A barn-burner mayoralty race in Alnwick/Haldimand Township
Nothing beats the prospect of a tough political fight and residents in Alnwick/Haldimand Township are blessed because they've got one.
Mayor Bill Finley, a 27-year veteran of council is being challenged by council stalwart Rosemarie Robins, who is currently deputy mayor. She has served for 25 years, most of that as reeve and deputy reeve in Alnwick Township, prior to the amalgamation a few years ago.
Both are former county wardens. Both have huge power bases, but each it their own former township.
Finley is a hard-nosed politician, who can go bare-knuckles with anybody. He is never afraid to be outspoken and doesn't take criticism or descent on his council very well. Recently, he made headlines chastizing opponents of residents both in and outside the township who wish to preserve a tallgrass prairie in one of the historic cemeteries. It is a battle that has gone through the courts and council for nearly a decade, mostly because Mr. Finley has made this a personal campaign and he is unable to broker a deal.
Robins is a well-known face in local politics. She could be called the Margaret Thatcher of county politics. She looks like a sweet grandmother and is quite nice and very gracious when you meet her. But she can be as tough as nails and can bash it out with the best politicians. Her gender should not fool anyone. Cross her once and he will never forget.
Finley could be in serious trouble. With the longstanding fight over the Shelter Valley gravel pit, there is a rather large, unhappy group of residents, waiting for an opportunity to throw him out of office. These are Toronto refugees and others who have migrated to the area, along with some locals. Finley will be counting on his buddies in the township to deliver him again.
Meanwhile, Robins is considered a saint in Alnwick. If she can carry her constituency as she has so many times in the past, Finley will be BBQ, cooked over a fire of his own making.
This should be one to watch closely because if things get desperate, it may get really dirty. Be prepared to stay up late election night because it will be tight and every vote is going to count.
Mayor Bill Finley, a 27-year veteran of council is being challenged by council stalwart Rosemarie Robins, who is currently deputy mayor. She has served for 25 years, most of that as reeve and deputy reeve in Alnwick Township, prior to the amalgamation a few years ago.
Both are former county wardens. Both have huge power bases, but each it their own former township.
Finley is a hard-nosed politician, who can go bare-knuckles with anybody. He is never afraid to be outspoken and doesn't take criticism or descent on his council very well. Recently, he made headlines chastizing opponents of residents both in and outside the township who wish to preserve a tallgrass prairie in one of the historic cemeteries. It is a battle that has gone through the courts and council for nearly a decade, mostly because Mr. Finley has made this a personal campaign and he is unable to broker a deal.
Robins is a well-known face in local politics. She could be called the Margaret Thatcher of county politics. She looks like a sweet grandmother and is quite nice and very gracious when you meet her. But she can be as tough as nails and can bash it out with the best politicians. Her gender should not fool anyone. Cross her once and he will never forget.
Finley could be in serious trouble. With the longstanding fight over the Shelter Valley gravel pit, there is a rather large, unhappy group of residents, waiting for an opportunity to throw him out of office. These are Toronto refugees and others who have migrated to the area, along with some locals. Finley will be counting on his buddies in the township to deliver him again.
Meanwhile, Robins is considered a saint in Alnwick. If she can carry her constituency as she has so many times in the past, Finley will be BBQ, cooked over a fire of his own making.
This should be one to watch closely because if things get desperate, it may get really dirty. Be prepared to stay up late election night because it will be tight and every vote is going to count.
posted by Robert Washburn at
7:23 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home