For the third consecutive election, Norfolk County has selected a mayor from Port Dover.
Adam Veri, who previously served as the area’s councillor, won the top council position on Monday and will continue the legacy of fellow Dover residents Kristal Chopp and outgoing mayor Amy Martin. Norfolk’s first mayor, Rita Kalmbach, also came from Port Dover.
The 45-year-old beat out six other candidates, including Simcoe and area councillor Doug Brunton and Ken Hewitt, a former three-term mayor of Haldimand County.
During his last four years in office, Veri spent six months as deputy mayor. He has also been involved with the Norfolk OPP Detachment board, served as chair of the Norfolk County Public Library Board, and participated in the Simcoe BIA, Norfolk’s Economic Development Advisory Committee, and committee of adjustment.
Veri focused his campaign on rebuilding county reserves and aiming to lessen future tax hikes.
“I’m sincerely grateful that people have the confidence and the trust in me,” he said. “They like what I’ve been doing so far, and I guess this is the message to keep doing it.”
Veri was open about Norfolk’s current financial challenges and infrastructure problems leading up to Monday’s vote, which seemed to resonate with voters.
“My approach all along has been to be honest with people. If they’re upset now, maybe later they won’t be; but if I don’t tell them the truth, they’ll never trust me. That’s what people are looking for; that’s what they want. They don’t want big promises or flattery… they want transparency about what’s happening at Norfolk County – that’s a bigger win for me.”
With seven names on the ballot splitting votes significantly, Veri secured just under 30 percent (5,884). Brunton came in second with 3,956 votes while Hewitt took third place with 2,369.
Newly re-elected Ward 1 Coun. Tom Masschaele was joined by his granddaughters Madie White and Hazel Walsh at Norfolk election night headquarters at the Simcoe Rec Centre on Monday, Oct. 26. JACOB ROBINSON /
“Throughout this term of council we’ve all worked hard to communicate what we’re doing and what challenges we face – we’re not trying to hide or avoid our responsibilities.. we’re not looking for an easy way out,” Veri stated. “The community knows there are challenges ahead and they expect us to tackle them.”
Tie Vote in Ward 4
Chris Van Paassen will have to wait a bit longer to find out if he’ll secure a third term representing Ward 4 or if challenger Jeni Lambert will take over. Unofficial results show both candidates received exactly 858 votes each – which means a recount is necessary.
“That’s about as close as it ever gets,” Van Paassen remarked with a smile. “It triggers an automatic process; the clerk will review everything when they can.”
Norfolk’s deputy clerk mentioned that once results are certified and a tie is declared official, there are 15 days allotted for completing a recount.
According to Ontario law if candidates remain tied after a recount occurs, then the clerk can randomly select one winner from among them.
Drew Hemsley finished third in Ward 3 with 410 votes.
New Faces Joining Council
Incumbents Tom Masschaele (Ward 1), Linda Vandendriessche (Ward 2), Alan Duthie (Ward 5), and Kim Huffman (Ward 7) were all successful in their re-election efforts. They’ll be joined by newcomers Hetty Verlinden (Ward 3), Ryan Boyko (Ward 5), and Zvonko Horvat (Ward 6).
Verlinden received 1,213 votes or roughly 55.7 percent of those cast in Delhi area elections replacing Mike Columbus who plans to retire after serving local council for over four decades.
Norfolk Ward 3 Councillor-elect Hetty Verlinden is congratulated by outgoing councillor Mike Columbus at the Simcoe Rec Centre on election night (Oct. 26). Columbus represented Ward 3 Delhi area for forty years. JACOB ROBINSON /
Columbus supported Verlinden throughout her campaign journey as an area farmer.
“It was quite an effort; I really jumped into this because I want change,” Verlinden noted. “Michael has been incredibly encouraging… At one point I questioned my decisions but he told me: ‘You jumped into Lake Erie on Pennsylvania’s side; you’re three-quarters through it; you’ve got to keep swimming’.”
A familiar face returning for residents will now represent Port Dover-Horvat-the former Inspector from Norfolk OPP-who gained more than 1 ,800 votes which accounted for over 41 percent. p >With 1 ,900 votes , Boyko ranked second in Ward 5 behind incumbent Duthie(2 ,210)and ahead of Mike Storoschuk(1 ,569). Brunton who chose torun formayorwas another incumbent withintheward. Ward5(Simcoe)is uniqueinthatitselectstwo councillors. p >“I’m just incredibly overwhelmed,” Boyko expressed.“I didn’t get into this race expectingto win ; I wanted tomake some noise. This showsme that others feelas frustratedanddisgruntledas I did. If Icanbe their voicein councilthatmeanseverythingtome.” p >Liz Whiton , Eva Dixon , Rita Collver, and Lorraine De Jongwereall electedas trusteesfor Grand Eriedistrictschoolboard. Dennis Blakeand Carol Lucianiwereacclaimedstrusteeswith Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. p >In total ,20 ,162ballotswerecastin Norfolk. p >
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