By Anne Finlay-Stewart

After being acclaimed as the city's county councillor in the past two elections, Arlene Wright says it is a very different feeling being elected by her community as Deputy Mayor. The position was only created by council in 2012, but it will return her to both the city council and Grey county council tables.

Wright had announced her retirement almost three years ago for personal reasons, and was briefly concerned she would not be complete her term, but those issues are resolved and she is eager to continue her public work.

Wright is disappointed there were so few women elected, as she believes women have a different perspective from men. "Women tend to be more compassionate, and they bring skills from running a home," she said. She credits some of that "homemaking style" for her success as a two-term Grey county warden. "Having a cookie jar - something set aside for a rainy day - that's a woman's style."

Although she was encouraged to run by former mayor Ruth Lovell-Stanners, Wright says she will be able to work well with Ian Boddy. "He was a good councillor - he'll be a good mayor", she says. Wright too is concerned about the city's economic development. "Either the county needs to take over economic development and promote the region, or the city needs to put more money into doing that itself." She believes that Owen Sound depends on the business of its neighbours, and it must improve those relationships. Wright would like to see an end to the policy of reviewing development decisions of Grey County and its municipalities, because it implies they are not doing their jobs.

Looking over the incoming council, Wright believes the city will become more friendly to business and development.

Anne Finlay-Stewart is Community Editor of Owensoundhub.org. She can be reached at annekfs@gmail.com.