It’s been three weeks since nominations opened for fall’s municipal election and the race for local office is heating up in some parts of Haliburton County.
There were 19 confirmed candidates as of noon May 20, with nine people registering in Minden Hills, six in Dysart et al, three in Highlands East and one in Algonquin Highlands.
The biggest news came out of Dysart after Greg Bishop and Pat Casey this week announced their candidacy for mayor. Incumbent Murray Fearrey has already stated he will not seek re-election, calling time on his 50-year political career. Bishop is a retired Ontario land surveyor and engineer, while Casey runs two local businesses and is the current Ward 1 councillor.
Walt McKechnie has filed his papers, seeking another term as deputy mayor. He was acclaimed to the position in the 2022 election.
There are three men confirmed as candidates for different wards in Dysart – Carm Sawyer wants a second term in Ward 4, filing on May 11; Danny Roberts, a retired banker, is running again in Ward 1 after an unsuccessful bid four years ago; while Haliburton Legion president Mike Waller is seeking election in Ward 2.
While sitting councillors Barry Boice and Tammy Donaldson have confirmed they will be seeking another term, they have yet to officially file their papers. There’s no word yet from Nancy WoodRoberts, the representative for Ward 2.
In Algonquin Highlands, incumbent Lisa Barry is the only confirmed nominee. She’s seeking re-election in Ward 2 after filing her paperwork May 15. Other sitting members, including mayor Liz Danielsen, deputy mayor Jennifer Dailloux and councillors Julia Shortreed and Sabrina Richards have yet to file.
It’s been quiet in Highlands East too. Angela Lewis, the current Ward 2 representative, Cecil Ryall, deputy mayor and Ward 3 representative, and Ruth Strong, the Ward 4 councillor have filed, but there have been no new candidates thus far, and nothing from longtime mayor and County warden, Dave Burton, nor coun. Cam McKenzie.
Most of the action has been in Minden Hills thus far. There’s a three-way battle for mayor, with Pam Sayne, Tammy McKelvey and Pat Kitcheman all confirmed. Lisa Schell has also filed, seeking another term as deputy mayor.
Ron Nesbitt and Bob Sisson are going for councillor at large, with incumbents Shirley Johannessen and Ivan Ingram filing for Ward 1 and Stephen Hertel for Ward 2.
Council hopefuls have until Aug. 21 to be approved as candidates, with an official list to be posted Aug. 24. The election will take place Oct. 26.
