MUSKOKA LAKES — Two candidates have set the ball rolling for the 2010 municipal election race in Muskoka Lakes.
The first mayoralty candidate to file nomination papers for the Oct. 25 municipal election is Bala cottager Jeff Mole, 46. Mole, a strong voice against the hydroelectric project at the Bala Falls, filed on Jan. 26.
A few days later, Muskoka Lakes Ward B councillor Ian Wallace filed for the Ward B district councillor position.
Nancy Thompson, who is currently Ward B district councillor, confirmed Monday she will not be running for re-election.
Thompson has served for one term as a township councillor and two terms as a district councillor, for a total of 10 years. She plans to move to Bracebridge and is not certain about entering the political arena again, she said.
Thompson said she and her husband would like to do some travelling, but she has enjoyed her time on council.
“I have enjoyed it and I hope I have done some good for the township. I was very proud of the Township of Muskoka Lakes and I would like to see it do well,” said Thompson.
Thompson grew up in Bracebridge, but lived in various communities before moving to Muskoka Lakes.
She encourages residents to get involved with municipal politics.
“I hope other people will put their name forward,” she said.
On his decision to run for mayor, Mole said Muskoka Lakes council needs a voice for the public on recent issues, such as the Port Carling boundary expansion and the Swift River Energy Ltd. proposal to build a hydroelectric facility at Bala Falls.
“We need a champion on council for some public values,” said Mole.
Mole ran for township council during the last municipal election, but did not win a seat. This time he said he plans to put forward a strong campaign for the mayor’s position through a website and social media.
The Toronto recruiting professional lives, works and has a family in the city, but said Bala is home.
Mole said he has put forward a number of ideas on township issues in the past.
He said the main issue facing voters is electing a council that will work constructively with the public to ensure sustainable community development in a way that balances and respects the values of all stakeholders.
“I would like to see council facilitate creative solutions to community issues by being more responsive to community groups,” said Mole.
Mole suggested the township lobby the province for a solution to unfair property tax distribution.
Most people are drawn to Muskoka for its natural beauty and serenity, said Mole. “My vision is to work with all stakeholders to do a better job of protecting both. Specifically, we need to manage our tourism assets in a way that balances the need for tourism growth with the needs of the voters.”
Mole has experience in various community organizations. He is an executive member of SaveTheBalaFalls.com, a past president of the Moon River Property Owners’ Association, a member of the Muskoka Ratepayers Association, and a Muskoka Heritage Foundation Natural Heritage Committee member.
Muskoka Lakes councillor Ian Wallace said his decision to run for district council was based on a desire to help.
“I believe I can help at the district level,” said Wallace.
Wallace said he is interested in finance issues and how tax dollars are spent at the district.
After two terms on council for Muskoka Lakes, Wallace said the township is doing well.
He said former mayor Susan Pryke left the township in good shape.
Two big issues, the Bala Falls hydroelectric project and the Port Carling boundary expansion, have faced the township in the last few years.
On the Port Carling boundary expansion, Wallace said he agreed with the district and township council’s position to move ahead with the expansion.
“We have looked at it (the expansion) carefully,” said Wallace.
Wallace said he hopes more people will take an interest and run for a council position.
“That’s why I put my name in early because I want to make my intentions very clear just where we stand in this ward,” said Wallace.
He encourages a healthy competition in municipal politics because it is beneficial for everyone.
“The more the merrier,” he said.