With the Norfolk County mayoral debate coming up on Tuesday, October 13th, we’ve reached out to each of the candidates to hear more about their background, why they decided to run, and the issues they would like to address if elected.
Over the coming days, we’ll be featuring the candidates who have joined us in the studio, giving each an opportunity to speak about their campaign and their vision for Norfolk County.
Former Norfolk County councillor Noel Haydt says he decided to run for mayor because he believes the county isn’t living up to it’s true potential.
He points to the Downtown Simcoe Secondary Plan, which he says dates back to 2019 and remains in draft form, as an example of what he sees as a larger problem.
Haydt says the county does not need more consultant reports simply telling it what cannot be done.
Instead, he wants a more business-focused approach to setting priorities, establishing budgets and deadlines, and measuring whether projects actually get delivered.
Accountability is one of Haydt’s main priorities if elected.
He knows affordability is top of mind for many Norfolk County residents.
Haydt notes that does come with its challenges, especially with the geographic size of Norfolk compared to actual residents, but it is something that needs to be tackled head on.
Growth is another focus.
Haydt’s calling for more commercial and industrial assessment to help ease pressure on residential taxpayers.
He also says the county also needs to support agriculture, businesses and investment, while improving customer service so people looking to invest or build in Norfolk can find a path toward a solution rather than simply being told no.
Haydt says changing that culture would be a major priority for him as mayor, arguing that while the county sometimes has to say no, staff should also help residents, businesses and developers understand what can be done.
Downtown Simcoe is another major priority.
Haydt says Norfolk does not have a vision problem, but an execution problem, and says he is running because he wants to turn existing plans into tangible results for taxpayers.
