There are now three candidates vying to be members of The Blue Mountains council in the municipal election on October 24.
Incumbent Coun. Paula Hope and local resident Shawn McKinlay are the newest candidates in the race for the seven seats at the council table. They join incumbent Coun. Andrea Matrosovs, who announced her candidacy for the mayor’s chair several weeks ago.
Hope filed her nomination papers recently and is running again for the opportunity to continue the work she has been involved with during her first term on council.
“The Town of the Blue Mountains is one of Ontario’s true treasures and I am delighted to do everything I can to preserve and enhance the town’s stunning natural assets and rich community character,” said Hope. “I enjoyed my first term as councillor and look forward to contributing to the intelligent and strategic shaping of the town’s future with high quality decisions that embrace “seven generation” principles.”
McKinlay’s family has a long history in the community, with his uncle Duncan serving as councillor, deputy mayor and Grey County Warden during his storied career in local government.
McKinlay said members of the community have encouraged him to get involved in local government.
“This decision does not come easily as I know there is a lot of hard work that goes into (not just running) but putting in long days and countless hours serving the needs of the people. I decided I was up for the challenge,” he said. “I am here to listen. Everyone that knows me in town knows that if you want to talk about something I am listening and when I can I have observations and solutions.”
