It might come down to experience versus a fresh voice when it comes to voting for Saugeen Shores’ Deputy Mayor.
Incumbent Doug Freiburger and challenger and current councillor Luke Charbonneau seemed to agree or have similar stances on most issues.
They both agree the community’s voice has been lost on the issue of wind turbines, and the province needs to have less control under the Green Energy Act.
When it comes to spending, Freiburger says we can have a leaner municipality.
He believes council can do away with the costly consulting used in the past, and there has to be a different way to do planning and studies in the community.
Freiburger also says there needs to be a plan for the entire waterfront, and suggests using a community panel to generate ideas.
However, Charbonneau says they need to re-strike the waterfront committee.
He says that was disbanded by the current mayor, deputy mayor and vice-deputy mayor, and they need to put it back together, with community members as well, and come up with a plan for the beaches.
Another issue Freiburger addressed is the increase of traffic in Saugeen Shores.
He says there are safety issues that need to be looked at, and he’d like to explore that through greater police enforcement and other speed-calming devices.
Meanwhile, Charbonneau is very vocal about the need for an economic development officer in Saugeen Shores.
He says while the Community Services Director and Business Enterprise Centre is focusing on economic development, Charbonneau says it’s on top of their other duties.
He feels the town needs a full time officer because it will help support business and grow business and jobs in the community.
He says it’s something current council is not taking seriously enough.
Both candidates appeared on a special edition of Soundingboard on Thursday on 98 the Beach.
