Addington Highlands Council Selects Tony Fritsch as Reeve

It took several weeks, and a ten-minute explanation of the selection process by Clerk-Treasurer Chrisine Reed, but only about a minute for the actual selection process to run its course.

“I nominate Deputy Reeve Fritsch,” said Counciilor Ken Hook, and Councilor Kirby Thompson said, “I will second that.”

Fritsch said he would accept the nomination, and then Thompson, Hook, and Councilor Helen Yanch vote yes, and Fritsch took the oath of office.

“I prepared some remarks in case this happened,” said Fritsch. “I would lie t say to councilors Yanch, Hook and Thompson that I am humbled by your support, and I commit to you, all the staff and residents that I will fulfill my duties to the best of my ability, and continue to make Addington Highlands a great place to be.”

With the Reeve position, filled, Councilor Hook, as the councilor from the ward where the Reeve does not live who received the most votes in the 2022 election, was offered the position of Deputy Reeve, which he accepted.

Reeve Fritsch was then appointed as the township representative to the Lennox and Addington Police Services Board, and Councillor Yanch to the Kaladar-Barrie Joint Fire Board.

The position of alternate to Lennox and Addington County Council was left vacant until the New Year.

With Fritsch becoming Reeve, there is now only one councillor representing Ward 1, Kirby Thompson. That vacancy must be declared within 14 days, which will happen at the next meeting on December 16, at which time council will decide whether to fill that vacancy through a ward 1 byelection, or through an appointment.

If they choose to opt for appointing someone, that will take place at the first meeting in 2026. One of the options should council decided to appoint a new member and save the time and expense of holding a by-election for a 10-month term of council, would be to offer the position to the third pace candidate in was 1 from 2022. That person is former Road Superintendent Royce Rosenblath. Council has other options are their disposal, however..