With the only other councillor who has expressed an interest in the position of mayor pulling out of the race, citing disenchantment with the process, Deputy Mayor Karin Terziano is set to be officially sworn in as Huntsville’s first female mayor at a special council meeting on Tuesday morning (December 17, 2019).
Terziano has been doing the job since former Mayor Scott Aitchison took a leave of absence to run for the position of member of parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka. She will continue in the role until the next municipal election, set for October 23, 2022.
According to a staff report to council, holding a byelection would have cost the municipality just over $100,000 in unbudgeted expenditures as well as staff time. Community members have been divided on the issue – some calling for fiscal restraint while urging the deputy mayor to fill in as the mayor for the remainder of the term. While others, particularly Councillor Tim Withey who has expressed interest in the position and unsuccessfully ran for council’s top job in 2014, have argued that you cannot put a price on democracy.
With Terziano being officially appointed by council as Mayor of Huntsville, her ward seat will be declared as vacant and council will once more be required to make a decision about how to fill it.
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Congratulations, to the newly appointed Mayor. All the best for this term and into the future Karin Terziano.
Totally proud you will support our town. Bob Bulloch
Congratulations Karin, we know you’ll be a great Mayor
Marlene and BK Robinson
I was disturbed by the decision, even the option being there, to appoint a new mayor and save the $100,000 cost of the customary democratic process of electing a new mayor by appointing one (although that figure pales in comparison to the asteroid about to hit the town in form of a tax-eating brand new hospital, but I digress). That being said, Karin Terziano has proven her dedication to the people of Huntsville over the years and I welcome her to her new position as mayor. All’s well that ends well.
Congradulations Karen,well deserved.Huntsville is lucky to have you at the helm,with your exsperience and dedication!
Mike Stevens
Karen, a proud moment for you I am confident in your leadership and service
Nancy Missouri
Thank you for clarifying this Tim as the other was misleading and puts a different spin on Karin’s “appointment “ not election.
Congratulations Karin! Over many years now, whether we needed a blue box, worked on getting a big theatre production on the Algonquin Theatre stage, needed attention on our street when the winter parking situation grew unsafe & required by-law changes, etc., you have proven in every position served at our Town Hall or on Council to be an engaged, committed, trustworthy, hard working, citizen of this community. You have responded to our calls promptly and worked through to completion, helping navigate through every problem or situation that has arisen. Thank you Karin, we are grateful & delighted you will serve as our Mayor! Our very best wishes to you! Michele & Jim Collins
This is a good thing!!!
Congratulations Karen!!
A proud day for the Famiglia and a long ways from your gramps Italian Alpine village of Meana di Susa!!
So deserving and so cool!!!
Yay!!
Congratulations Karin – I was so excited to hear this news! Huntsville is lucky to have you, as your dedication to the town has been unwavering.
Congratulations once again Karen! This is really great news.
Congratulations, Karin. You exemplify the title of Public Servant, as opposed to the many who seek office (or a seat in the bureaucracy) to, above all, serve themselves. Good on you!
Just to set the record straight I did not “pull out of the race”. I never once publicly stated that I was interested in the position. I admit I may have spoken to some people back when Scott had expressed an interest in running federally, prior to Karin expressing her interest in becoming mayor. In fact, I met with Ms. Terziano prior to the decision to not go through with a by-election to tell her that I was too busy to contemplate the mayor position at this time. It’s important to me that this decision to appoint the mayor rather than holding a by-election had no bearing on my personal decisions. I remain committed to the democratic process in all relevant situations.
Wonderful choice… all the best Karin.
A perfect choice!
CONGRATULATIONS KARIN!!! Wonderful news, I was so hoping you would be Huntsville’s next mayor. While I no longer live in Huntsville, but in St. Catharines, I still maintain a strong interest in Huntsville, and am every thankful to Liz Rice for Doppler!! I know you are a strong advocate for Huntsville, and will do your very best for the people you represent. Blessings, Betty.