Municipal candidates information session held in Essex for those thinking of entering politics
Are you even a little bit curious about running for municipal office? Or maybe you've already decided to take the plunge.
Curious residents of Windsor-Essex County who are potentially interested in running for municipal politics attended an information session Thursday night at the Essex Civic Centre.
More than 50 people sat through a meeting which outlined in detail the election process, proper procedures and the amount of money, work and time it takes to run for municipal politics.
"I learned that it's a lot more work than what people think it is," said Fred Groves, a long-time Essex resident.
"I just hope more people run in the next election. Especially women, we have very, very few women in politics and we need more."
Groves, who is unsure if he will run, said high attendance was a positive sign for the future of local politics.
"I was quite surprised at how many people are here, not only from the City of Windsor but the seven municipalities as well … and they are really paying attention," said Groves, who says the high attendance rate suggests people wanting change.
Brenda Andreatta is the Director of Council and Community Services and the Clerk for the Town of LaSalle. She said the session comes at a good time, because of changes to the Municipal Elections Act.
"I think it's very worthwhile that representatives from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs are coming to the region tonight to share information about those changes to any interested candidate," said Andreatta.
There are significant changes to the nomination process, campaign contributions, and changes to registered third parties and advertising, said Andreatta.
"In previous elections a candidate or municipal council would be able to accept contributions from individuals, business, corporations and unions," explained Andreatta. "Effective with the 2018 municipal election, only individuals who are normally residents in Ontario and a candidate or a candidate's own spouse can contribute directly to their campaign."
Hear more from Andreatta on CBC's Windsor Morning:
Andreatta said businesses, corporations and trade unions must now register as a third-party advertiser with the clerk of the municipality in order to make a contribution.
"Certainly more transparent," she said.
The information session featured topics such as:
- The role of local and County council
- The role of municipal staff
- The role of School Board trustees
- Nominations and the eligibility to run
- General campaign rules and election finances
The next municipal election is October 22, 2018.
