The period for filing to run for the position of District of Muskoka Chair closed today with the last candidate, Howard Rosenthal, handing in his nomination papers.
Rosenthal is a business consultant and retired chartered accountant. He ran unsuccessfully to represent Ridout/McLean Wards in the Township of Lake of Bays in 2014.
The position has been a popular one with six candidates throwing their name in the ring, following the retirement of outgoing District of Muskoka Chair John Klinck who announced in July that he would not seek reappointment.
In January 2022, District council approved an annual increase of $2,400 for the position of District chair. That means for years 1-4 of the new term of council, the District of Muskoka chair will receive $100,730, $103,130, $105,530, and $107,930 respectively, plus benefits.
The District of Muskoka released the following information Tuesday:
Applications now closed – District Chair candidates announced
The District of Muskoka’s seat for the Office of District Chair will soon be filled for the next four years. Applications opened earlier this spring – six (6) applications were received by the deadline at 4:00 p.m. today.
The following candidates have submitted nomination papers for the position:
- Curry Clifford
- Jeffrey Lehman
- Terry Pilger
- Howard Rosenthal
- Don Smith
- Tim Withey
A “Meet the Candidates” debate is scheduled in the District’s Council Chamber and will be webcast for community viewing.
Meet the Candidates: District Chair Debate – Monday, November 28, 2022
Jean Polak, a local Bracebridge Lawyer has been appointed to moderate the event. The six candidates will come together in person on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. in the District’s Council Chamber.
Community members are encouraged to submit questions in advance for consideration with Ms. Polak administering the debate process.
Members of the public, media, Council-elect, and staff can submit questions for consideration by Ms. Polak by Thursday, November 24, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. by e-mailing the District Clerk, Amy Back at [email protected].
If you require assistance or would like to submit a question over the telephone, we’re here to help. Please contact the District Clerk at 705-645-2100 ext. 4253.
Community members are encouraged to view the proceedings via the District’s webcast.
The District Chair is anticipated to be announced on December 5, 2022.
Newly-elected Councillors will be sworn in at the first Council meeting on December 5, 2022. During this meeting, Councillors will select the next District Chair via a secret ballot.
Dates at a glance:
- Applications close: Monday, November 15, 2022 – 4:00 p.m.
- Deadline for Questions for Debate: Thursday, November 24, 2022 – 4:30 p.m.
- Meet the Candidates Debate: Monday, November 28, 2022 – 3:00 p.m.
- District Chair appointed: Monday, December 5, 2022 – 3:00 p.m.
Related: Will there be a contest for the position of Muskoka District chair?
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Mr. Reid we can’t have just one mayor for Muskoka. I don’t know if you are from Muskoka but there is no possibility of all the towns requiring or wanting the same things.
We maybe don’t need District if something must go.
To Dudley Reid, I couldn’t agree with You more. As for Jacquie Howell her statement quoted ” I am delighted to see outsiders as there will be no baggage and no favours ” un quote. Wow! obviously Mrs Howell has no elected political back round and is expressing her views with much naivety. Like every citizen regardless she has a right to express an opinion just as I do, I am thankful we live in a country that can still can enjoy for the most part have freedom of free speech. Respectively submitted, Thanks, John
Muskoka should be like Toronto, – one city and one elected Mayor!
Obviously, this is a plum job. I am delighted to see outsiders as there will be no baggage and no favours owed to any area or and member of council
A strong unbiased leader with a vision would be a gift. Good luck to all and may we as residents of the District elect the Chair in the near future. Accountability is important.
In regards to 6 candidates in the running District Chair, as a former Town & District Councillor in my opinion out of the 6 candidates , I would urge Councilors to focus only on those candidates with experience with District of Muskoka elected past and or present council positions. The reasons for my opinion and many other residents are quite obvious. Good Luck & May the best of the 3 candidates win.