To quote a well known sports figure, “It’s deja vu all over again.”
That’s how the race for Bruce County Warden is shaping up this year.
On Thursday — Kincardine Mayor Larry Kraemer told fellow county councillors of his intention to run for the Warden’s chair in December.
He says he’s the most experienced councillor who has not served as warden and in addition, the municipality of Kincardine has not had a warden since amalgamation.
Kraemer feels this is his opportunity to serve as Warden since in the past he’s always stepped out of the way for more experienced councillors to assume the chair.
If Kraemer should be successful, he would be continuing a family tradition.
His grandfather, Peter Murray of Kinloss, served as warden in 1966.
Also in the running is the incumbent Warden, Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith.
Smith says one year is simply not enough time for a Warden to achieve the goals of the county.
He says ultimately, Bruce County councillors will have to address the length of the term of warden.
For instance, Smith feels he has moved forward the first steps with First Nations on engagement protocol.
Smith says this issue is going to be important to all communities within Bruce County and he feels he has a good working relationship with both First Nations chiefs to further the process along.
It was a year ago, that Smith and Kraemer went head to head in a Warden’s election won in a squeaker vote by Smith.
The same scenario will unfold at county council’s inaugural meeting in December when a new Warden for 2011 will be chosen.
