Although Bud Halpin is an incumbent Councillor, in this year’s election, he is vying for the position of Vice-deputy Mayor.
A retired award-winning teacher, Halpin also worked as a self-employed carpenter running his own small business and volunteered for three years in Central America building homes. He also operated two mobile parks in Port Elgin and helped his son open a restaurant resulting in experience in small business and tourism.
Halpin also served on Town Council in Chesley and with Arran-Elderslie Public Works Department in addition to his term as Port Elgin Ward Councillor.
“My 22 year teaching career gave me the opportunity to work cooperatively with the Town, Habitat for Humanity and many other groups organizing and building items for public spaces and working on town beaches.
In the last election, Halpin ran on three platforms: the Environment, Affordable Housing and Youth Retention & Advancement.
“Tree planting moved from 150 trees per year to 1,000 which will equal 10,000 over the ten-year town plan. We also established a Tree Canopy By-law to protect trees and prevent clear-cutting prior to development. We are making our shoreline resilient to climate change with hardscapes and natural plantings.”
“We are building 140 long-term affordable rental units and 28 affordable home-ownership homes and provide 30 local families with rent subsidiaries. These will be a game-changer for those people and we need to acknowledge and support the younger generations when it comes to housing. I have been a strong voice and hard worker for affordable housing, and with your support I will bring it across the finish line. ”
Halpin said he believes the current Council has been listening through Engage Saugeen Shores, Flash surveys, on-line compalnt forms and every major project this term had public engagement – whether North Shore Park, Jubilee Park, Helliwell Park, the Cottage Street Study and more.
