A familiar face on the Township of Lake of Bays Council is setting his sights on a larger role in municipal government.
Rick Brooks, a two-term ward councillor, has announced that he will be filing nomination papers on Tuesday to run for the District of Muskoka Council seat representing Sinclair, Finlayson, and Franklin wards in the October municipal election. In doing so, Brooks has also confirmed that he will not be seeking the mayor’s chair.
Brooks said the decision came after months of reflection about how he could best serve residents as both the Township of Lake of Bays and the District of Muskoka prepare to tackle significant challenges in the years ahead.
“This has been a difficult decision and one that has consumed me for the past couple of months, knowing that the challenges we have met as a council, especially over this current term, requires a strong mandate to continue the great work that council and staff has accomplished and needs to see the right person leading council and was I that person?” questioned Brooks.
“I could be that person, but temper that by realizing the impact I can have, still with my constituents locally but also at the district level, speaking up for what affects our residents the most, and trust that the right mayoralty candidate has yet to declare.”
Brooks said he was surprised by the level of encouragement he received from residents across the township to enter the mayoral race.
“I was caught off-guard with the wealth of residents who were encouraging me to run for mayor, and from all parts of the township. It is very humbling and appreciated to have had this kind of support,” he said.
“Trust those will not be too disappointed by my decision to continue to represent them, but as their district councillor.”
Having served two terms on Township of Lake of Bays Council, Brooks pointed to the accomplishments made by council and staff over the past four years, but said more work remains.
“We cannot rest on the significant accomplishments of the past term, as I believe the Township and the District of Muskoka are going to be facing some major challenges and that a cohesive council will be necessary to ensure we do not take steps backwards,” he said.
Brooks’ entry into the District Council race adds another name to the growing list of candidates preparing for the October municipal election. If elected, he would represent residents at both the Township and District levels, helping shape decisions on issues ranging from infrastructure and housing to regional services and long-term planning.
Nomination papers for municipal candidates continue to be filed ahead of the election campaign, with residents expected to learn more about the full slate of candidates in the coming weeks.
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