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Former Mayor of Barrie throws hat in ring to be next District of Muskoka Chair

Jeff Lehman is the latest name to step forward to run for District of Muskoka Chair.

“I’m offering up my services to district council to help them accomplish their goals,” says Lehman, who called the MyMuskokaNow.com newsroom after submitting his nomination papers.

He believes his municipal experience will serve district council well. “I never claim to know everything, that’s for sure, and I’m learning a lot more as I’ve considered this over the past few weeks,” he continues.

Lehman served as Barrie’s mayor from 2010 until 2022. While serving as mayor, Lehman served as the chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors. He chose not to run for re-election, instead running in the provincial election with the Ontario Liberals. He lost to Progressive Conservative incumbent Doug Downey in Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte by 609 votes.

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He says his family has been coming to Muskoka since the 1990s. Lehman adds they have a home in Huntsville, just on the boundary of Lake of Bays. 

He joins former Gravenhurst councillor Terry Pilger and current Bracebridge district councillor Don Smith as the candidates that have submitted their nomination papers so far. The deadline for candidates to submit their papers in Nov. 15.

A debate between the candidates 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. 

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