By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Following a divisive campaign, in which outgoing mayor Ken Hewitt was often in the crosshairs of online public backlash to a proposed large-scale development in the Nanticoke area, Haldimand’s three-term mayor reflected on the election and his lengthy political career locally.
“We’re disappointed with the result, but on the other side of it, I feel like a weight’s been lifted off our shoulders. I have some time now to look at other opportunities and spend some more time with my family and friends,” said Hewitt on his election loss.
He theorized on what ultimately cost him the mayor’s seat: “I think (candidate and Metro Loop founder) Jake Vandendool and I have some similar backgrounds and similarities in our style, and I think we attracted the same kind of voters. That allowed for a different kind of vote to win the election,” he explained. “If they voted for Jake, they voted for that business kind of mentality. If they voted for me, they voted on that business experience.”
On his hopes for the next Council term, “I don’t think there’s anything out there that comes as a shock. The recreation strategy was completed, so I’m sure Council will be looking at options moving forward. As I said throughout the election, growth is going to continue. The market will determine the speed and the pace. At the same time, you hear Ford’s announcement, pushing for more home building and more versatile home building…. I think that that will all continue to be a part of Council’s decision making.”
Hewitt looked back on his own personal growth over the past 12 years, stating, “People who got to spend the 12 years with me to see me, as an individual, grow with the County, with the people, understanding and learning different facets of what went on, I can’t replace those years. They’re so valuable in so many ways; they’ve set me up for the next chapter in my life.”
He added, “We made some tough decisions along the way. We closed a couple fire halls, we consolidated our administration offices. We made some decisions sometimes the public didn’t appreciate or understand at the time, but clearly looking back on them, I think they were good decisions based on good advice from staff.”
Despite the more challenging moments, Hewitt is proud of his time as mayor.
“I think the County is in a better position than when I started. I think that’s the task. Anyone who sits in that chair wants to take it from where it is to a better place. I feel that the three successful councils, working and collaborating, finding ways to perform as a team, has left us in the position we’re in today. I hope the Council moving forward can take it to the next level.”
When asked if Haldimand’s residents might see his name on a ballot card once again down the line, Hewitt said, “At this time, all I’m considering is spending time with my family and seeing some of my friends I haven’t been able to see. Four years is a long time away; today’s not the time to be making those kinds of decisions.”
He said the things he will take away from his time as mayor are the friendships he made along the way, adding, “I’ve met so many good people that I didn’t know before being mayor, and I’ve built some really good friendships with people from one end of the county to the other. They’ve been supportive of me throughout and those friendships will continue. That’s what I value moving forward.”
To the incoming council, he offered the following advice: “You’re part of a team. Be a part of that team, take advantage of some of the experience that’s sitting there. The public wants the individuals to have autonomy around that table, but they also want them to understand that working as a team is going to improve the county a lot faster and better than not working as a team.”
And to his replacement, he offered, “I think she should take stock of the experience that’s around the table and recognize the strength of the management team that’s there. They have certainly a lot to offer. Hopefully, she will find ways to work with them and ultimately keep moving the county forward.”
Hewitt concluded, “I wish Council and staff and everybody involved the best, and hope they will achieve the priorities they set out for the next four years.”
