The Haldimand Press has repeatedly reminded readers of alleged or admitted mistakes by our current mayor. Yet there has been no coverage of the controversy surrounding mayoral candidate Jake Vandendool’s campaign billboard.
Mr. Vandendool acknowledges Haldimand County Bylaw told him the billboard violates the County’s election sign rules and asked him to remove it. He has refused, instead publicly challenging the County’s interpretation and arguing that no formal written order has been received.
Perhaps he believes he is right and is entitled to challenge the bylaw. But voters should also consider the accountability they should expect from someone seeking to represent them as mayor.
After the last election, Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley faced an integrity commissioner investigation over concerns about her conduct and campaign finances reporting. Her mistakes became a significant public issue.
Where is the same scrutiny now?
If Mr. Vandendool is refusing to comply with a municipal rule because he believes it does not apply to him, voters should ask whether that is the standard he would bring to leading our county.
Before voters decide, Mr. Vandendool owes them a simple answer: will he follow the rules even when he disagrees with them?
That is not an unreasonable question. It is the minimum voters should expect from anyone asking to lead our municipality.
If Mr. Vandendool is eventually forced to remove the billboard, I hope The Haldimand Press gives that decision the same visibility it has given other election controversies.
Sincerely,
Jason Greenland,
Selkirk
Editor’s Note: The Press plans to question Vandendool on his billboard advertisement as part of his mayoral candidate profile in our ongoing series that is run alphabetically by last name. His profile is scheduled for the September 24 edition of The Press.
