By James Matthews, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Haliburton County’s deputy warden is Highlands East Mayor Dave Burton.
The two-horse race for deputy warden Jan. 24 was between Coun. Burton and Coun. Bob Carter, the mayor of Minden Hills.
Carter threw his hat in the ring in December in a bid for the warden’s chair. But Liz Danielsen, the mayor of Algonquin Highlands, was returned to that post.
Carter said there are a number of issues that need ironing out following adoption of the short-term rental bylaw. In no order of importance, those issues are transportation, housing, and health care.
“These are all files that I have been up to speed on and I have been working in and want to work more on,” he said. “I think those are going to be the big challenges for the county in the upcoming period and, certainly, before the end of this term.”
Working as deputy warden will enable him to work more in depth on those issues, he said.
“Those are the important areas I want to work on, I want to focus on, as well as keeping out finances as controlled as possible,” Carter said.
Burton said there’s much to be done to finish some of the plans that have been in the works for the county for the past five years.
“I’m looking forward to getting some of that put to bed,” he said.
With all the projects, all the irons in the fire, Burton said he’s willing to help out in any way he can.
“I’d like us just to move forward together as a team,” he said.