By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Four hopefuls are now in the race to become Chatham-Kent’s mayor this fall as incumbent Darrin Canniff announced last week he’s seeking a third term.
To date as of press time May 29, the three other candidates looking to occupy the mayor’s chair are West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson; Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy and Wallaceburg area farmer Nelson Burm.
Only one other candidate came forward in the past week, with Jason Reynolds declaring he’ll run for one of two seats in Chatham’s Ward 7. His announcement makes it a nine-way contest with Steve Adkins, Michael Fife, incumbent Amy Finn, Larry Hutchins, Steve Kenney, Marc King and Doug Robbins also on the ballot.
Chatham’s Ward 8 remains an eight-way race for two seats with Sandra Dorner, Ryan Drouillard, John Duquette, Andy Fisher, Rick Nicholls, Stephani Shill, Scott Thompson and Luke Van Der Vliet in the running.
In Ward 6 in Chatham, it’s still a five-way race for two council seats. Candidates include Ben Labadie, Brian Machado, Sheila Moir-Martin, Karen Montgomery and incumbent Alysson Storey.
Outside Chatham, four people are hoping to looking to represent South West Kent’s Ward 1, with Mark Authier, Michael Bond, Andrea Palmer and Gerhard Taves on the ballot. Two seats are up for grabs.
Ward 2, South East Kent, sees five people running for two seats, including Chad Carnie; Matthew Giffin, Matt Lamarche, Brad Snobelen and Hassan Tariq.
Ward 3 candidates looking to serve the constituents of North East Kent include Cory Couture, Emery Huszka and Matthew Pietens. One seat is open.
The contest for a single seat in North West Kent’s Ward 4 remains a three-way race, with John Cummings and Kirk Hooker in the running against incumbent Rhonda Jubenville.
In Wallaceburg’s Ward 5, four people are currently hoping to claim one of the two seats available. Zac Nicholson, Brendan Authier, Jason Debuck and David Hyatt have all announced.
Nominations for the municipal election to be held Oct. 26 are open until Aug. 21. Anyone interested in running can access all the information on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s webpage.
