Three candidates battle for mayor of Ramara Township
The race for the mayor's seat in Ramara Township is heating up as one candidate looks to shake things up.
"When people have problems, they like to be heard, and this community feels like their voice is not heard," said Russ Cole, mayoral candidate.
Cole is a new face on the scene, having moved to the community of more than 10,000 two years ago.
As CEO of an agricultural technology company, Cole feels it's all about building a foundation of trust and transparency.
"There's lack of communication. There is lack of accountability. There is lack of trust, so my number one priority is to open the doors for communication, and I think that that transparency, and record keeping and archiving of information, is so important because it allows us to build," Cole said. "We're a small community and my biggest goal for this community is to put ourselves on the map."
- VOTE: Township of Ramara voter information
- Here's who is running for mayor in the municipal election across the region
Cole is running against incumbent Basil Clarke, who is seeking a third term.
"We had an image problem here," Clarke said "We were't respected by our neighbours. We weren't respected by the province. We are now."
Clarke pointed to his track record of fiscal responsibility, high-speed internet, and plans to revitalize downtown Brechin, one of the fastest-growing areas in the township.
"The plan is about six months from being completed, had it not been put on hold from COVID, it would have been completed. So we have many exciting projects we just want to finish," Clarke noted.
"I hope people realize the good work I've done leading two successful terms and will give me the opportunity to lead the next successful term," he finished.
Clarke narrowly kept his mayoral title in the last election against Marg Sharpe, winning by a slim 14 votes.
Sharpe is also on the ballot again but declined CTV's request for an interview.
The municipal election is on October 24, with several voting options, including by phone or online, and in-person starting Saturday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.
WATCH 'Double whammy': What happens if you don't file your taxes by the deadline
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.