Written By Alan Good
Paul Hodgins looks to return to Lucan Biddulph as mayor. He’s a farmer—soon to be retired—with a strong interest in politics. His home is on the boarders of two townships but maintains he supports Lucan Biddulph, shopping and working, as a life-long resident.
In 2003, he began his career as a councillor in Lucan Biddulph running for 2 terms and then was successful in his bid for mayor in 2010. From 2014 he remained Idle until becoming deputy mayor of North Middlesex in 2022. He’s back because he had heard there is interest in things changing in Lucan Biddulph.
Hodgins’ platform is to lead with fairness, equality for everyone, and transparency, of which he said, “there’s been an awful slip up”. Good leadership and accountability are other tenets, he adds. He will lead by example as there may be a “rookie council” who will need their questions answered.
“I have been there and know how the township works,” Paul asserts, adding he is knowledgeable about budgets and how other governments function.
“You’re just a person at the top,” Paul assured, meaning he would depend on and listen to the opinions of others as he is only one vote. A team player, he believes everyone should respect the opinions of others.
Hodgins brings knowledge of both urban and rural issues. Perhaps unknown to new residents, being away from the limelight for twelve years, he hopes to use YouTube to get the word out about himself.
When he has been out canvasing, he heard concerns about the proposed second ice pad at the arena. He wants to study where finances are and whether a project like this might be a burden on the taxpayer. He will not assume the township can’t afford it. He wants to first, “understand the books”, before proceeding ahead with any decisions.
Should Lucan Biddulph grow more? Who do we blame for losing farmland? Hodgins believes it’s out of council’s hands. Farmers should not be judged if they want to sell to a developer. “If you don’t like it, then you better buy the farm,” he added.
The sewer plant cost wasn’t disclosed; he mentioned as an example of what he means by transparency.
Downtown viability? Perhaps business has moved away. Possibly grants and encouragement need to continue, he feels. More variety is needed.
Paul Hodgins plans to win on experience and sincerity.
