Political veteran enters council race - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

Political veteran enters council race - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

Political veteran enters council race Local News Posted By MICHAEL-ALLAN MARION

A former longtime Ward 4 councillor says it's time for him to get back into the political fray because he believes the city needs "stable" leadership through a difficult time.
"At this point in time, the city needs mature, stable leadership," said Andy Woodburn, who once represented Ward 4 for 19 years and is running the fall municipal election.

I recognize that the major issues in this election are jobs, economic development and holding down taxes. Council needs experienced hands in tackling them.
"We can cut down on taxes by eliminating major waste."
Woodburn also says he wants a greater fight against crime.
"The label crime theft capital of Canada is not something I want for Brantford.
Woodburn also contends that in the area of public health care the majority of people in Brantford want a second hospital dedicated to seniors.
He also wants councillors to obtain a higher level of decorum. "I think it's important that the city hall politicians treat the staff and each other with courtesy.
"The fact that allegations of violating code of conduct were made against four councillors this term shows a major change is needed," he said.'
Woodburn is looking forward to starting the implementation of waterfront master plan as soon as the new council takes office in December.
"We now have a cohesive plan to follow," he said. "I predict that the new council will put some of its recommendations in the 2011 budget and there will be some action on the plan by May or June."

He also wants the city to stop being adversaries of Six Nations and Brant and to seek partnership with its neighbours instead.
Woodburn served seven terms in Ward 4 in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1997 he ran for mayor but was defeated by then-incumbent Chris Friel. He attempted to return to his ward in 2000, but was unsuccessful in that year's election.

During the past 10 years he has devoted himself to community causes. He is currently vice-chairman of the Seniors Resource Centre, is vice-chairman of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

During the summer, Woodburn ran a series of all-candidates' meetings for this election, and then suddenly threw his hat in the ring on the last day just before the close of nominations.
Although his entry raised eyebrows, he said the meetings were a non-confrontational public exercise, and maintained that he did not consider running at the time.

Woodburn is one of seven candidates in Ward 4. The others include Cheryl Antoski, Bob Brown, Richard Carpenter, Rob Ferguson, Mike Gomon and Dave Wrobel.
mamarion@theexpositor.com