A new name has been added to the Bracebridge Municipal Election race. Don Smith recently filed his papers for District Councillor. The longtime Muskoka publisher and editor says there are a number of challenges and opportunities that must be on the agenda in the next term. “Over the past couple of years, there have been many groups and individuals who have expressed a desire to see a change in the direction taken by both the Town and District councils,” says Smith. “These people have offered many good ideas.”
Smith says there are a number of issues requiring more debate and action, such as record vacancies in the Bracebridge retail sector, the potential restructuring of the hospital and its impact on health care in Bracebridge, a long-requested review of local government in Muskoka, better coordination of marketing and branding campaigns, a municipal action plan focused on job creation and the development of better-paying jobs, the downloading of policing costs from the province to the District of Muskoka and the need for open and regular consultation with the community.
Currently, there are three other candidates vying for the position, including Steve Clement, Joey Baratto and John Duck. The election is happening October 27th. For details, visit the Town’s website.