McGugan to run again for mayor in Brooke-Alvinston

Don McGugan has decided to seek a fifth term as mayor of Brooke-Alvinston.

He was first appointed as mayor of the municipality in 2002 following the sudden death of Leonad McNeil and was re-elected in 2003, 2006 and 2010.

“It was not an easy decision,” said McGugan after making the announcement at the end of the municipality’s most recent council meeting on July 24.  “But, I feel I still have something to offer.”

He says the township needs to make changes to its sewage treatment and water treatments, as well as drainage and road improvements on the east side of Inwood Road.

He also says the township’s fire departments need to be studied in an effort to make them more cost efficient, although he stopped short of buying into a previous suggestion by former Treasurer Administrator  Rick Holland that council should consider amalgamating the fire departments in Alvinston and Inwood.

“I don’t see amalgamation,” he said.  “But, we do have millions of dollars tied up in equipment, so we have to look at how we can do it better.”

But, McGugan cautions that whatever changes might be made, they will not be at the expense of service to the rateapayer.

“We do have to provide the service and keep our tax rate at a compatible and comparable level,” said McGugan.  “And, I hope I can do that.”

Also, McGugan says he plans to continue to fight for answers from the provincial government about ongoing cuts to the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund. (OMPF)

Brooke-Alvinston had its provincial funding cut by $120,000 in 2014 and that reduction is expected to be at least the same if not more in 2015.

McGugan, 74, doesn’t see his age as a factor in the campaign, noting he still has the desire and ability to get the job done.