MANITOUWADGE – After the last four years, the one thing that is for sure, politics are a tough business, but someone has to do it. Running for town council isn’t for everyone. The community is expecting results, and if the mayor, councillors, and school board trustees do not deliver on what they promised, the media knocking on their door asking what went wrong.
This might explain why there is some hesitancy on this year’s ballots across the Superior North region.
So far in Manitouwadge, counc. Jim Moffatt is running unopposed for mayor. Currently, Moffatt is the only person on the list of nominations for Manitouwadge with all other positions for town council and school board trustee remaining empty.
“Well, I’ve been on the council now for the last four years, and to me, I thought that was a great stepping stone, said Moffatt in an interview with CFNO. “I enjoy servicing the community and now it’s time for me to step up.”
Moffatt wants to keep Manitouwadge growing, much like Marathon.
“Manitouwadge is in the growth stages just like in Marathon and I just want that to continue. The housing crisis is going up and it seems like we are on a real positive swing. That what I am kind of hoping for is to continue that growth, said Moffatt”
Although, Mayor John McEacheran has indicated he plans to seek re-election. He has yet to file. Despite the nomination deadline being a few months away.
In Marathon, which Moffatt says has seen a steady increase in economic growth over the years, both mayoral spots are open for nomination.
However, current councillors Zackary Souckey and Gregory Vallance are seeking re-election this year.
On the brighter side, not all towns in the Superior North region are having no troubles finding candidates.
Terrace Bay has two candidates running for mayor: Gino Leblanc, who ran for mayor in 2018 and current councillor Paul Malashewki.
Three candidates are running for town councillor: waterfront committee board member Chris Dube, Bert Johnson is seeking re-election, and Helga Mackenzie a member of the adjustment committee board.
In Greenstone, businessman and financial advisor Eric K Pietsch filed his nomination paper on June 13 for Geraldton Ward councillor. Elaine Mannisto is seeking re-election in Longlac. Counc. James McPherson is still running unopposed for mayor.
If you are interested in running, the deadline to file nomination papers is Aug.19. See your municipal websites for more information.
Election day is scheduled for Oct. 24.