Port Hope’s popular ‘Meet the Candidates’ returns: What you need to know
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
With the municipal election fast approaching, the Municipality of Port Hope has brought back its popular “Meet the Candidates” webpage to help voters learn more about candidates running in the October municipal election.
“The ‘Meet the Candidates’ webpage continues to be an important resource for electors seeking information about the individuals running for municipal office,” said Shrishma Davé, Port Hope’s municipal clerk and returning officer. “We successfully offered this service during the 2022 municipal election, and again in the 2024 Ward 2 byelection.
“This page provides electors with a convenient, centralized source of information to help them learn more about the candidates, their platforms and how to get in touch with them. Ultimately, our goal is to support an informed electorate and foster participation in the democratic process,” explained Davé.
“We encourage everyone to review the candidate profiles and connect directly with them if they have questions.”
According to the municipality, feedback from past elections made it clear this was a valued resource in the community and easily accessible.
Each candidate running for mayor and councillor were given the chance to submit information, and participation was voluntary, and submissions made at the candidate’s discretion, noted municipal staff.
Candidates were also invited to provide a photo, contact information, website and/or social media links and a short platform message to include in profiles on the webpage. Information on the page was provided directly by candidates and was not altered or edited by municipal staff, stressed officials.
Contact information for each school board trustee candidate is also listed on the page.
In the Municipality of Port Hope, staff said voting in this year’s election will be done online and by phone starting Friday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. through to Monday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
For more information about the upcoming election, including information on important dates, how to vote, FAQs, and more, residents are encouraged to visit porthopevotes.ca or contact the municipality at 905-885-4544 ext. 0.
As previously reported, the mayoral race in Port Hope features five candidates, including incumbent Mayor Olena Hankivsky who is looking to secure her seat at the head of council for a second term.
Current Coun. Todd Attridge is challenging Hankivsky for the seat as another one of the candidates. And the three others looking to serve at the helm include Angela Grogan, David Stambrook, and Ian West.
For Ward 1 councillor positions, incumbents Les Andrews, Claire Holloway Wadhwani and Adam Pearson are in the race, as well as Vicki Mink, but she’s shifting from her current Ward 2 post. Amelia Bray, Caleb Carisse, Miranda Lukaniuk and Norm Orviss are also in the running, meaning eight candidates are vying for four seats.
In Ward 2, current Coun. Darrell Toms is seeking re-election, while Glenn Deeth and Jamie Ferguson have also tossed their hats into the ring. Only two of the three will be elected.
No deputy mayor is elected in Port Hope, and instead, council has historically rotated the position through appointments.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Stay tuned for more on candidate profiles from the Independent coming for all west Northumberland communities.
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