District chair race between Klinck, Adams, Mackenzie may not be public vote

BRACEBRIDGE — Residents and taxpayers hoping to elect their first District of Muskoka chair may be out of luck.

Premier Doug Ford stunned Ontarians Friday, July 27,  when he said intends to introduce provincial legislation that would, if passed, amend both the Municipal Act and the Municipal Elections Act to reverse changes, introduced in 2016, that mandate the election of regional chairs in York, Peel, Niagara, and Muskoka Regions.

If passed, this legislation would result in Muskoka returning to the system that was in place prior to 2016; the appointment of the district chair by the newly-elected members of district council at its inaugural meeting that is scheduled for Monday December 10, 2018, says the district on its website Friday.

But Ford also seemed to say he wanted to appoint various regional chairs himself.

It should become clear next week when the legislation is tabled at Queen’s Park.

Friday was the final day for town and district candiates to announce their intention to run.

The district chair’s race could be interesting three-way contest.

Current chair John Klinck, who has been in office two terms, is being challenged by past chair Gord Adams (four terms), who he unseated; and by Hugh Mackenzie (two terms), who Adams replaced.

Nominations are now closed for all municipal candidates.