Former MPP enters mayoral race

KAREN BEST
Dunnville Chronicle
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 05:00

Under current circumstances in Haldimand County, Norm Jamison is ready to apply his first hand experience in connections between municipal and provincial government as the new mayor of Haldimand County.

In an interview this week, the Townsend resident said his understanding of the government system would come in very handy. From 1990 to 1995, he represented Norfolk County as an NDP member of provincial parliament. He served as the parliamentary assistant to the then minister of economic development and trade.

Using his self described skills of experience and leadership, he would address issues related to the Six Nations occupation of a Caledonia subdivision in a direct manner. It is up to local officials to make sure community voices are heard, Jamison added.

Born in Ireland, he is not related to Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson.

"I don't understand why law and order and safety of citizens have not been spoken to or acted on directly. That concerns me to a great degree," Jamison stated.

It is important for a politician to listen to those who elected him and to express the views of constituents.

To date the land dispute situation has been highly politicized by provincial and federal politicians, he observed.

Throughout Ontario, the Caledonia issue is evoking a negative response about Haldimand County, he said. He would like it to be dealt with so the municipality can move on to create jobs through economic development. One of the key drivers to industrial growth is Highway 6 improvements. It is also vital to enhance the Lake Erie Industrial Park, he noted. Jamison also wanted to see a greater emphasis on economic development in Dunnville. His intention is to make it easier for other industries to establish themselves in the county.

Even though Jamison has not served on a municipal council, he learned government body skills in Queens Park. In the 2003 election, he placed third in a four way Ward One race won by Tom Patterson.

Months ago, Jamison decided to enter the mayoral race but waited to file on Aug. 28. He joined Lorraine Bergstrand, Bernie Corbett and Marie Trainer as mayoral candidates. Two weeks ago, Buck Sloat dropped out of the mayoral contest and filed as a Ward 2 councillor candidate.

The newest candidate's decision is unrelated to Sloat's change of mind.

Considering the field of four mayoral candidates, Jamison believed it would be an interesting election and an interesting campaign. In the end, the people decide who they want to represent them, he said. Of course he'd be glad to be chosen but can live with electors selecting someone else.

"It's a matter of offering the skills I have and putting them to work for the people in Haldimand. I offer a positive change," he continued.

Jamison has retired from a 34-year career at Stelco Lake Erie where he served as the local union vice president for years and as a member of the company's human resources department.