Look who is running! part 18

Bala Falls - DO NOT SWIM HERE!
Two men drowned here last year.

The Save the Bala Falls movement is garnering attention. Not all of it accurate. 

When a newspaper presents an 'exclusive' story you wonder the motivation?

With the municipal election coming in October, politicians, as well as media, are reflecting their bias, with those running digging in on one side or the other. And this is rightly so. Clearly, the few vocal minority of us who believe in Green Energy, who disbelieve the rumours and lies, are hoping there will be a candidate for whom we can vote.

Here are two Muskoka Today articles:

Green Energy Act does not apply to Bala Falls project

By Tom Millar -MuskokaTODAY Exclusive

The project does not require a Renewable Energy approval,’ under the GEA says director at Ministry of Environment

Muskoka Lakes council votes to continue Bala Falls project

By Tom Millar

Before council’s vote, Swift River Energy made a presentation to council at a full Port Carling community centre - reflecting the interest people have in this topic.

Swift River spokesperson Karen McGhee said certain people were raising “apocalyptic fears about the Bala Falls hydro project.” She assured, that “those frolicking in the waters  will do so in the future when the station is operating.”

Now, the PUBLISHER: of Muskoka Today is  Mark Clairmont, mark@muskokatoday.com, also running for election. He has been a district councillor in Gravenhurst, just to the south of Bala. He is running for mayor of Gravenhurst. Isn't that interesting? 

Brad Burgess speaking at Bala Falls Project Meeting

 Mark Clairmont Throws Hat in the Ring for Mayor's Seat

Now, Bala Falls lies in the Township of Muskoka Lakes, in Ward A, but read who else is running:

Ruth-Ellen Nishikawa, Brad Burgess, Gault McTaggart, Alice Murphy, Donald Furniss and Mark Gidley filed nomination papers in the township.

The race for two Ward A township council positions has Donelda Kruckel, incumbent Coun. Dianne Davidson (Bala resident) , Bob McTavish, Phil Gearing and Bala residents Brad Burgess, and Mark Gidley filed nomination papers.

south falls in July

Both Brad Burgess and Alice Murphy have been active in the 'Save the Bala Falls' group! 

It occurs to me that there is more than just this one issue, too much focus is on fighting redevelopment of the falls, at the expense of the other issues: housing, the economy, municipal taxes, the proposed garbage levy, quality of lakes, pollution, drinking and driving, boating and noise issues, and so on.

Patricia Arney is running for Muskoka lakes mayor. She has her business on Bala Falls Road, the Balacade.  It is important that those running the municipality actually live there.  

Falls in May

Most of the local politicians have been publicly silent on this issue. It is only recently I read:

MOOSE FM 99.5 EXCLUSIVE: Muskoka Lakes Councillor Supports Bala Falls Proposal

Become aware of your local issues and ensure that you know who you can vote for to find the best person for the job. Here are some questions you might ask.