By Adam Frisk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Municipal finances, housing, emergency services and the possibility of amalgamation were among the main issues raised at the Sept. 12 all-candidates meeting at the Cardiff Community Centre.
Hosted by the Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project, the meeting gave the public a chance to question candidates running in Highlands East.
Much of the discussion centred on finances and the importance of maintaining the township’s rural identity.
Mayoral candidate Cheryl Ellis focused heavily on the possibility of amalgamation, warning that it could mean a loss of local decision-making power.
“I’m deeply concerned about the possibility of amalgamation,” Ellis said, pointing to the risks of higher taxes, lost assets and services shifting out of the township. “All I can think about is losing our identity.”
Incumbent mayor Dave Burton pushed back on concerns about the township’s finances, pointing to its balance sheet during his time in office.
“We’ve worked very hard as a team to keep Highlands East debt-free,” Burton told the crowd.
Mayoral candidate Krystle Anne Pegg outlined plans for her first 100 days in office, with housing among her priorities. She called for changes to planning rules to allow additional dwelling units, making it easier for residents to build rental suites on existing properties.
“I would like to make sure that our Official Plan is actually amended so that we can get additional dwelling units so that everybody can have a little suite… so that there is affordable housing,” Pegg said.
Mayoral candidate Mike Killingsworth focused on his connection to the township, his background and his reasons for wanting to serve the community.
“I share the love for the community. I’m here to do the best I can for you, be transparent, and use the skills and knowledge that I’ve gained to serve you well,” he said.
Challenger Steven Kauffeldt spoke about his roots in Cardiff and past council experience while advocating for transparent leadership and direct input from taxpayers.
“I sat on council for the years of 2010-14, representing the people of Cardiff and I have sat on numerous committees,” he said. “I have the experience to take on this job and I think it’s important that we have someone who listens and that’s one thing I can bring to the table. We need to protect what’s here. Fire halls are critical. Essential services are critical. We need to get Highlands East building again.”
Emergency response times were another major concern, particularly amid suggestions about possible consolidation of local fire halls. Candidates rejected the idea of closing stations, with Ellis arguing that all halls are needed to maintain coverage. Pegg said closing fire halls could also lead to higher home insurance premiums for rural property owners.
Voting in the municipal election concludes Oct. 26.
