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As a former volunteer firefighter for 25 years and multi-term councilman, lifelong Asphodel-Norwood Township resident Patrick Wilford says his commitment to the community, coupled with his ability to work as a team player to achieve goals, makes him a valuable candidate to become the municipality’s next mayor.

Wilford is challenging incumbent Rodger Bonneau. Voters head to the polls on Oct. 24.

While Wilford currently works as a scaffold inspector and trainer at Ontario Power Generation, he entered the world of politics at a young age. When he was 18, Wilford was elected to the Public Utilities Commission in Norwood.

Later, in his 30s, Wilford served two terms as township council. He was then elected deputy reeve (mayor) before being defeated around the time of amalgamation, when Asphodel Township and the Village of Norwood merged to form Asphodel-Norwood Township.

Wilford acted as chair of the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority, was the past president of the Norwood Legion and once received the Queen’s Jubilee Award. For Wilford, running for mayor as another way of contributing to the community he grew up in.

“I like to give back to my community, I’d like to give back to it,” he told The Examiner.

As head of council, Wilford said he’ll focus on physician recruitment and retainment; preparing for population growth and aging demographics — shoring up long-term care — strengthening infrastructure to support growth; fostering economic prosperity and promoting the township to newcomers and tourists alike.

“If elected, I’d continue to keep the great work that previous council and staff has done and make Asphodel Norwood-Township a destination that people want to live in and visit,” Wilford said.

Wilford said he would also like to see more transparency within the township when it comes to keeping taxpayers in the know-how. He said changes could be made to make it easier for elderly or non-tech savvy residents to access township council agendas.

Overall, Wilford says the position of mayor requires working and collaborating closely with a team for the greater good — something he’s prepared to do if elected.

“I bring leadership and team atmosphere. We have to work together to promote, protect and improve partnerships in every aspect of the township,” he said.

“ I’m very notorious for getting a job done and being agreeable and easy to work with.”

Meantime in Asphodel-Norwood, Deputy Mayor Lori Burtt is seeking re-election, so far unchallenged, and all incumbent councillors — Wilburn Archer, Barry Walsh and Paula Warr — are running again.

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