By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—With the curtain closing on the current term of Council, a series of goodbye speeches at a Council session last Monday turned emotional as councillors said goodbye to outgoing Mayor Ken Hewitt, as well as Ward 4 Councillor Tony Dalimonte and Ward 6 Councillor Bernie Corbett.
County CAO Craig Manley kicked off the speeches, thanking all three for their service, leadership, and collaborative efforts: “Being a member of Council is difficult. You have difficult decisions … there’s often conflicting issues, and usually somebody’s not happy with the result. As the key interface between local government, our communities, and your constituents, you play a critical role in addressing issues (and) addressing our residents.”
He continued, “At times, you’re subject to criticism, and at times in this day and age, incivility. Yet, as leaders you try and make decisions that are in the best overall interest and benefit of the county as a whole.”
Manley said that over his 15-year tenure with the County, he has seen several improvements, including the County’s financial position and multiple infrastructure and quality-of-life improvements.
He concluded, “Each of you have dedicated a significant number of years to public service. Your contributions and your legacy will be felt for many years going forward. It’s been a pleasure to work with each of you.”
Corbett spoke next, with members of his family in attendance: “Oh, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. I’ve experienced both. I favour winning better,” he began, to the laughter of his peers. “I have participated in 11 campaigns with eight victories. That’s a batting average of .727…. I’m a very fortunate man; I have had an incredible ride.”
Corbett, who began his municipal career in 1968, saw the Haldimand area switch from a two-tiered system to a regional government in 1974, and then ultimately to its current form as a single-tier corporation in 2000.
Corbett spoke about his role on the transition board that oversaw the separation of Haldimand and Norfolk, a position that forced him at the time to resign as a councillor and sit out the following election: “As with other municipalities, the town of Dunnville as we knew it lost its incorporating status. I was no fan of this, as Dunnville lost its autonomy.”
He praised his co-councillors, adding, “With all the Councils I have sat on, this Council numbers amongst the best. I say that without reservation. I believe we have had good leadership and strong ward representation. I’m proud of our accomplishments over the years.”
He also thanked staff for their dedication and professionalism and the public for their support over the years, stating, “They have given me the opportunity to pursue my political aspirations. It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve you over the years. I must thank my family and friends as well, who have been with me along this journey.… They are aware of and have felt the many headaches and heartaches of my Council life.”
He concluded, “It has been a labour of love, thank you and good luck to the new Council.”
Ward 1 Councillor Stewart Patterson called the highlight of his first term the friendships he has made: “Forget the motions, forget the leadership and that kind of stuff. That is essential to sitting here, but it was getting to know each of you more personally and more socially.”
Ward 2 Councillor John Metcalfe called Corbett a great mentor, Hewitt a great leader, and Dalimonte a voice of reason and experience, adding, “I hope we can carry on that legacy. You’ve laid great foundations.”
Ward 3 Councillor Dan Lawrence addressed all three departing members: “You’ve left this corporation better, improved. When leaving, hold your heads high and be very proud.… Enjoy normalcy.”
Dalimonte echoed the warm sentiments following over two decades in office. He called the current Council one of the best he’s ever sat on: “The cohesion, the leadership, the good work that we did. We moved the County forward tremendously.”
He called Corbett a well-rounded, engaged, effective councillor, adding, “What I admire the most is how he has been an ally in health and social services, trying to improve the lives of those less fortunate.”
He jokingly apologized to staff for driving them “crazy” with persistent questioning, “but it was all in the spirit of serving the taxpayer and improving the image of the County.”
Dalimonte concluded, “I’m going to stay involved in the community. Hagersville and politics are in my blood, and you don’t give that up easily…. I’m leaving the door open for my future in politics.”
Ward 5 Councillor Rob Shirton was visibly emotional, holding back tears as he addressed Hewitt: “I’ve always marvelled at your calming influence…. You had a knack for keeping us on track and moving forward.”
He continued, “I still admire your leadership traits and how well you represented this Council at speaking engagements. I wanted you to know you’re leaving the County in a better financial shape than when we were elected…. All the best my good friend. The County has lost a great leader.”
Lastly, Hewitt gave his final address to Council, starting with, “It’s been an interesting ride.”
He went on, “Sandra and I have been so touched by all the well-wishes we’ve received over the last few weeks. Tonight though, it’s my turn to say thanks. Thanks to you the councillors, thanks to the great staff of this County, and thanks to all those in the public who taught me humility, taught me compassion, empathy, most of all they taught me to listen.”
Hewitt called himself a much different person than the “young, naïve driver that came in here thinking he was going to change the world. I truly thank you all for that.”
“I campaigned years ago on the fundamental need for change. The financial picture here in Haldimand was weak, the growth was at a standstill, and decorum was non-existent. The employee culture was struggling to find its way and to find what Haldimand County truly stood for,” he continued. “Today, our corporate culture is second-to-none, and our financials are revered by all other municipalities.”
He said he’s been asked many times why he continued to run for mayor: “I always compared it to standing in the ocean and trying to walk out to the beach only to have that tide suck you right back into the water…. Politics is not something you choose, rather, it picks you. Just the same when it’s time to go, it’s not always us that gets to choose when that will occur. The public ultimately decides.”
Hewitt, through tears, added, “I’m proud of who I’ve become. A better businessman, a better family man, and a better friend. I owe the public a great debt for giving me the opportunity, while serving them to learn these traits, and to gain the insights I now have today. I will always cherish my years here, and I have no regrets on the decisions made along the way.”
“Today, I say goodbye to you all. I encourage you to keep moving forward, keep leading our communities from behind, keep pushing for a better culture, and do not settle for anything less,” he concluded. “It is now your function to keep the rudder in the water and ensure this ship is heading in the direction that you want. I truly wish you all the best in the coming years.”
Hewitt received a standing ovation from those in attendance following his final words as mayor.
A special Council session was held on Tuesday, November 15, wherein the new Council and Haldimand’s new Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley made their first official appearance. As the session was held after our weekly deadline, please stay tuned to coverage in next week’s edition of The Press.
