Hugh Mackenzie says he will not be the next District of Muskoka Chair.
Mackenzie had put his name forward for the position, but that was before the Progressive Conservative provincial government passed the Better Local Government Act. That act, which became law in August, was the legislation that changed the Chair election back to a council vote, rather than an open election.
A former mayor of Huntsville, Mackenzie had put his name forward for consideration for the open vote. But now, he says, he will not be putting his name in for the council vote. Originally it was incumbent John Klinck, former District Chair Gord Adams, and Mackenzie that had filed to run in the open vote for District Chair.
Mackenzie points out you only need the support from 12 of 22 councillors to claim the Chair position. “There is no sense in standing (for the position) if you can’t count to 12,” says Mackenzie. He says taking on Klinck in the District Council forum may be too difficult because he “is very good at making promises to councillors.”
He did add that if more people intend to run and possibly dilute the field he might consider filing for nomination. Prospective nominees have until November 20th to file their name with the District for consideration, with a council vote following on December 10th.
The My Muskoka Now Newsroom has reached out to John Klinck and Gord Adams for comment on their plans as well.