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Message from the Mayor

December 23, 2014   ·   0 Comments

On October 27th, Shelburne voters cast their ballots in overwhelming favour of Ken Bennington as their new Mayor. Deputy Mayor since 2006, Bennington convinced voters that he had the experience to do the job over his challenger Frank E. Hunt winning 1128 votes out of 1428. Mr. Bennington promised voters years of council experience, passion for the Town, accessibility to his constituents, patience to ensure long term goals, and fiscal responsibility to the job.
He pointed to challenges in the coming term that would require continuity, including sewage capacity as the new subdivisions are built; developing the local economy; replacing experienced staff who may retire in the next term; balancing the budget as development slows down; and replacing Ed Crewson as the Town’s Mayor and ambassador. His genuine affection for Crewson as Mayor and mentor may have won him as many votes as his experience.
Born and raised in Shelburne, the new Mayor is restoring a heritage house across the road from his childhood home on Main Street. The father of a 19 year old son, currently pursuing his own goals in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Mayor Bennington works for Honda in cost containment and manufacturing efficiency. Retired from the Shelburne volunteer Fire Department after 17 years of service, he also served the community as a coach of Shelburne Minor Hockey. He entered the world of politics at the age of 29 and was first elected as a Councillor in 2000. After two terms of office, he was elected as Deputy Mayor representing the Town at Dufferin County Council – as he will continue to do along with newly acclaimed Deputy Mayor Geoff Dunlop.
At his first County Council meeting as Mayor on December 11th, Bennington and Mayor White of Melancthon introduced a notice of motion to hire an expert to give accurate quantitative measurements of the electro magnetic energy surrounding the DWPI transmission line that runs along the County owned rail corridor from Melancthon to Orangeville. Both newly elected, the two Mayors were faced with on going issues regarding Dufferin Wind Power Inc. (DWPI) in their first two weeks of office. Citizen concerns about alleged stray voltage from DWPI turbine transmission lines prompted the motion, which asks that a report be presented to County Council detailing levels and safe exposures. At Town Council, challenges with upgrades to Hyland Park ball field is just one of many issues that have the new Mayor hard at work looking for solutions.
Despite this busy start to the new term, Mayor Bennington took time out to reminisce and send best wishes for the season to the residents of Shelburne:
My favourite Christmas memories are not of the gifts I received, but of the family and friends I was fortunate to spend the holidays with. Gathering with family, Aunts and Uncles, Grandparents and cousins, as we celebrated Christmas years ago, helped to forge the family traditions that we use today.
Christmas is a time best shared with loved ones, and I hope each and everyone has someone special to spend the holidays with.
On behalf of the Corporation of the Town of Shelburne, Council and Staff, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
– Mayor Bennington

By Marni Walsh

         

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