Steve Arnold says the mayor’s job never stops.
He should know. He’s been St. Clair Township’s top elected official for the past 12 years. And he’s hoping voters will again choose him again on Oct. 22. Arnold says his record stands on its own merit.
“We keep plugging away steady and doing the work,” he adds.
The Wilkesport-area resident has been serving in municipal government since 1985 and has never lost an election, although he’s been acclaimed. His record also includes serving as Lambton County’s Warden for five years.
Arnold thinks St. Clair is currently facing a number of challenges. “There isn’t one thing,” he says. “We always have roads, sewers and waterlines,” adding council has been fiscally responsible, pledging never to carry deficits forward.
Bringing high-speed Internet to all residents is an ongoing concern, Arnold says, one that council has been working on for nine years.
“We get bits and pieces,” he says, adding providers are reluctant to establish services for small profits. Talks are ongoing with companies in an attempt to find a solution.
Coming up with an answer to badly needed upgrades at the Moore Sports Complex and golf club are also on the incumbent’s radar.
If re-elected, Arnold would like to see some changes in council’s approach, including holding town hall meetings throughout the community on a regular basis. “If I’m fortunate to be re-elected, I’d like to see something like this,” he explains.
Arnold, who recently attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario annual conference, says he wants to ensure local government is pro-active — rather than reactive — especially with regards to the Ford government. He cites the possibility of a forced amalgamation with other municipalities — such as what happened in Chatham-Kent — as a real threat and offers the premier’s reduction in the size of Toronto City Council as proof. “What does that tell you?” Arnold asks.
Arnold would also like to see more housing options in St. Clair explored and expanded. In addition to being mayor, Arnold farms with his oldest son and says he loves the community.
“I always want to make it better and that’s why I’m running again,” he explains.