By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Ward 5 consists mainly of rural lands, with a few micro-communities, including Port Maitland and Lowbanks amongst them. Some of the bigger issues faced by the ward over the last term of council include storm damage and shoreline erosion.
There are three candidates in the running for Ward 5 this fall, with incumbent Rob Shirton facing competition from Sheldon Simpson and James Kaspersetz. We spoke to all three for their thoughts on why they’re running, and what their platform is all about.
Rob Shirton
Shirton reflected back on the last four years: “The last term went well, but it has been challenging,” he said. “It took a while to get connected in knowing what our plans and priorities were. When that was set and rolling, we then had to deal with the pandemic.… There was a lot of moving pieces, but I think with strong leadership we got through it.”
He continued, “Collectively, this council has put the county first; we were pretty united in our ideas, but it all starts with strong leadership at the top. Ken (mayor) and our CAO (Craig Manley) met with all the councillors periodically, went out on drives, found out issues in each ward. Craig was very good at that, and the mayor would always sit down with us and find out where things are at and what we need help with.”
Shirton clarified just what the role of councillor entails, explaining, “People don’t know what we’re in control of…. We’re in charge of infrastructure, road maintenance (i.e. snow removal), fire services, wastewater and water treatment plants – that’s the stuff that is controllable by us as a municipality,but a lot of the issues in this election don’t even pertain to the County.”
As an “all-rural ward,” Shirton said the concerns of his constituents differ from more urban parts of Haldimand. “Their concerns mainly relate to water and wastewater, ditching on roads. They don’t have urban concerns like downtown vandalism and such. Being rural, each area feels a little bit left out because they’re so far east in the county and in Port Maitland we’ve created a great thing out there for tourism, but sometimes we don’t have the ability to control overcrowding and other issues.”
On why residents should consider sending him back to council for another term, he said, “Right now, with rising interest rates and a little uncertainty with inflation, we’re seeing certain items come in over budget. I think it’s good to have a proven voice that’s been there. I know the concerns and issues for Ward 5. I think this next term, having a proven councillor is important.”
He concluded, “It’s been great representing the rural ward…. I still feel like I can bring their concerns to the table.”
Sheldon Simpson
Sheldon Simpson has spent over 15 years as a career firefighter and an acting captain. He also runs a small business with his wife and has experience working for large corporations and being self-employed. He first moved to Dunnville two years ago and now describes it as “home.”
“Very quickly we became members of this community and found that this is a very special place. Having seen first-hand what can happen to a community when things are left to the decisions made by surrounding urban environments, I will fight to protect what we have and ensure that what is on the way doesn’t threaten who we are.”
On his decision to run for Council, following an earlier campaign for MPP this summer running under the Ontario Party, he explained, “I have been concerned about our future for some time. If you aren’t happy, then do something about it. Conflicts of interest, questionable transparency, legacy politics and politicians, and layer after layer of administrative red tape have taken politics to a level where it is difficult to trust. A fresh look, a strong voice, work ethic, unwavering history of dedication, and a moral compass have guided my decision to join the race.”
Simpson said the list of issues facing the County is a mile long: “Everything from the constant battle against water erosion, to road safety and maintenance, agricultural land loss, out of date bylaws, the list goes on. Any leader realizes you are only as strong as your team. It is my intention to begin forming that team immediately, from experts and stakeholders that know best the challenges that they are facing. From that insight and team, we can build a plan to address the specific issues. The voice of the people will provide the direction, as it should. Councillors are, after all, public servants.”
He concluded by sharing his favourite thing about rural life in Haldimand: “If I had to narrow it to two things, I would say the people and the sheer beauty of our home county…. This is a very special place.”
James Kaspersetz
James Kaspersetz grew up on a family farm in Canfield. He attended the Ontario Agriculture College and Guelph University. After graduation, he was hired by Royal Bank of Canada and worked in Brantford’s and Scotland’s Agricultural branch.
“Later, I became a consultant with the Ministry of Environment (MOE) and worked as an Environmental Specialist, responsible for all MOE operations in Ontario,” said Kaspersetz.
Retiring four years ago, he chose to return to farming, noting, “Now have a farm on Lakeshore Road within Ward 5, growing a variety of crops including hemp and garlic in our greenhouse.”
He said he loves Ward 5 for its “wonderful rural component with large and small family farms. Being a farmer I know the challenges they are facing.”
One issue Kaspersetz is focused on is “actively promoting grandfathering in of a family farm to allow for retirement severances…. Other issues outside our rural areas have seen an increase in tourism and the related problems associated with this; parking, after hours illicit behavior have greatly impacted the lives of those people living in these hamlets.”
Kaspersetz said he will lobby for a greater presence by the OPP and bylaw enforcement, and that presence “should be seen daily. Bylaw and OPP should return to the familiar custom of walking their beat and talking to people.”
Online voting is now open. To cast your vote digitally, or to find out more about advanced voting options and more, visit haldimandcounty.ca/election. Election day is October 24, 2022. Make sure to get out and cast your vote.
Next week, The Press will run its final profile on municipal election candidates, featuring Ward 6. The October 20 edition will also include coverage of our debate, which took place after press time.
