Region of Queens elections on Oct. 18

Twenty-four residents are vying for Region of Queens Municipal Council in seven of nine districts while seven are running in three districts for local seats on the South Shore Regional School Board.

An advance poll is being held today (Oct. 14).

The primary issues remain jobs, youth outmigration and economic development in general and, rightly or wrongly, transparency in government.

The primary school board issues are closing schools and maintaining programming.

In the Region of Queens, Mayor John Leefe is returning by acclamation for a third term as a representative of the county as a whole.

Counc. Darlene Norman and Deputy Mayor Douglas Adam will also be acclaimed in District 1 and District 8 respectively.

In District 2, Charles (Bucky) Norman, Sheldon Brannen, Laurie Lethbridge, and former Town of Liverpool Mayor Ron Lane are hoping to replace Counc. Wayne Henley, who is now the provincial Liberal candidate.

In District 3, Mark Whynot and Owen Hamlin are hoping to unseat the incumbent, Brian MacDougall.

The race for District 4, with Bruce Inglis, incumbent, Susan MacLeod and Cameron (Camie) Crowell, is widely expected to be tight.

Joanne Acocella, Eleanor Reid and incumbent, Mervin Hartlen are hitting the pavement in District 5.

Counc. Gene (Geno) Wong isn’t reoffering in District 6. Instead, this race involves four residents: Gary Levy, Stephanie Rhodenizer Francis, Jack Thistle, and Randi Dickie.

The large vacuum caused by the retirement of long-time, well-respected representative, Counc. Freeman Evans in District 7 has resulted in another good race. Dwight Crouse, John Frank Croft, and Rhonda S. Perry are vying for the seat.

In District 9, incumbent, Peter Waterman and Suzanne Frail are going head to head.

Donna Wamboldt and Allan Foster are competing in South Shore School Board District 1.

In District 2, Karen D. McLeod, Clifford (Butch) MacLeod and incumbent, Annette Hartlen are running for the seat.

Incumbent Elliott Payzant is facing Wayne Wentzell in District 3.