Current Bracebridge district councillor Don Smith has stepped forward to run to be the next District of Muskoka Chair.
Smith was elected as one of Bracebridge’s three district representatives alongside Brenda Rhodes and Tatiana Sutherland. He received the most votes of the five candidates that were nominated.
Amy Back, district clerk, says if Smith wins his seat as district councillor would be vacated, similar to what happened when former Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith became Parry Sound-Muskoka’s MPP. She explains, if he wins, his seat would be vacated during Bracebridge’s Dec. 19 council meeting.
She adds the seat would need to be filled.
He joins former Gravenhurst councillor and mayoral candidate Terry Pilger as the candidates so far running to be district chair. The cut-off for other candidates to step forward is November 15th.
Now that two candidates have stepped forward, there will be a debate. It will be held on Nov. 28 at 3 PM and will be moderated by Bracebridge lawyer Jean Polak. Questions can be submitted for the debate ahead of time by district councillors, members of the public, and the media.
A secret ballot vote will be held by district council on Dec. 5 to choose the next chair.
Former District of Muskoka Chair John Klinck announced his retirement earlier this year.