By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
CALEDONIA — Jake Vandendool, lifelong Haldimand resident and founder of Metro Loop – now the largest provider of fibre optic internet in the county following its sale to Xplornet – has entered the political arena and is hoping to leverage his extensive private and public sector experience as Haldimand’s next mayor.
Vandendool’s resume is long and varied. In addition to founding Metro Loop, he has eight years of employment experience with the OPP, 16 years as an auxiliary sergeant, and 20 years of volunteer experience with the Caledonia Agricultural Society. He is “very proud” of his work with Metro Loop as it proves “that successful businesses can be started, fostered, and grown to a respectable size at home.” His time with the OPP, meanwhile, “polished my strong pre-existing feelings on transparency, community involvement, and accountability. I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn to see why I am equally at home in the boardroom as I am at a construction site.”
On his decision to run for mayor, Vandendool explained, “Various events we have witnessed in the community, from the recent provincial election results to council priorities going unmeasured and unmet, have cemented my decision to enter the mayoral race.”
He has dubbed his campaign ‘Haldimand 2.0’, based on four pillars:
- Trust. Transparency.
- Engagement.
- Haldimand. Improved.
- Embrace Green.
- Smart Growth.
Vandendool added, “Primarily, these pillars are inward focused on improving how local government interacts with those it serves. Secondarily, I look to address how we grow our local communities in a balanced and sustainable manner.”
When asked about the biggest challenge facing the county, Vandendool echoed the sentiments of other candidates: “Clearly housing and development. The rapid development we’re seeing in our communities is putting stress on our infrastructure and roads. Another top challenge is the lack of transparency, engagement, and subsequently the perception of a lack of ethics being exercised at the municipal level.”
Vandendool said he will tackle current and future issues “head on” by providing “ongoing communication and undertaking consistent community engagement to arrive at and execute on solutions that are in the best interest of all Haldimand residents equally.”
He took the current Council to task, clearly unimpressed: “I feel the last four years we have been on autopilot. There has been no official engagement or communication from Council to speak of. Many residents and business leaders I have spoken with feel neglected and ignored while big ticket players have enjoyed all the attention.”
He iterated that he does not see himself as a lifetime politician, “but rather a one or two term citizen politician to correct course and set Haldimand County on a firm footing for all residents going forward.”
“As a lifelong Haldimand County resident, this is home and always will be. Haldimand has a sense of community not found elsewhere for me. Raising a family in Haldimand is the best of both worlds, rural living with urban amenities,” said Vandendool on his love of the area. “Haldimand has unlimited potential for those of any age to grow…. Plus being located between two great lakes, in close proximity to so many major cities, and the American border are all added benefits not found in most other municipalities.”
He concluded with why voters should consider him at the polls: “I am Haldimand’s choice for honest, experienced leadership. I come with no personal agenda, simply a desire to apply my executive-level experience and skillset to improve Haldimand for all. My decades in business managing large multimillion-dollar projects and businesses, coupled with my experience working in provincial government, has provided me with the skill set required to lead Haldimand County forward.”
