Mayor Mary Small Brett is not seeking re-election in Adjala-Tos
Mary Small Brett is bidding adieu to municipal politics.
The one-term mayor of Adjala-Tosorontio, who previously served as deputy mayor and councillor, is not seeking re-election in the October municipal election.
“I believe every season has its time, and there’s times for different things in one’s life, and it’s time for me to spend more time with family,” she said. “I know it’s cliche, but it’s true. There are also health issues in my family, not me thank heavens. But I really enjoyed serving the people of Adjala-Tosorontio. So it’s sad to leave but hopefully it will be in good hands.”
She admitted the turmoil that has consumed council over the past few years was also a factor.
Council has had to deal with the controversy surrounding the CAO’s mileage payments, the gravel pit battle that led to an OMB hearing, the OPP investigation into post-retirement benefits and other enhancements and the code of conduct/harassment investigations involving two members of council, Floyd Pinto and Bob Meadows.
Pinto and Deputy Mayor Doug Little are running for mayor.
New Tecumseth Ward 8 Coun. Chris Ross, who was first elected in 2014, will also not be seeking another term.
He said he enjoyed representing the Tottenham community but has become too busy with his full-time job
“You will have noticed that I have missed some meetings during my term, and those absences were due to the travel obligations that I have as a sales representative at Knoll Inc.,” he said. “As such, I felt it best to let someone who has more time represent the constituents of Tottenham.”
There are four candidates running for Ward 8 in the upcoming election.
“I would like to thank both my supporters and non-supporters for their input over my term,” he said, adding they have helped him evaluate and consider issues over the past three and a half years.
Marc Biss, a one-term councillor for Ward 1 in Alliston, also isn’t seeking re-election.
He announced the decision in April after failing to win the nomination for the federal conservatives for Simcoe-Grey.
Three people have registered to run in Ward 1.
Essa Mayor Terry Dowdall, who won the federal conservative nomination, isn’t seeking a third term as mayor.
Dowdall was first elected mayor in 2010 and previously served as deputy mayor and councillor.
Deputy Mayor Sandie Macdonald and former mayor David Guergis are running to replace him.
Editor’s note: A correction was made to this story on Aug. 8. The original version incorrectly stated councillors Bob Meadows and Floyd Pinto were subject to conflict of interest investigations. Simcoe.com regrets the error.