Ken Hewitt

While not originally from Norfolk, Ken Hewitt said he is passionate about this community he now calls home. Hewitt has lived in Turkey Point for close to five years. Before moving to Norfolk, he lived in Haldimand County, where he served as mayor from 2010-2022.

Hewitt said he believes his experience has prepared him to lead Norfolk County.

“People are struggling to make ends meet and are looking for leaders that can help manage taxes and keep them at a level that is sustainable. I have demonstrated that experience in Haldimand, where I kept taxes tied to inflation or less. We still grew the assets and we still fixed the infrastructure.”

Hewitt said he is proud of his time as mayor and believes his background in business and municipal government makes him well qualified for the role. Reflecting on his time in office, he said “over the 12 years where I was Mayor, we kept taxes below 2%, while also increasing the reserves.”

In 2022, Hewitt ran as the Progressive Conservative candidate in Haldimand-Norfolk, an election he lost to Bobbi-Ann Brady. Reflecting on that campaign he said he “stepped into a bit of a minefield.” Despite the loss, Hewitt said he appreciated “the opportunity to see firsthand what party politics looks like.” He continued, “I am happy to be here on the local side because it allows me to demonstrate my strengths.”

David Finch

David Finch decided to run for office after experiencing frustration with the previous council. He described the situation; “my street was being rebuilt, we were told that they were looking for public input. Eventually they had a public meeting which I attended only to realize the tender agreements for the drawings were signed prior to the so-called public input meeting.” 

Finch has a varying background, he worked as a paramedic for 40 years in Hamilton. An experience he says “gives one a lot of problem solving skills, you deal with so many people on their worst possible days, you have to make sense of the chaos, put it all together and do what needs to be done for that person.”

In addition to his time as a Paramedic, Finch also served as a councillor in Grimsby for 10 years. Now, he works as a psychotherapist, a testament to his “lifelong desire to work with people one-on-one.” 

Finch believes Norfolk needs someone who “understands how reserves work, how municipalities put money in the bank for big capital projects,” Finch said. “We also need more transparency in our Municipal government to ensure our residents are involved or at least informed on what the council is up to.” 

Noel Haydt

Noel Haydt served as Ward 1 councillor from 2014 to 2018. During that time, he was also elected chair of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority.

Haydt said his professional background in IT has given him the knowledge and experience to “fix complicated systems.” One of the complicated systems Haydt has his sights set on is Norfolk County’s capital plan.

“We need to rebuild the capital plan around what Norfolk can actually afford and deliver. We need to improve customer service, accountability, and transparency,” Haydt said. “Our average household income is $11,000 below the provincial average here. When you are far below the average, every dollar increase hurts.”

“One of the reasons I stepped up is because Norfolk County needs it. We need to protect the infrastructure we already own,” Haydt said.

Haydt said he is working toward a vision he calls “Norfolk 2030.”

“We need downtown Simcoe revitalized. We need help for people with addictions. We need serviced industrial lands to bring jobs closer to home,” Haydt said. “I want to build something better for us. I want a better Norfolk.”

Doug Brunton

Doug Brunton, councillor for Ward 5 has decided to switch gears and run for mayor this October. A decision that means risking his longtime position in Municipal government. However, this risk does not seem to phase Brunton who believes that as the mayor he would have more say in management of Municipal decisions. 

Brunton noted that his 30-year career as Public Works Director and his eight years on council positions him to be the best fit for addressing the issues Norfolk is facing.

“I have worked with five or six different mayors, I have dealt with infrastructure as Public Works Director. I have dealt with Municipal government for my entire career, I have seen both sides.” 

Brunton appreciates the time he spent as councillor of Ward 5. In stepping back on that role, he hopes to step forward and take on more of a leadership role as mayor. If elected he believes he will have more “sway in how things are done.”

Brunton also highlighted his experience in two things he views as “essential” to Norfolk’s economy; agriculture and tourism. Brunton is a Chair of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, and he also worked in the U.S in agriculture after retirement. He views his combination of experience makes him the most fit candidate to take on the responsibility of being Norfolk’s mayor.