(L to R) Brian Calver, Rennie Hutzler and Blair Campbell
Three candidates are seeking to become Greater Napanee’s next deputy mayor, with homelessness, financial accountability and responsible growth among the key issues raised during their campaigns.
Brian Calver, the incumbent deputy mayor, is seeking re-election after years of involvement in the community. He has worked at Davis and Davis since the 1980s and purchased the business with his family in 1999. He has also volunteered with local organizations and events, including Cars and Guitars and the Legion. Calver says he wants to continue the work started by the current council and help move ongoing projects forward.
Calver says he is running again because he believes the town is heading in the right direction.
He points to upcoming initiatives, including a community benefit fund, as reasons to continue the work of the current council.
His priorities include addressing homelessness and addiction, particularly the mental health challenges affecting people in the community. Calver supports continued work with provincial and federal governments and hopes to find a long-term shelter solution. He also wants to attract more industry to Greater Napanee to generate tax revenue and reduce pressure on residential taxpayers.
Rennie Hutzler recently retired after operating an accounting business in Napanee for 30 years. Raised in the community, she returned to raise her family and has been involved with social housing, Victim Services and the Hastings Community Foundation.
Hutzler says her community experience and available time have encouraged her to seek office. She said she benefited from the community through her business and now wants to give back. She chose the deputy mayor position because it would give her a voice on Lennox and Addington County Council.
Her main priorities are growing the commercial and industrial tax base and addressing homelessness. Hutzler believes attracting businesses could help limit residential tax increases while giving residents more local services. She also wants the town and county to move beyond managing homelessness and introduce programs to address the issue.
Blair Campbell, who grew up in South Frontenac, has a criminology degree and a career with Correctional Service Canada, including work as a parole officer and correctional manager. He brings experience working with people facing homelessness, addiction and limited social supports.
Campbell says residents deserve better representation and greater transparency.
His priorities include accountable government, responsible growth, safer public spaces and a stronger voice for residents. He also wants more action on homelessness, improved bylaw enforcement and better access to housing and mental health services. Campbell says taxpayers should understand municipal spending and the costs of local services.
Advance Voting is currently underway until election Day on October 26th.
