lot of interest. I've watched the march of the GTA to Georgian Bay for 60 years, and there isn't any question that they've arrived on our shores now, and we need to be ready."
Kentner does feel development should follow the proper procedure, noting "I'm finding that there's a tendency to just genuflect to any developer, and give them whatever they want. That's not going to be good for the people who are living here, or the people who will come. The people we want to come."
Vickers shared a similar view on development but seems much more intent on making it happen by any means possible, saying "development in Meaford is just about ready to take off, but there's a lot of people that are concerned that it's not happening quick enough, and that it's not going through the proper procedures. I want to make sure we don't delay any development, and I also want to make sure we have good and reasonable development."
Vickers also feels more appreciation is needed for the other, smaller issues voters are talking about in Meaford, including "keeping taxes reasonable. Making sure we have a good level of service for the municipality. We want to make sure our roads are plowed, and our sidewalks looked after. We have issues with the recruitment of doctors, and nurses, too."
The 2022 Municipal Elections will be held on Monday, October 24th.