Photo from Ken Hewitt's Social Media page
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.
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Ken Hewitt says his experience in municipal government and the financial sector is what prompted him to enter the race for mayor of Norfolk County.
Hewitt is a self-employed business owner who started a financial services business roughly 30 years ago.
He says he eventually sold the business after accumulating about $80 million in assets for clients.
He then entered municipal politics, serving as mayor of Haldimand County for 12 years beginning in 2010.
Hewitt relocated to Norfolk County about five years ago and now lives in Turkey Point with his fiancée.
Hewitt says he decided to run because he cares and believes his experience could help address some of the challenges facing Norfolk County.
The first item he would like to address is the budget.
Hewitt says when someone at home is managing their finances, they always have to keep in mind what they can and cannot actually afford – and that should be the same thinking at council chambers.
Hewitt also wants to change what he describes as the culture at Norfolk County.
He wants staff to have the support and space they need to better help Norfolk County as a whole.
His third priority is strengthening Norfolk County’s relationships with other levels of government.
Hewitt says his experience has given him relationships he could draw on if elected.
He also points to his previous experience as an elected mayor as an important asset, particularly as Norfolk County could see significant turnover on council following the upcoming election.
Hewitt describes his leadership style as one where he leads from behind, empowering councillors to make decisions while maintaining what he calls a steady hand on the rudder.
He says his role would be to support council as members bring forward opportunities, ideas and solutions for the community.
