Three candidates are running for mayor in the township of Georgian Bluffs.
Incumbent Dwight Burley is seeking a second term as mayor. His opponent in 2018, Scott Catto, is challenging him once again, while current Deputy Mayor Sue Carleton is also seeking the mayorship.
Burley says the municipality currently doesn't have any big issues, but they do have a collection of smaller issues like most municipalities across the province. He did note that some voters on the campaign trail have asked him "Why even have an election?", saying a large number of residents he has talked to have said they are happy with the municipality's actions over the last four years.
Catto took a different tone, saying that the township "needs to start accomplishing things, and start to move forward." He added "someone needs to step up, and I feel its my time to do that."
Carleton, who was acclaimed as Deputy Mayor of Georgian Bluffs in 2018, says she has a "different approach to leading the municipality", and if elected mayor, she would "bring something to the table as a different form of leadership compared to what we've seen in the past. That's not to criticize past mayors, but I think I have a different approach."
When it comes to the current council, Burley says one challenge is getting back to the township's master plan, especially now that the proper staff are in place, noting "a communications person was needed to help communicate more with members of the public. We have that in place now, and we need to start addressing more issues."
Catto claims there's a lack of communication within the township, saying "That's one of the big things, is communication. That comes down to leadership at the council level, and unfortunately, we've been lacking that."
Carleton went further, saying the role of mayor "is that of being a leader who ensures that all of council are included. The Mayor doesn't have to be the first one to speak on any issues; the mayor has to be the one that makes sure everyone else gets to express their opinion."