Stouffville candidates vying for your vote
The municipal election is just around the corner, and it’s time to review the Stouffville candidates to see who best deserves your vote.
Mayor Iain Lovatt’s solid standing in the community has averted any potential competition, making for a surprisingly easy election run as he reclaims his seat, with no other candidates joining the race.
The ward councillor races will be much more exciting to watch, with many incumbents facing a slew of competitors.
Hugo Kroon, the current incumbent of Ward One, is a fixture of the community at this point and handily won the last go-round. He is defending his seat against Michael Cleverdon, a returning candidate from the 2022 election hoping to better his fortunes this time around.
Ward Two incumbent Councillor Maurice Smith is retiring at the end of this term, leaving a more attainable seat for hopeful candidates. Each candidate brings unique strengths that make for an interesting choice for voters. George Karpouzis was a long-time business owner on Musselman’s Lake is having a second run at the office, while Rocco Priore, a local business owner of a Ballantrae day care and Stouffville Chamber director, has jumped in too. Jared Simpson is an eighth-generation farmer who has grown up in Ward 2. Adam Hassan is another Ward 2 local, born and raised in the area. Finally, Terri Drover, a Ballantrae resident of 15 years with a background in healthcare and non-profit management, is also contesting.
Keith Acton is the current Ward Three councillor and leading favourite to win once again. The Stouffville native and long-time resident, has a high profile as a local business owner, community booster and former NHL player and coach who has long been a him hometown favourite. Acton’s two competitors are Bryan Stott, a housing industry professional will take another stab at winning this seat, and first-timer Roger Gingerich, a small business owner in the entertainment sector.
Ward four has attracted a number of candidates in what promises to be the most hotly contested race. Rob Hargrave is a strong candidate with 15 years of experience on the Town Council, seeking to take the seat from the current incumbent Rick Upton. Erik Gordon, James Liaros, David Parmer, Courtney Taylor, and Brad Valentini are the other candidates for the ward looking to disrupt the competition.
Richard Bartley is running in Ward Five, hoping to reclaim the seat he has held since 2010. His two competitors are Laura Cusack and Shawn McGovern.
Ward Six rounds out the election roster with Greg Smith, who brings a few decades of senior management experience to the table and Angel Freedman, again going after incumbent Sue Sherban, who has been a force in local politics for nearly 30 years, including a term as mayor. Her platform emphasizes her record of service, responsible growth, community safety and recreation investment.
Your vote counts, so take the time to research the candidates and get out to vote. Voting is available at the town office in person on October 17, 19-24, and on election day, October 26. Other options include the 55+ Club and the Ballantrae Community Centre, which will be open on October 17, 21, 24, and 26. On election day, the town is allowing residents to vote at any of the nine available locations.
The town is offering online voting, allowing electors to vote anytime between October 17 at 10 a.m. and October 26, when the polls close at 8 p.m.
Visit stouffvillevotes.ca for more details about the candidates and opening hours for the various voting locations.
*Story by Matthew Fletcher