In stark contrast to the 2010 municipal elections in Wellesley when each seat was acclaimed, this time around, every position will be contested.
In Ward 4, Butch Voisin will challenge incumbent Herb Neher when voters head to the polls October 27.
“I spent 38 years working in municipal government (with the City of Waterloo),” Voisin explained. “I retired a year ago June, but I spent 14 years in utilities, water and waste water, and during the winter months it was snow removal. Then I spent eight years in an administrative position preparing budgets and I was involved in the billing and collections for water and waste water. After that, I went to Waterloo Fire, and worked for 15 years as a firefighter.”
Born and raised in Wellesley, Voisin hopes to engage the community in local politics.
“One of my things is to get more people involved,” he said. “I understand the voting turnout is very poor and I would like to see more people take an interest.”
Well versed in municipal procedures and processes, Voisin believes he is ready for the role of councillor.
“I’ve got experience developing budgets and presenting those to council, and just a lot of background knowledge that I have picked up over the years.”
In terms of priorities, he stressed the need to keep the community small while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
“First of all, I believe everything has a cost; everything costs money. The thing to do is the money that is collected in taxes is to use it properly. Use it where it’s needed, when it’s needed.”
He added, “Something that I’ve also tried to maintain is that if there is something to be done, just go ahead and get it done. I hate projects that hang around and hang around.”
Herb Neher has held the Ward 2 seat since 2006, winning in that vote. He was acclaimed to the post in the 2010 municipal election.
