By Angelica Ingram
Published July 31 2018

*Includes correction at the end

In the last week to file for the upcoming municipal election multiple candidates put their names in for seats at the Dysart council table.

Two more candidates joined the race for Ward 2 councillor Larry Clarke and Mike Stinson.

Clarke told the paper he has an interest in running for council because he believes it is important to “be engaged in supporting and planning for a healthy community.”

“As a past councillor in Minden Hills I enjoyed the work which connects the many diverse topics that make a community a good place to live and grow. I believe that I can offer experience and insight to help identify and manage the needs and services of our community moving forward” Clarke wrote in an email.

Born and raised in Orillia Clarke has a background working in management for government banking and legal services. A resident of the county for the past decade he has become active in many local groups and organizations including the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce FEEL and U-Links.

Some of the priorities he would like to focus on if elected include “identifying and understanding the needs of our residents and community; both current and going forward determining what community services help young families to remain in or move to our community the services and support that are important for seniors to remain in or retire to this community.”

Running against Clarke is Stinson who was born in Haliburton and spent most of his life in the area.

A retired municipal roads worker Stinson spent 27 years working for Dysart. Prior to working in the municipal realm he spent a few years working for the OPP and was a local dairy owner.

Married with three children Stinson said he is running for council because he has the time to dedicate to local issues. As a lakefront property owner he said one of the issues that is important to him is septic maintenance for waterfront residents. He said maintaining healthy lakes is vital for the area.

Another issue he is focused on is maintaining good roads as this is an area he is both familiar with and knowledgeable about. “I think those are two important things” he said.

In Ward 1 Bram Lebo put his name on the ballot to run against Nancy Wood-Roberts. The Echo will follow up on Ward 1 in a coming issue.

The full list of candidates:

Mayor: Murray Fearrey Andrea Roberts

Deputy mayor: Patrick Kennedy Dennis Casey

Ward 1: Nancy Wood-Roberts Bram Lebo

Ward 2: David McKay Larry Clarke Mike Stinson

Ward 3: Cindy Baumhour Tammy Donaldson

Ward 4: Aaron Walker John Smith

Ward 5: Glenn Scott Walt McKechnie

School board trustee: Gary Brohman