Lichty Opposed By Two New Politicians In North Frontenac

Kelly Willis and Art Hannigan are brand new to North Frontenac politics as they seek to become the mayor of North Frontenac. The current Mayor, Gerry Lichty, who is seeking re-election in a three-way race, was also new to North Frontenac politics when he unseated then Mayor Ron Higgins in the 2022 election.

Electing a mayor who has never served on council is something of a tradition in North Frontenac. Ron Higgins also never served on council before he ran for mayor in 2014, for the first time. Higgins was acclaimed to office in 2018.

In Ward 3 (Palmerston- Canonto) three-term Councillor Fred Fowler, and first time candidate Katie Surrah were both declared acclaimed on Monday, of this week. Councillor Jon Inglis is not seeking re-election.

In Ward 2 (Palmerston Canonto) one-term Councillor Roy Huetl, is seeking re-election, as are first time candidates Wayne Manion and Rob Lesperance. Two of the three will be elected. Councillor Vernon Hermer is not seeking re-election.

In Ward 1 (Barrie) long serving incumbent Wayne Good is seeking another term, as is new Councillor Mike Hage, who was appointed to council earlier this year. Hage also ran for council in 2022. Cyndy Bonello and Gwen Glover are new candidates for council, this time around.

(Editors Note - We did not print photos of the candidates for North Frontenac Mayor in our print edition, even though we did so for the other townships we cover. This is because we could not secure photos of all three candidates in time for publication, after contacting them less than 24 hours from our publication date, so in an effort to maintain a level playing field we did not publish photos of any of the three)