Municipal election 101 session held in Woodstock

Dozens of Oxford County residents packed County Council Chambers in Woodstock recently for an information night to prepare candidates for the Monday, Oct. 26, elections. (Lee Griffi Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Those interested in running for a spot on one of the eight Oxford County councils later this year attended an information night in Woodstock. They learned not only how to get there, but also what happens if elected.

Two representatives from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing presented to a full Oxford County Council Chamber, attended by current and prospective elected officials, along with municipal staff.

Nigel Bellchamber, a well-known municipal consultant, recruiter and trainer, was on hand to explain to attendees how the municipal system works. He spent over 30 years in municipal government, including roles such as Chief Administrative Officer for counties like Middlesex and Huron, and Commissioner of Finance and Administration for the City of London.

Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie explained clerks from across the county organized the event and were concerned about a lack of attendance.

“This is great, and there is obviously interest and people are getting educated, which is important.”

He added the evening provided the basic information people need in order to make an educated decision on whether to run or not.

“Campaigning and deciding to run is personal, it is a big decision, and everyone approaches it from a different direction, so it’s good to provide that baseline.”

The first-term Ingersoll Mayor, who will be seeking a second term in the fall, said his best advice for candidates is to get involved in the local political process.

“Come to council meetings. I sat there for four years before I was elected. See what the job is really about because it may not be the community involvement you think it is. It’s not as exciting as people think it is sometimes, and starting on committees is a good way to get involved first.”

The future of the Ontario School Board system remains in the air as Education Minister Paul Calandra promised system reforms by the end of 2025 but has yet to table new legislation.

Anyone interested in running must complete what’s called a Form 1 nomination paper and submit it to a municipal clerk with a filing fee of $200 for the head of council and $100 for all other offices. The clerk may require candidates to show proof of eligibility or fill out a declaration that the individual is eligible to run.

To be eligible, candidates must be a resident, owner or tenant of land in the municipality or the spouse of someone who does, be a Canadian citizen of 18 years of age or older and not be legally prohibited from voting and not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.

Occasionally, a candidate changes their mind and decides to run for a different position but can only run for one spot at a time. If a candidate files a second nomination, the first one is automatically withdrawn.

Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione was also present and said the turnout was very encouraging.

“It’s great anytime you have standing room only during an information night. I think democracy is exactly that. Everybody should come out and at least investigate if they are interested, find out about the process and how to contribute to their communities.”

Acchione is in his twelfth year as an elected official and added he’s been asked for advice many times from people interested in a political career.

“I have had dozens of people sit down over different terms. Most of them are surprised at the amount of dedication the job takes. It is what you make it and I’ve always been one to put that extra effort in. You can always see those who do.

He added someone with a history of community involvement is a better fit than a candidate leaping straight into a position on a council.

“If you are jumping into it and have never volunteered, take a look at your commitment level and your family support. This is a job that is all hours of the day, mostly evenings and weekends, so you want to make sure you have the support of your family.”

The nomination for an office must be endorsed by at least 25 persons using Form 2 - Endorsement of Nomination Form. This step is not needed in municipalities with fewer than 4,000 people. Anyone endorsing a nomination must be eligible to vote within the municipality.

If you’re planning to run for mayor, council, or school board trustee in Ontario, you can officially file your nomination with your local clerk starting May 1 up until 2 p.m. on Aug. 21.