One leaves and one enters

Cobourg council candidate Wayne DeVeau dropped out of the race as former Hamilton Township councillor Howard McCourt jumped in this past week.
Citing family responsibilities and personal health, DeVeau announced he will not seek a seat on council. This is a familiar tune DeVeau is singing whenever a politician doesn't want to answer a lot of specific questions. No one will challenge him with an excuse like family and health. But what might be closer to the truth is DeVeau most likely had the necessary support or money to run. That will remain a mystery and, now that he is out, no one will really care.
Meanwhile, the entry of Howie McCourt represents an fascinating turn of events. With his experience on Hamilton Township council between 1985 to 1988, he has an advantage over the neophyte candidates and can be considered a real threat to the incumbents.
As for McCourt, he is also a very popular educator, serving as principal in several schools. He is a Rotarian and a highly visible member of the community. He is basing his campaign on controlled growth, wanting to keep the small town characteristic of Cobourg. This is a direct swipe at the recent addition of box stores along the northwest area of town, as well as four new subdivisions along the borders.
Between he and Stan Frost, they could create a definite challenge to sitting councillors Dean McCaughey and Bill MacDonald, both vunerable members. With Brocanier and Williams also moving up the ladder and Pam Jackson not running, the possiblity of a completely new slate of council is real.