Goderich’s mayor, Deb Shewfelt, gives a thumbs up to folks gathered at the Parade of Trees this past weekend.
HEATHER BOA Bullet News GODERICH – If anyone had asked Goderich’s mayor, Deb Shewfelt, whether he had plans to run in the October 2014 election before a tornado ripped through his town and the surrounding area, he might have said no.
But the week after flatbeds of trucks arrived in town loaded with trees for planting in the downtown park as part of a multi-year master plan to rebuild from the tornado, he’s rethinking his answer.
“Before the tornado hit us, I had thoughts that I would do other things. Now I feel that if I didn’t run again, I’d be walking away from a job that needs to be done and that doesn’t make me feel too good,” said Shewfelt, who will have served as the community’s mayor for two decades by the end of this term.
“I’d like to run again and I think it’s going to take another four years to get over what we’ve been hit with and I’d like to be part of that, if the people would have me. I can get things done and I’ve proved that,” he said.
A downtown core master plan and landscape design for Court House Park that was developed in a series of public meetings and workshop through the past year comes with a $2.56 million price tag, at last estimate. It blocks the Court House Park into distinct areas for different uses. There will be the grove of trees at the north side of the building with scaled down parking for three or four vehicles that may be delivering inmates to court or dropping off supplies. On the east side will be tiered memorial gardens that focus on the cenotaph, with a low wall that can be used for seating during ceremonies. At the east will be a sprawling lawn where people can congregate to picnic or play games, and children will have room to run. The south street entrance will be transformed into a plaza, with a performance area, a water feature, and seating.
Implementation of that plan will mean convincing the federal and provincial governments to invest infrastructure stimulus funding in the town. Shewfelt said he and the town’s administration have the experience to make a compelling pitch when and if future stimulus funding is announced.
“It’s a tricky time and I feel that I have the experience, with administration, to work our way through that. I don’t see things happening uptown if we don’t get funds,” he said.
The work won’t end when the downtown is rebuilt. Shewfelt said the town will need to work to expand its business community.
“Everybody worries about bricks and mortar and trees in the park, but I don’t think we’ve touched the main thing yet,” he said.
He said the harbour expansion is a step, but the town will also need to attract young professionals who can help replace jobs lost when Volvo Motor Graders and Bluewater Youth Centre closed.
Shewfelt refused to disclose his age, saying instead he’s in good health and has plenty of experience behind him, currently serving as chair of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, advisor on Governor’s Compact Council, member of Huron County Water Protection Steering Committee, member of the task force to find a new use for Bluewater Youth Centre, and past director of Ontario Municipal Water Association.
He pointed to Mississauga’s mayor, Hazel McCallion, born in February 1921, who will be 93 at the end of this term, as an example of an effective leader who continues to be re-elected.
6 Comments on "Goderich mayor eyes the October 2014 election"
What, pray tell, has Deb Shewfelt really done for the Town of Goderich?? You have signed to put an end to the very valuable wetland and Maitland Woods urban Forest. You have made promises that have never been delivered. As of right now we have this Bluewater beach gully erosion situation that you, Deb Shewfelt, as chair of MVCA should already have set the Engineers in motion to fix. In my humble opinion, Deb,it is time for new blood and that includes a new administrator. Just take a few moments of your time and listen to Kenny Rogers song The Gambler.
McCallion has turned Mississauga into a wasteland. Is that who you want to emulate?
Time for new ideas and new leadership. The old boys club has no place in a successful future for the town of Goderich. We need a leader not a dictator.
I’m 100% behind Deb for a rerun. You sure can’t please everyone, that is true, but great accomplishments have been made with Deb at the helm.
At a time when an opportunity exists in Goderich for a change, I guess it’s going to depend on how much voters want change to continue isn’t it?
If the appetite for change is as strong in 2014 as it is now, and voters have some choices nothing is a sure thing for any candidate in my opinion.
Let’s have a contest including a mayorial debate!
A challenge for Deputy Mayor should be in the cards for us also no?
We have a town full of capable leaders who have stepped up over the past few years. A choice is what we deserve.
In reply to Sue Leddy, it has not been Mr. Shewfelt that has been at the helm but it is Larry McCabe. Yes, pray tell, who is the leader? The Corporation of the Town of Goderich is not Deb Shewfelt nor is it Larry McCabe nor is it Deputy Mayor John Grace or any of the other elected persons. The Corporation of the Town of Goderich is owned and controlled by the shareholders. You and I and all the other 6,000-plus ratepayers. I can suggest that you and all ratepayers be in the council chambers on Dec. 3 for the public meeting.