BAYFIELD — With a successful four-year term behind him, Bluewater Deputy Mayor Dave Johnston said he always planned to run again in this fall’s municipal election and is pleased with the progress the municipality has made in several different areas.

As of July 16, Johnston is opposed in the Oct. 25 election by former Deputy Mayor Paul Klopp, with the deadline for nominations Sept. 10.

Johnston said one of the areas he has seen an improvement in is how municipal staff have come together to provide a professional attitude towards their job as well as in-depth reports to council.

He added it is something that has been noticed and commented on by residents.
Johnston said over the past four years the council has continued to work for Bluewater as a whole, including the Hensall water project and Community Improvement Program, the Zurich Lagoon and working with the Zurich Agriculture Society to develop land behind the arena.

Johnston said other work includes the new Bayfield library project and Streetscape program and in the next term, work will move ahead on finding a location for the new library in Zurich.

Johnston noted that while there were questions raised about the size of the tax increase in Bluewater, it was caused by $750,000 being put in reserves.

He explained Bluewater felt that with the federal and provincial governments running large debts, there would be less money coming to the municipalities and Bluewater needed to be ready for it.

With the Bluewater facilities study completed with public input, Johnston said the next step would be for the new council to decide what to do with unused buildings in the municipality.

"We’ve accomplished a lot," said Johnston. "This council worked well together for the benefit of Bluewater residents."

He added another positive sign is that before the last municipal election, there was talk about de-amalgamation, something which hasn’t been heard recently.

"I enjoy what I do," said Johnston, who added Bluewater also has a good working relationship with Huron County council, and he has sat on every committee the county and municipality has.

"Four years ago I promised I’d listen to and answer questions, be responsible and work hard. My voting record speaks for itself and I make the same promise for the next four years."

In regards to the petition launched against the municipality for a lack of transparency, Johnston said there are several ways for residents to get information about Bluewater, including at the office as well as delegations to council and asking questions at the end of each meeting or accessing the Bluewater website.

Concerning the question of nepotism with his son Dave Johnston being hired, Johnston said his son was hired as part-time fire services manager prior to Johnston going on council in 2005.  

Johnston said his son was interviewed and selected for the position by Mayor Bill Dowson, Deputy Mayor Paul Klopp and clerk-treasurer Janisse Zimmerman.

After a recommendation by a Toronto consultant to make the position full time, Johnston said when the position was discussed, he declared a conflict and left the building.

"Bill (Dowson) said in no way did I influence the council, " said Johnston and added he would answer any questions at any time.

"I enjoy what I do," said Johnston and said being retired allows him to dedicate himself to municipal politics.

Johnston added, "please vote, it’s everybody’s community."