Hawkins has spent three decades in politics
When voters go to the polls this fall, Earl Hawkins’ name will not be on the ballot in Mulmur Township.
“I’ve had enough,” said Hawkins, bowing his head demonstratively.
Increased scrutiny and red tape has made it feel like it is time to bow out, said the man known for his candour and an old-fashioned approach to politics.
Hawkins, 75, was first elected to the Mulmur council in 1991 and served until 1997 and again from 2003 on.
How’d he get into politics? It was with the encouragement of John Newton, who served as a councillor, deputy reeve, and reeve of Mulmur Township between 1970 and 1997.
Hawkins recalls he had been working as a livestock evaluator for the township when Newton encouraged him to run for council.
“Harold Davidson beat me that first run, but not by a lot,” said Hawkins.
He said Davidson encouraged him to try again the next time and he has been successful in every election since, serving under six different mayors.
“I was always interested in the community,” said Hawkins. “I just wanted to help and do what I could. I wasn’t looking to change anything drastically.”
Hawkins has lived his whole life in Perm, a hamlet west of Mansfield. His ancestors were amongst the early settlers in the area, having emigrated from northern Ireland. He still lives in his grandfather’s farmhouse, where he raised four children.
He said the issue that has remained a constant focus of the community is roads – to pave or not to pave?
At one point, said Hawkins, everyone wanted better roads, they wanted them all paved.
At that time Hawkins advocated for the purchase of a gravel pit so that Mulmur could control the supply of sand and gravel. He considers that one of his biggest accomplishments on council because it positioned Mulmur to be self sufficient and save money over time. Then sentiments changed.
“The weekenders came and they didn’t want the roads paved,” he said, because that brings motorcycles, noise and speed.
Hawkins said people call him all the time with their concerns and he was always willing to go with the will of the majority of people.
“We’re servants of the people not lord and God over them,” said Hawkins. “It’s a difficult job and it’s a lot worse than it used to be.”
He said municipalities are losing control as oversight from the provincial governments increases.
Hawkins has served as deputy mayor for 10 years and says he has been on just about every board and committee, including 33 years on the committee of adjustment and 17 years on Mulmur-Melancthon Fire Board.
He has been a lifelong farmer, and has always held jobs off-farm.
“I can’t say enough about the staff,” said Hawkins, referring to them as extended family. “If you don’t have a good staff it’s going to make a councillor’s life a lot more difficult.” In retirement, Hawkins plans to continue farming and visit his hunt camps.
Two candidates for deputy mayor
With the deputy mayor’s chair open, two sitting councillors are vying for the seat.
Two-term councillor Patty Clark said she has had an enjoyable experience, believing that council members have worked well together.
“I felt that I was able to move township initiatives forward in a positive way. I think over the last eight years we’ve made some significant progress in Mulmur,” said Clark. “I was pleased to put my name forward and hopefully I’ll be successful because I’d like to stay on and continue to do the work I’ve been doing.”
In her win column Clark referenced the development of a strategic plan, which encapsulates recreation, fiscal responsibility, growth and development, recreation and a number of other topics. In terms of losses, Clark said she was unable to convince her fellow council members to vote her way to pause big spends for the North Dufferin Community Centre and the pickleball courts at Terra Nova, not because she was against the projects but hoping to adjust the process to ensure long- term comprehensive planning and community consultation. She also failed twice to sway council to vote her way to ban fireworks, something she plans to bring back to the table if re-elected.
“That’s ok, we leave at the end of the day and we move forward and support the decision that was made,” said Clark.
In Dufferin, deputy mayors continue to sit on county council which Clark sees as an another avenue for civic engagement.
When asked about changing provincial oversight and how it will change the role of municipal councils, she said there is a lot for staff to stay on top of.
“It does scare me in some respects, the authority they are able to take over our township and other municipalities,” said Clark.
She said the fact that Mulmur doesn’t have a water treatment facility, due to its rural composition, has helped it remain in its own little bubble.
“That has been to our benefit because we haven’t had the same constraints put on us,” said Clark. “But whatthe province is doing makes me very nervous.”
She said council should continue to stay focused on its infrastructure, bridges and roads and do what it can environmentally, and create programs.
The other candidate for deputy mayor is Andrew Cunningham, who was appointed to council in July of 2022 after a resignation left a vacancy. He then ran successfully in the election that fall, getting 854 votes compared to 877 for Clark.
“I feel I’ve gained the valuable experience needed and developed a strong understanding of what this role calls for,” said Cunningham. “I feel that serving as deputy mayor is the next natural progression for myself and allows me to build on the work that I’ve already been a part of.”
Cunningham said he sees the deputy mayor position providing opportunity for collaborative leadership, both at the lower and upper tier municipality.
“At the county level it allows you to advocate on behalf of Mulmur, working collaboratively with the leaders across the county and you get to help shape county wide policies in support of essential services like paramedic services, longterm care and infrastructure.”
He said traffic on county roads remains a hot topic and impacts not only Mulmur but also Mono and Melancthon.
When asked about priorities in Mulmur, Cunningham said, “I would continue to support a strategic approach to growth that balances responsible development with environmental sustainability and fiscal responsibility.”
Reflecting on his first full term, Cunningham said council has worked well together and he was able to pick up fairly quickly the mechanics of municipal government with guidance from Mayor Janet Horner, who is acclaimed for another term.
The Creemore Echo will have more election coverage in the weeks leading up to the municipal election on Oct. 26. Advance polls open on Oct. 16.
Candidate meetings
Sept. 24
Nottawa Area Residents Association is hosting a meeting for mayor, deputy mayor and Ward 1 candidates at 7 p.m. at Clearview Community Church, 20 Batteaux Rd., Nottawa.
Oct. 3
Mulmur All Candidates Meeting hosted by Mono Mulmur Citizens’ Coalition (MC)2 at the Mulmur Town Office at 10 a.m.
Oct. 6
Escarpment Corridor Alliance is hosting an all-candidates meeting at the Creemore Legion. Doors open at 6 p.m.
