By Sue Tiffin
Published May 8 2018
Four candidates have filed their nomination papers in Dysart including current and longtime Mayor Murray Fearrey.
Fearrey who was first elected to Dysart council in 1971 filed his intent to run for the mayoral position again on May 3 two days after the filing of nominations officially opened.
“I know that I indicated that this term would be my last one” wrote Fearrey in a press release.
“However during this term there have been a number of very positive initiatives undertaken within the municipality that were under my guidance. They will be coming to fruition over the next few years and they will have a definite beneficial effect on the whole of the township. It would be remiss of me not to follow these through to their completion.”
In 1975 Fearrey was first elected reeve a position title that was changed to mayor in Dysart and across the county last year.
“It is my hope that a renewed focus on the township that will come from new initiatives will bring us a new vision and modernity that will interest and be carried on by future younger generations recognizing this area as becoming more vibrant up to date and the natural beauty it is” he said.
“It is my intention as it has been for many years to continue to raise this area to that position in the upcoming term then it becomes a responsibility.”
Patrick Kennedy announced he had filed his nomination for deputy mayor of Dysart on May 4.
Kennedy grew up in Harcourt and operated a business in Haliburton before becoming a paramedic.
He retired as the director of the Department of Emergency Services for the County of Haliburton in 2014. He has served on a number of local committees including the Dysart Economic Development Committee the HHHS board and sits on the Haliburton County Development Corporation board of directors.
“I am running because I want to help shape and mould our future at both the local and county level” said Kennedy. “I believe that we are on the verge of something truly great here but our council needs someone to bring fresh ideas and the ability to ‘think outside the box’ when dealing with the challenges as well as the opportunities before us. I believe I am that person.”
In Ward 5 Glenn Scott has filed his nomination for councillor.
Scottwas a cottager for 40 years and retired as a Hydro One electricalengineer on Haliburton Lake in 2017. He has been on the board of theHaliburton Lake Cottagers' Association for six years as presidentfor the past three years and is a board member at the HaliburtonCurling Club since last year. He has been observing council economicdevelopment and environment and conservation meetings since earlierthis year.
“I believe I can add value through my career andcommunity experience to council” he said. “Iwant to apply my action orientation to resolving issues in Ward 5.”
Scottsaid key issues in Ward 5 relate to roads and bridge infrastructurelakes and environment waste management internet and wirelessservice and short term rentals.
Nancy Wood-Roberts has filed for re-election as Ward 1 councillor.
In Highlands East no nominations had been filed at press time. The nomination period for the 2018 municipal election will close July 27 at 2 p.m. The election day/voting day will be held on Oct. 22.
