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Getty caught in 'web of truth'

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Tillsonburg councillor Mel Getty was caught in a ‘web of truth’ at the 2014 mayor’s levee.

He was already planning to run again in the October municipal election. And while he wasn’t going to make his intentions official that early, the retired OPP inspector wasn’t about to lie when queried on the subject.

“I’m honest and couldn’t say ‘no,’” he smiled Thursday morning inside his Tillsonburg home office. “I had no intentions of declaring that early – but I didn’t expect to be asked.”

Getty’s time on council has passed quickly since being elected as a first-time candidate in the previous municipal campaign. Currently, he has filed papers to run for one of five councillor positions.

“I feel very strongly we have accomplished a lot of positive things,” Getty said, alluding to a reduction in town debt and corresponding rise in reserves, accompanied by a reduction in interest payments of $500,000 by the end of the term.

“I feel really good about what we have accomplished but there is more to accomplish.”

He put his name forward originally based in part on enjoying interaction with people coupled with a desire to ‘pay back’ Tillsonburg after job requirements meant he meant he was more active in others, than a home community which has been very good for Getty and his family. Those factors still hold true.

“Four years doesn’t seem enough payback for what I’ve gotten out of this town – I want to do more.”

Getty finds he still thoroughly enjoys working with people and dedicating his time to something constructive and useful. He reiterated his original promise to work hard for the betterment of the community, “for the community as a whole.”

Getty also pledged to maintain focus on fiscal matters, striving to continue an effort to lower debt and build reserves.

“And providing all the services the community is used to at a level that is satisfactory to them.”

Council duties can be challenging at times, Getty is prepared to meet those challenges, based in part on his background, which he believes provided excellent not unrelated training.

“You gather facts, you do your research and you base decisions on what is before you.”

Someone has to be there, Getty added, and based on background and work history, he believes he meets the necessary criteria.

“I do enjoy it,” he concluded. “I would do it again.”

 

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