The gloves are off in mayor's race
It took no time for Cobourg Mayor Peter Delanty to come back swinging at his rival Councillor Lloyd Williams after a crisp attack from the challenger earlier in the week.
Williams gave a strong critique of council's performance, lambasting the mayor and Councillor Gil Brocanier regarding the proposed senior's complex and policing. He also took a crack at the last of public involvement in decision-making and for a lack of transparency.
The mayor jumped on Williams for saying councillors had served far too long. Delanty reminded everyone about Williams' 35 years of service in Hamilton Township and Cobourg council. Delanty has served nine years.
Not surprisingly, Delanty defended handling of the senior's complex, saying a needs assessment is underway. Considering the two hatched the plan as a vote getting scheme that fell flat when citizens began challenging the plan, the mayor had little choice but to stand by him.
As for the other allegations, Delanty was quick to try and counter them. He says the lack of transparency, particularly around a series of visioning sessions that were held behind closed doors, were made public afterwards for council to comment on. He also said council listens, pointing to the Molly Baker Lane debate. Only after a dedicated group of citizens fought against a developers' plan to take away a historic lane way in east Cobourg, did council agree to help save it.
These are just a few of the jabs exchanged between the two contenders. Give it a few weeks and watch for the body blows to start. Delanty is not going to sit back. He is highly competitive and experienced. He does not like to lose and despite a friendly demeanor, he is a fighter. Williams is the same. He may come across plodding, but he will trade blows any day of the week.
As an aside, the radio commentary this morning chastizing Williams for running after he mused publicly that he was getting too old to serve in council makes no sense. The commentator, David Craig, of The Breeze 107.9 FM, makes a weak argument. People can change their mind. So what! The community would be far worse off if Delanty went unchallenged. He should be praising Williams for having the guts to take him on.
Williams gave a strong critique of council's performance, lambasting the mayor and Councillor Gil Brocanier regarding the proposed senior's complex and policing. He also took a crack at the last of public involvement in decision-making and for a lack of transparency.
The mayor jumped on Williams for saying councillors had served far too long. Delanty reminded everyone about Williams' 35 years of service in Hamilton Township and Cobourg council. Delanty has served nine years.
Not surprisingly, Delanty defended handling of the senior's complex, saying a needs assessment is underway. Considering the two hatched the plan as a vote getting scheme that fell flat when citizens began challenging the plan, the mayor had little choice but to stand by him.
As for the other allegations, Delanty was quick to try and counter them. He says the lack of transparency, particularly around a series of visioning sessions that were held behind closed doors, were made public afterwards for council to comment on. He also said council listens, pointing to the Molly Baker Lane debate. Only after a dedicated group of citizens fought against a developers' plan to take away a historic lane way in east Cobourg, did council agree to help save it.
These are just a few of the jabs exchanged between the two contenders. Give it a few weeks and watch for the body blows to start. Delanty is not going to sit back. He is highly competitive and experienced. He does not like to lose and despite a friendly demeanor, he is a fighter. Williams is the same. He may come across plodding, but he will trade blows any day of the week.
As an aside, the radio commentary this morning chastizing Williams for running after he mused publicly that he was getting too old to serve in council makes no sense. The commentator, David Craig, of The Breeze 107.9 FM, makes a weak argument. People can change their mind. So what! The community would be far worse off if Delanty went unchallenged. He should be praising Williams for having the guts to take him on.
posted by Robert Washburn at
9:53 PM
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