There was a late flurry of political activity across the County last week, with the nomination deadline for October’s municipal election Friday (Aug. 21).
After a low turnout in 2022, when 12 of 24 council positions in Algonquin Highlands, Dysart et al, Highlands East and Minden Hills were filled by acclamation – meaning only one person registered for the seat – it’s a much larger picture this time around.
There are 57 candidates, up from 41 in 2022. Most importantly, said Sean Pennylegion of the Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project (HHHDP), there will only be one acclamation.
Karla MacKay will serve as the Ward 1 representative in Algonquin Highlands, replacing two-term councillor Julia Shortreed, who didn’t seek re-election. There are contests for every other position, including five people vying for mayor in Highlands East, and four in Minden Hills. “To see this level of activity is incredible,” said Pennylegion, who formed the HHHDP with Lauren Hunter, Carol Moffatt, Barrie Martin and Jessica Slade to educate people about local political processes.
Democracy group urges voters to make voices count
“We wanted to reduce the number of acclamations, get more people excited about local-level politics and to get involved. With three of four municipalities having 15 or more candidates, we definitely feel there’s an increased interest.”
All townships have more candidates, with 17 in Minden Hills (up from 11), 16 in Dysart (up from 15), 15 in Highlands East (up from seven) and nine in Algonquin Highlands (up from eight).
“The fact more people have put their hand in the air and said, ‘I can contribute’ is great, that’s exactly what we were shooting for,” Pennylegion said.
The HHHDP held four information sessions educating Highlanders about the realities of life in public office. It can be a thankless job, but one that has more of an impact on people’s day-to-day lives than almost any other, Pennylegion said.
“Local-level government is the one we see and feel the most. Roads, waste, recreation, water – all municipal,” he said.
Lay of the land
Liz Danielsen is seeking re-election for a second mayoral term in Algonquin Highlands. She will again duke it out with Mike Lang, who also ran in 2022.
Greg Bishop and Andrew Nowell are competing for mayor of Dysart et al, while Pat Casey will battle Walt McKechnie for the deputy mayor position.
Incumbent Dave Burton faces stiff competition in Highlands East, where he’s seeking a sixth term. Steven Kauffeldt, Krystle Anne Pegg, Mike Killingsworth and Cheryl Ellis are also in the running.
There’s a four-person race in Minden Hills, with Bob Carter seeking a second term. Current councillors Pam Sayne and Tammy McKelvey are also on the ballot, alongside Pat Kitcheman. Ivan Ingram and Richard Bradley will go head-to-head for deputy mayor.
HHHDP is organizing all-candidates meetings in all four townships; from 9:30 a.m. to noon: Highlands East Sept. 12 at the Cardiff Community Centre; Minden Hills Sept. 19 at the Minden Community Centre; Dysart et al Oct. 3 at the Haliburton Legion; and Algonquin Highlands Oct. 17 at the Stanhope Firefighters’ Community Hall.
Pennylegion said HHHDP will also be distributing mailouts before advanced polls open in October, so people know a little about each candidate. He hopes that will lead to a significant increase to the 26.59 per cent voter turnout in 2022.
“Our turnout was 20 per cent below the provincial average in 2022, which was already not great. I think it’s really important people realize this is the level where you can really have an effect as a voter, so get out there and make your voice count,” Pennylegion said.
