Terry Thake

Sep 25, 2014

Councillor

Terry Thake – Council should listen more

Terry Thake is continuing a long-standing family tradition by running for Council in Loughborough District.

His uncle, Bill Thake, was the longest-serving head of Council in Ontario. He died suddenly last year while he was still the mayor of Westport.

Terry has lived for 43 years on Eel Bay of Sydeham Lake, in Loughborough District, South Frontenac. He is from Westport, which is some kilometres up the road. He said, “I moved here because I married a girl from Perth Road.”

The Thakes have certainly settled in over the years. Terry is involved in the monument business, selling for a company out of Belleville, but most of his work centers around the homestead. He runs a cattle operation, rents cottages, sells firewood, and sometimes drives school bus for his wife. The Thakes’ son, daughter and grandchildren live nearby with their families as well.

He says that he is running for Council because it is something he has always wanted to do and this was a good time to put his name forward.

“There are a lot of people out there who are against Council,” he said. “There is a big hubbub over hall rentals. I think people should get back something for the taxes they pay and free use of the halls would at least be something. Most of the people who use the halls are older and they get to use the halls to have a bit of fun, and we shouldn't take that away.”

He also said that he thinks keeping taxes from rising too much can be accomplished by reining in some of the equipment purchases made by the fire and public works departments.

“I've talked to the guys on the roads and fire departments, the guys who do the work, and they don't think we need some of this new equipment,” he said

Beyond any specific issue, Thake believes it is important for councilors to be honest and respectful of each other, and the public.

“When someone comes before Council, they deserve to be listened to by Council. I say you should listen to people, take them seriously and then decide what to do. It may not be the decision they want, but at least they get a real hearing.”