The recent municipal election led to quite the turnover on Halton Hills Council, and the setting of a new record that was held for decades by outgoing Mayor Rick Bonnette - until now.
At 20 years old, Joseph Racinsky has become the youngest person elected to a seat around the town council table.
The Halton Hills youth will serve Ward 2 - the largest ward that encompasses the rural area and hamlets - alongside another council newcomer, Terra Cotta Cookies owner Jason Brass.
Racinsky said he was inspired to put his name forward as he truly cares about representing rural residents at Town Hall.
“I believe I have the energy and willingness for the next few years to be that active voice,” he said.
“I’m in a unique phase of life where I don’t have a family or mortgage I need to provide for, so I can devote myself to public service.”
The rural resident said he became really interested in politics around the age of 15 and went on to do some work in Milton MPP Parm Gill’s office, answering the phone, responding to emails and helping constituents.
During his campaign for a seat on Halton Hills Council, Racinsky said he connected with fellow candidate under the age of 30, Alex Hilson, who was also elected to represent Ward 1 (Acton).
“We were trading ideas on how to approach being a younger candidate, the different ways people respond to that, and ways to assuage some of those concerns.”
To most people though, age was nothing but a number, with Racinsky reporting that the Ward 2 residents he spoke with while out door knocking were simply very pleased he made the effort to personally connect with them, particularly in the remote parts of the rural area.
As he gears up to take office, the youth said he wants to find potential ways to make the lives of local farmers easier and get to work scrutinizing the Town’s proposed 2023 budget.
Throughout it all, he’s hoping that his presence at Town Hall will inspire and motivate other young people to work hard, get involved in the democratic process and make a difference.
“You don’t have to run (for council) - there’s all kinds of other ways you can get involved and make an impact.”
