Listen to this article
Estimated 6 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Friday marked the opening day for candidates to submit their nomination papers for this October’s municipal election, and it’s already clear some shifts are underway.
Two mayors nearby have announced they won’t be running again. Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie, after serving three terms, said back in March that it’s time to “step aside and pass the baton.”
Then on Thursday, Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz shared that after leading the township for 12 years, she won’t be seeking another term either.
“This is not an easy choice, but it is the right time for me to step away from public life and spend more time with my family and friends,” she said in a statement.
Right after nominations opened, Cambridge Coun. Scott Hamilton declared he’s throwing his hat in the ring for mayor there.
“As mayor I will make affordability a central priority, managing city finances responsibly and ensuring future growth is a solid investment that doesn’t come at the expense of today’s residents,” he said in a release.
“Every capital project and piece of infrastructure will have a positive return on investment for you and your family.”
This means his Ward 7 council seat will now be open.
Another candidate jumped into the race for Cambridge mayor: Brian Kennedy, who leads the Downtown Cambridge BIA as executive director.
An early switch-up also came from Waterloo Region District School Board trustee Scott Piatkowski filing to run for city council representing Ward 5 in Waterloo instead.
He told Cambridge Chronicle there were several reasons behind changing from school board trustee to city council candidate.
In a statement, he said he’s proud of his work as a trustee “but I also have concerns that go far beyond the classroom,” adding that being on city council would let him “tackle the larger issues that affect the broader community.”
Day 1 nominations
Here are those who submitted their paperwork by Friday, May 1 at 4 p. m.
Cambridge:
Current councillor Scott Hamilton filed papers to run for mayor. Brian Kennedy filed papers to run for mayor. Sheri Roberts filed papers to seek re-election in Ward 5.
Kitchener:
David Alton filed papers aiming for mayor. Wazhma Frogh also running for mayor. Dave Schnider going after re-election in Ward 2. Jason Deneault seeking re-election in Ward 3. Vikki Poirier filing to run in Ward 4. Debbie Chapman aiming to keep her seat in Ward 9. Sam Nabi stepping up to run in Ward 10.
Waterloo:
Dorothy Mc Cabe wants another term as mayor. Asma Al-Wahsh running for Ward 2. Hans Roach trying again in Ward 3. Victoria Richardson entering race in Ward 5. Scott Piatkowski also filing papers for Ward 5. Mary Lou Roe seeking re-election in Ward 6.
North Dumfries Township:
Councillor Rod Rolleman putting his name forward for mayor.
Wilmot Township:
Stephanie Goertz has thrown her hat into the ring for mayor. Natasha Salonen is looking at re-election as mayor. Current councillor Kris Wilkinson also wants to be Wilmot’s next mayor.
No filings were reported yet from Wellesley or Woolwich townships.
No candidates listed so far for regional council seats.
Waterloo Region District School Board:
Waterloo Region Catholic District School Board:
Conrad Stanley aiming at re-election representing Waterloo/Wellesley/Woolwich.
Guelph:
Morgan Dandie running in Ward 2. Marty Williams filing papers in Ward 3. Rebecca Adam looking at running in Ward 6.You can still run for regional chair?
If you check out local election sites you’ll see regional chair listed even though Ontario plans legislation that would appoint chairs instead of electing them moving forward.
The regional clerk Tim Brubacher explained last month to Cambridge Chronicle that until such laws get passed, staff must handle things like it’s still an elected position.
“But we’ll also say, ‘hey, by the way, are you aware of this piece of legislation that’s before the legislature?’ And this is what’s going to happen should it pass in its current format, which is essentially, your nomination is deemed withdrawn, so you won’t be on the ballot, but you still have to file your campaign finance reports and all of those things,” he said.
If Ontario changes rules so there isn’t an elected regional chair anymore then anyone who files will basically need start fresh if they want any chance at all,” Brubacher added.
WATCH | What you need to know if you plan to run in the municipal election:
Planning to run for the municipal election? Here’s what you need to know
We’re just one week away from nominations opening up officially. Craig Norris from CBC Kitchener-Waterloo’s The Morning Edition sat down with Tim Brubacher at Region of Waterloo offices recently – they talked about what goes into organizing these elections every four years and what anyone thinking about running should expect.
Nominations open till Aug. 21
It’s still early days yet; nominations close at 2 p. m. Friday August 21.
If you’re still thinking about throwing your name into the mix here are some basics on who can run.
You must:
Be a Canadian citizen. Be at least 18 years old. Live inside the municipality or own/rent property there (or be spouse of someone who does). Not banned legally from voting. Not disqualified under any law from holding office.
Besides filling out nomination forms you’ll need signatures from 25 people who meet those criteria backing your bid.
Also it’s smart if you’re planning on submitting forms – book an appointment with your local clerk first so they can help make sure everything looks good before officially filing.
You gotta file paperwork before starting any campaigning. Voting day is set as Oct. 26.
Source link
