We don't think people will be surprised to hear that Ken Hewitt, who is pro-McGuinty, didn't give us much hope that, once elected, the people of Caledonia would be well served. But now that Ken Hewitt has officially dropped out of the race for council it appears that the current councillor is a shoe-in.

The complete failure of the current councillor, Craig Ashbaugh, to do or say anything of any value to help the people of Caledonia is amazing. We would have to even say that Diane Finley has been more pro-active in Caledonia than Craig Ashbaugh and Mrs. Finley has done nothing.

Just how many times have the people of Caledonia seen Mr. Ashbaugh at events or heard him speak to the people who pay his salary? Just how many times has he been in Caledonia to witness anything that is happening?

Will the people of Caledonia once again vote someone in who collects a pay cheque but feels he doesn't have to be accountable and responsible to the People?

We can only present the facts here and give voters the information needed to make an informed vote. We have made it no secret that we understand that over the next 13 months all levels of Government would be kissing your babies' faces and your butts to get your votes - better get some handy wipes for your baby because it doesn't sound very sanitary to us.

This is the only time they appear to listen to us - I say appear because soon after being elected you never see or hear from them again. Just look at Diane Finley as prefect proof of this.

That is why we will be tracking the local election and confronting the people who claim they want to be your voice. Unlike other media outlets we will not buy into all their well rehearsed speeches. We will ask direct questions and expect direct answers.

It is because of this approach that we are fully behind Rick Vanderwyk, who has entered the local race about a week ago - his press release is below.

To be up front with our viewers, we never knew Mr. Vanderwyk prior to a few weeks ago and have no vested interest in him personally. What we do have is someone who has answered our questions honestly and straight forward when asked. Someone who is not afraid of his own shadow and is willing to meet with media that will ask the harder questions.

We gave Mr. Hewitt a list of questions a few weeks ago but he refused to answer them. The same list will be sent to each person running in the local elections - their answers or lack of answers will be posted for all to see.

In the end the public will have to decide whether to elect someone who just wants the pay cheque or someone who will take the time to listen to the voters and not just during the elections.

Over the last eight (8) months we have witnessed events in Caledonia that few in other communities could imagine. Today, we read all the major newspapers and visit any website that may report progress to end the stalemate. No information seems to be forthcoming. Government negotiators tell us that land claims are ‘complicated’ and that they do not have a ‘crystal ball’. 

Along with the extraordinary police presence, the residents of this community are continually asked to remain calm and patient by Ontario’s government. We are lead to believe that the municipal council does not have a greater role to play in the settlement of this dispute. We are led to believe we should trust government leaders to find solutions satisfactory to all parties. The only message that can be interpreted is that there is no end in sight.

As a husband and father of two children we built our home in Caledonia eight (8) years ago. Like many other families that reside here, I believe Caledonia is a great place to live. I cannot accept the notion, that, as a citizen there is little I can do.

In my profession, we make changes everyday to preserve our success against competing forces in our industry.  However, we do not change the fundamentals; we simply remind ourselves of what those fundamentals are.  In our society, I believe these principals represent responsibility and accountability in leadership, respect for our community, and respect for our justice system with commitment to law and order.  Our current elected official has failed to remember and practice these principles.  I believe change is not only required, but also paramount.

We have an opportunity to make a change to strengthen our first level of government. With strength in government, our community can move forward.

We must restore confidence in our municipal council. As residents we cannot stand idly by and allow our leaders to compromise the concepts that founded our society. Our council must act in the best interest of its citizens so that such crises may never happen again.

Rick Vanderwyk,
Your candidate for Ward 3
Caledonia.