There are two candidates vying for the position of reeve in Whitewater Region Township.
They are businessman Terry Millar and Don Rathwell, the current reeve.
Addressing the crowd, Mr. Millar said he has lived in Cobden his whole life, is married and has three adult children. He has owned and operated Millar Feed and Seed for 32 years.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s change,” he said. “Change in business and adapting to that change.”
In his business, there have been six to eight main changes. This means a new focus and a look at the business from top to bottom, Mr. Millar said.
“I believe this is what Whitewater needs right now, a real good look from top to bottom, scrutinize every dollar going out,” he said.
Money coming in won’t come fast with trying to get development, he said. The township’s current budget of $8 million has to be stretched out, he said.
In the short term, he wants to get the township in order financially, which is where he has a lot of experience. A strong team is needed and appropriate changes can be made, he stated.
Reeve Don Rathwell gave a history of his life in the former Ross Township, as well as Whitewater Township and his business at the mines.
He has 18 years experience as a municipal politician in the former Ross Township, 14 years in Whitewater Region Township, including two years as warden of Renfrew County.
“Experience will matter as council grapples with critical decisions over the next four years in the Whitewater Region,” Reeve Rathwell said. “We must continue to confront the provincial government on the Endangered Species Act, policing costs, the pressure to increase transfer payments and gas tax to improve our infrastructure.”
The county must continue to be involved with the restructuring of the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), because it affects hundreds of residents within the township, including those who work there and who are retired from there, he said. If AECL moves to another province, the county will be economically hit, Reeve Rathwell said. Renfrew County has a committee that attends any meetings regarding AECL restructuring.
“We must continue to support our agricultural community and tourism business,” he said. “They are our two biggest assets.”
