Incumbent Councillor Bob Stone has announced he is seeking another term representing Huntsville on both Town and District council in this fall’s municipal election.
Stone, who was first elected to Huntsville Town Council in 2014. He has served two terms as a ward councillor and one term as Town and District councillor.
Outside municipal politics, he has owned and operated three businesses, including the former Christmas Tyme store on Main Street for 20 years. He also manages an industrial property and works in home renovations.
In addition to his council responsibilities, Stone serves as a board member of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, chairs Huntsville’s Planning Council, and is chair of the Town’s Active Transportation and Transit Committee.
As he launches his re-election campaign, Stone said housing and health care remain the municipality’s most pressing issues.
“Housing and healthcare remain the two top priorities,” he said. “Together with Scott Morrison, we created a doctor recruitment program that has attracted eight new doctors to town, with more on the way.”
Stone also pointed to planning initiatives completed during the current term, saying council has adopted policies that identify appropriate areas for higher-density development while protecting environmentally and culturally significant areas.
“As Chair of Planning Council, we have implemented a plan that outlines where it’s appropriate to build taller, but more importantly where development cannot go, to protect what we love about Huntsville,” he said.
Reflecting on his first term at the District of Muskoka, Stone described it as productive but very expensive.
He noted the District has committed significant funding toward increasing rental and affordable housing, contributing to the local share for new hospitals, and supporting construction of the new Fairvern long-term care home.
Looking ahead, Stone said he is concerned about the province’s move to appoint the District Chair rather than have the position elected by sitting councillors.
“I am deeply concerned about the undemocratic appointment of the District Chair, and I hope to be the strong, experienced voice at the table to hold this appointee to account,” he said.
Stone said he will unveil his full campaign platform in the coming weeks and plans to meet with residents by canvassing neighbourhoods throughout the campaign.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
0 Comments