It’s months away but Chatham-Kent’s municipal election race is heating up.
As of press time May 8, a third candidate has announced his run for the mayor’s chair.
Nelson Burm has filed his nomination papers in a bid to claim C-K’s top elected position, challenging Lauren Anderson and Michael Bondy. Both are current C-K councillors.
Whoever wins will become the fifth mayor to lead Chatham-Kent since amalgamation in 1998. It’s unknown yet if incumbent Mayor Darrin Canniff will run to keep his seat.
The 2026-2030 edition of council will have fewer members following the Oct. 26 election, going down to 15 members from 18, inclusive of a mayor. Following the first review since amalgamation, C-K’s ward boundaries were redrawn to better represent constituents.
However, the number of wards has grown to eight up from six. In Chatham proper, the community is now divided into three separate wards. Six individuals will represent Chatham constituents two councillors in each ward.
In Chatham’s Ward 6 (North East Chatham), Ben Labadie and Sheila Moir-Martin have both declared, as has Coun. Alysson Storey.
It’s another three-way race in Ward 7 (North East Chatham), with newcomers Larry Hutchins and Steve Kenney facing off against Coun. Amy Finn.
In Ward 8, South Chatham, three candidates have declared: Scott Thompson, Andy Fisher and Luke Van Der Vliet.
Wallaceburg Ward 5 will see two representatives elected. To date, Brendan Authier, Jason Debuck and Dave Hyatt have announced they will run.
It’s also a three-way race in North Kent’s Ward 4 with only one seat up for grabs. John Cummings, Kirk Hooker and Coun. Rhonda Jubenville have made it official.
In North East Kent’s Ward 3 where only one seat is available, Cory Couture and Emery Huszka have announced their candidacies.
In Ward 2, South East Kent, three people are vying for two seats, including Matt Giffin, Matt Lamarche and Brad Snobelen.
Two seats are also up for grabs in West Kent’s Ward 1. To date, Andrea Palmer. Michael Bond and Gerhard Taves have declared.
Several school trustee seats are also up for grabs, including one seat in Wards 4 and 5, representing the Lambton Kent District School Board. Anna Cairns and Jason Nantais have officially declared they’ll run for that seat.
David Argenti has made it official he will run to represent the St. Clair Catholic School Board in Wards 6, 7 and 8.
Robert (Bob) Demars has announced he will run to represent the Conseil Scholaire Catholique Providence as French Separate Trustee for Wards 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Anyone interested in running for a seat on council has until the Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. to file. Nomination papers must be submitted to the clerk by appointment, along with 25 signatures of endorsement. The filing fee to run as a candidate for council or a school board trustee is $100, and $200 to run for mayor.
Fees can be paid by cash (including debit), certified cheque, or money order.
Residents are reminded that candidates cannot raise funds or spend money on their campaign until their nomination has been officially filed.
Nomination forms can be found online or can be picked up at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre.
