Clearview Ward 2 Councillor Robert McArthur has declared his intention to seek the office of mayor in this fall’s election.

McArthur has served one term on council and feels he can contribute in a larger way.

A farmer and a lifelong resident of the township, McArthur is a familiar figure at events like the Santa Claus Parade, appearing with his team of horses. He says, as he attends events throughout Clearview he gets the feeling there is an appetite for change.

“Agriculture is certainly coming to the top of people’s agendas, and I am proud to have led the drive to resurrect the agricultural advisory committee in the next term,” said McArthur. “Cooperation with neighbouring municipalities will be very important. Collingwood is bursting at the seams and we have a sewage agreement in place with Wasaga Beach. Now that the Klondike Park water project is underway, we could soon see another 2,500 homes in Stayner and the Creemore subdivision is getting closer to reality.”

McArthur, a 30-year employee at Reinhart Foods in Stayner, is the council rep on the Avening Hall Board, the Dunedin Hall Board and the Committee of Adjustment.

Ward 1 councillor Phyllis Dineen will seek another term.

In Mulmur, incumbent mayor Janet Horner is seeking another term and current councillor Patricia Clark has announced her intention to run for the deputy mayor post. Shirley Boxem who ran unsuccessfully for deputy mayor in 2022 will be back to seek a seat on council.

Shawn Cooper has filed nomination papers for a seat on the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. Eric Lapointe is vying for a seat on the Counseil Scholaire Viamonde.

Nominations close August 21, and Election Day is Oct. 26.