BLACK RIVER-MATHESON - John MacKenzie is ready to steer Black River-Matheson's budget back on track.
MacKenzie is one of seven candidates vying to be the township's next mayor in the Aug. 12 byelection.
“The reason I didn't go for a council job was primarily I'm concerned about the top decision-making. I've looked at all the candidates, and I am worried that there's council stacking on the move here, which I'm concerned about,” he said.
“I want to make sure that whoever's at the top is being very realistic and not being influenced and coming in with an agenda. I want someone to be up there and be neutral, and look out for the community.”
MacKenzie's main priorities are to get the budget “back on stream,” look at administrative issues and provide the public transparency, particularly in terms of where their money is going.
He said he threw his name into the hat because he didn’t want the mayor’s role to be acclaimed again.
“Communication, accountability and transparency are paramount as we rebuild trust,” MacKenzie said.
“I'm a straight shooter and hoping to make the town happy with what's going on in the township and get their questions answered.”
Born and raised in Matheson, MacKenzie said his family has deep roots in the area dating back before the great fire of 1916. He’s a licensed commercial pilot and spent over 40 years as a power engineer.
Throughout his life, MacKenzie said he has also prioritized volunteering within the community with some of his experience including president of the curling club, being part of the planning advisory committee and chair of the committee of adjustments for two terms, president of Iroquois Falls’ Night Hawk Flying Club and a member for MIC’s Hospital Board.
Advance voting for the byelection is Aug. 1-11, with election day on Aug. 12.
SEE: Are you on the Matheson voters' list?
RELATED: Here's the official list of who's running for Matheson's byelection
Seven council members will be elected — one councillor in each of the six wards, and the mayor, who is elected at large.
The byelection is required because the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing declared all of the Matheson council seats vacant after council failed to meet quorum at meetings for 60 days. The little-used section of the Municipal Act hasn't been exercised since it took effect in the early 2000s.
MacKenzie said he’s connecting with the public himself by going door-to-door.
The other Black River-Matheson mayoral candidates are Dave Dyment, Paul Fortin, Murray Horan, Linda Mercier, Chris Riach and Albert Royer.
