Richard Dykstra wants to be Wainfleet’s next mayor
Growth and future development in Wainfleet needs a steady leader with a balanced approach, said Richard Dykstra Thursday morning as he announced he is running for mayor.
“I will ensure that proper decisions are made. I have a proven track record of listening to all of the facts and I will ensure that every council decision will include input from all stakeholders and citizens,” the two-term alderman said.
Dykstra said Wainfleet needs growth in its underdeveloped hamlet areas of Burnaby, Winger and the village itself.
Growth is needed in those areas, he said, to keep Wainfleet viable and to keep the tax levy at an acceptable level.
While encouraging growth and more businesses — especially small businesses which are numerous in the township — Dykstra said there needs to be a balance.
“We need to preserve the areas that need to be preserved … focusing on agricultural and natural areas.”
The agricultural community, he said, is the backbone of the community and must be be maintained.
“I know it, I grew up in it. I’ll be Wainfleet’s voice at all levels of government (for agriculture),” said the cash crop farmer who grows mainly corn and soybeans.
Dykstra, who works full time at Ben Berg Farm & Industrial Equipment, said he’s proud of the work he’s done in relation to the township’s fire services. That work involved coming to an agreement with the volunteer firefighter association, working on a new fire hall, the purchase of three new trucks and decision on hiring a full-time chief and deputy chief.
“I have the experience and focus to deliver results. Wainfleet will get its fair share and will be well-positioned for the future. Wainfleet is the jewel of Niagara and I want to maintain that.”