By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND— Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett has just announced he will step down after 27 years serving the riding. In his place, Haldimand mayor Ken Hewitt has announced he will run for Toby’s old job, with Doug Ford’s stamp of approval.
According to an interview, Hewitt met with Premier Ford recently, posting a photo of their encounter to his social media account on March 24.
“Had a chance to talk with both the Premier and Minister Mulroney (MTO) about Haldimand. Finishing the final extension of HWY 6 bypass and Affordable housing were two important topics. Look forward to follow up meetings,” said Hewitt in the post, on why the meeting took place.
“For 27 years, it has been an honour to serve my province and to serve the people I represent as the Ontario elected representative for Haldimand-Norfolk, and previously parts of Oxford and Brant. The past 27 years have been a bit of an adventure, to say the least,” said Barrett in a press release issued on the morning of April 20.
MPP Toby Barrett
He continued, “My tenure has not been without controversy and disagreement . . .with a fair share of comment on mainstream and social media, coupled with a healthy dose of protest at both Simcoe and Queen’s Park. Being a fiscal conservative, regardless of which party was in power, I consistently fought red tape, objected to waste, foolish spending and borrowing that jacked up Ontario deficits and debt. Outside the riding, I have also consistently been at odds with decision makers on tobacco farmer policy, the 16-year Caledonia debacle and, more recently, my opposition to a city of 40,000 people in the Nanticoke Industrial Park.”
Hewitt’s candidacy comes at the last minute, with the election taking place June 2.
The Haldimand Press has reached out to both MPP Barrett and Mayor Hewitt for comment on this developing story. Look for our coverage of the issue in our April 28 edition.
