All five general council seats in Aylmer, Ont. uncontested
The town of Aylmer, Ont., east of St. Thomas, finds itself in an unusual position — all five council seats in the upcoming municipal election are going uncontested.
“Well I was a little shocked that most people didn’t put their name in to run,” says first-timer William Vanraes, who has been acclaimed.
He’s one of the five who has been acclaimed, and also one of three newcomers to the role. There are two incumbents.
“I was looking forward to campaigning and to getting the word out who I am and what I want to do, and what I want to see for Aylmer,” says Vanraes, who, like the others, didn’t have to do any campaigning at all.
After a tumultuous last term that cast the town in the national spotlight, some voters are not surprised so few people vied for council positions.
“Because there was so much that happened during COVID,” says voter Martha Calvank. “I watched what the mayor went through, and I think people are just afraid.”
At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Mary French endured harassment and was threatened when a state of emergency was called over the potential for civil unrest.
“I think that people might be afraid of any backlash that could happen if they do run, and they’re just trying to fly under the radar,” says voter Susie Gobeil.
The Aylmer Express newspaper recently hosted an all candidates meeting, but given that there’s no race for general council seats, Editor Brett Hueston admitted it was not an easy undertaking.
“I think that’s what’s so disappointing, is that there are so few contested seats, because Aylmer has all this potential, and we’re just not sure where it’s headed,” says Hueston.
Aylmer is not alone in attracting candidates, as several other municipalities are seeing a lack of willingness from people to let their names stand.
Retired Western University political scientist Andrew Sancton says the position of local politician has lost its appeal for a number of reasons.
“It might be that people just don’t want to open themselves up to the kind of abuse that occurs sometimes on social media,” says Sancton. “Maybe it’s no accident that Aylmer is one of the places, because there’s been a lot of conflict in Aylmer.”
There may be no races for council positions at the seat of local government in Aylmer, but there are races at the top, with three people running for mayor, and three people for deputy mayor.
A full list of candidates for Aylmer can be found on the town website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.