Written By Jan Sims
There will be a new mayor in Middlesex Centre when the votes are counted on October 26th. A decision by current mayor, Aina DeViet, not to run for office, removes the possibility of an incumbent.
Two candidates are vying for the job; current Deputy Mayor John Brennan, and Thames Valley School Board trustee, Sean Hunt.
“For me, running for Mayor is about continuing to serve the community I have called home my entire life and helping ensure Middlesex Centre remains a strong place to live, work, farm, raise a family, and build a future,” says Brennan.
“I think this moment calls for fresh energy at our council table and a full-time voice at County Council, where decisions about our roads, paramedic service and economic future get made. I’m not running with a list of assumptions about what people want. I’ve been asking residents directly what matters to them, and I intend to keep doing that as mayor,” says Hunt.
Middlesex Centre is a fast-growing community, and that brings challenges. The new mayor takes over at a time when a lot of attention is focused on issues like housing.
“Young families are choosing Middlesex Centre, and more of our neighbours want to stay here in retirement, so we need a wider range of housing options than we have today: homes young families can afford to start in, and homes that let seniors stay in the community they built. The province has funding and programs for housing, and as mayor I’ll lead council in putting Middlesex Centre first in line for them, while respecting our farms and rural character,” says Hunt.
“We know the need is there, but creating meaningful solutions can be challenging. We need to continue working with developers, other levels of government, and our communities to encourage a range of housing options while ensuring growth is responsible and supported by appropriate infrastructure,” says Brennan.
As to their leadership style, both candidates stress the need for collaboration.
“As Mayor, my role would be to help bring people together, encourage open and respectful discussion, and ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute. We may not always agree, but we can listen to one another, find common ground, and make decisions that are in the best interests of Middlesex Centre,” says Brennan.
“I show up having read the material, I ask direct questions, and I expect straight answers, but I’ve spent my career leading teams, not giving orders. The best decisions come from a council that agrees at the table, with staff who feel respected and residents who feel heard. I also believe in evidence over assumption,” says Hunt.
