Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke and five of eight current city councillors are seeking re-election in the Oct. 22 municipal election.
Clarke revealed two weeks ago he would seek a second term as mayor. Nobody else has yet declared their intention to vie for the city’s top political post.
Incumbent councillors Ted Emond (Ward 1), Rob Kloostra (Ward 2), Mason Ainsworth (Ward 3) and Pat Hehn (Ward 4) have each filed their papers to seek re-election. Ward 4 Councillor Tim Lauer has also said he will run again, but has not yet officially filed his papers.
The other three current city councillors have not yet finalized their decisions. Councillor Ralph Cipolla said he will discuss his political future with his extended family this weekend and expects to make a decision soon after.
Ward 1 Councillor Sarah Valiquette-Thompson told OrilliaMatters she will make her decision by next Wednesday and Jeff Clark (Ward 3), who could not be reached for comment, has said he is still pondering his political future.
Two newcomers have already thrown their hat into the ring. David Campbell has filed his papers to run in Ward 1, while Harold Dougall is hoping to land a spot at the council table to represent Ward 2.
Jodi Lloyd is seeking re-election as the Orillia area trustee for the Simcoe County District School Board, while no one has yet stepped forward for the same position with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.
Eric Lapointe and Guy Belcourt are hoping to earn the right to be the trustee for the French Language Public District School Board, while Donald Blais is running for the French Language Separate District School Board.
Nominations for all municipal positions opened on May 1 and those desiring a run for city council or to become a school board trustee must file their official papers by 2 p.m. July 27.
If you are interested in seeking a position in the October municipal election, there are a few things to consider.
Those running for mayor or council must be endorsed by at least 25 people eligible to vote in the municipality on the day they signed the endorsement.
Candidates must open a bank account exclusively for their campaign if they plan to accept any contributions or incur any expenses.
Nominations must be filed in person only by a candidate or their agent at Orillia City Centre, located at 50 Andrew St. S. There is a $200 filing fee to run for mayor and a $100 fee to run for city council or school board trustee.
For more information, visit www.orillia.ca and click on the 2018 Elections tab.
