Selwyn councillor not running in this fall’s election
Gerry Herron has served two terms, but wants to see ‘new ideas’ on council
Smith Ward Coun. Gerry Herron in Selwyn Township will not be seeking to reclaim his seat in the Oct. 24 municipal election.
Herron said he made the final decision about a month ago, remaining true to his initial plan to serve no longer than eight years.
Herron was first elected in 2014 and acclaimed in 2018. He wants to leave the door open for “new ideas” on council by vacating his position.
“I always said two terms were enough,” Herron told the Examiner. “It’s nice to get fresh blood in there after eight years to get some new ideas to achieve the betterment of the community.”
Remaining in the same position for too long leads to complacency, he added.
“If you don’t change things up, you’re just going to keep making the doughnuts the same way.”
Herron doesn’t keep track of any individual accomplishments during his time as councillor — he’d rather chalk up the shared achievements of council as a whole.
Improvements have been made in the Building and Planning Department, he said, which is something he ran on eight years ago.
“And we still, after eight years, have the lowest tax rate in the county, which is important to our residents. We strive to make customer service a top priority in the township and we have made significant strides there with ease of access and how we conduct business with our customers.”
In terms of improvements, Herron would still like to see access to natural gas, high-speed internet and reliable cell coverage across the entire community.
After entering into politics ready to take the new stage by storm, Herron said he soon realized the stark difference between expectations and reality.
“The government process is a lot slower … which I get now. When I first got in there, I was rip-roaring, ready to go. It’s a big learning curve,” he said.
Herron, for the sake of continuity and consistency, said he’ll be backing current Deputy Mayor Sherry Senis in her bid for mayor.
“We’ve got tremendous people in Selwyn. The passion they have for the tasks they take on; the volunteers who donate their time, money, equipment. It’s a great community with great spirit and they love living in Selwyn.”
Mayor Andy Mitchell and Ennismore Ward Coun. Donna Ballantyne have both stated they will not be running for re-election.