‘Focus on affordability,’ locals head to the polls in Central Elgin
Advanced polls opened on Oct 1. to locals looking to get their vote in early and skip the long lines.
Residents of Central Elgin will have more options in this municipal election with the choice of four mayoral candidates.
The current mayoral candidates include Dennis Crevits, Tom Marks, Casey Siebenmorgen and Andrew Sloan.
Tom Marks, the current deputy mayor told CTV News that he feels optimistic after engaging in a meet and greet Saturday morning which included other candidates.
“We had some good interactions today,” he said.
Marks’ message to voters is that he is always available to answer questions and to hear their concerns.
“I think what we hear the most is they want to see us and for us to answer questions,” said Marks. “Always concerned about high water rates, tax rates, etc. and they’re looking for solutions,”
Todd Noble, who is running as a candidate for deputy mayor expressed similar concerns that he’s heard from residents.
“I think at the end of the day the biggest thing that Central Elgin needs is cooperation, they need to build a better community,” he said.
Andrew Sloan said his priorities in this election are for change and to focus on affordability.
“It’s time for us to look at the budget and doing more with less,” said Sloan, a mayoral candidate for CE.
“We have tremendous challenges with the economy right now and going forward I don't think we can continue on the same path.”
Some candidates themselves arrived early to the polls on Saturday afternoon, eager to get in their vote in.
“It’s a nice day, we thought why not get out and vote,” said David Baughman, a candidate for Ward 5. “We wanted to skip the long line.”
“The expense of living today is getting higher and higher and it’s up to us as council, as a new council coming in to maximize the tax dollars spent and reduce the impact on the rate payers as we move forward” said rob McFarlan, a candidate for Ward 5.
There are 22 municipal candidates competing to become mayor, deputy mayor or a counselor in Central Elgin.
Ward 2 will be a race between the current mayor Sally Martyn and ward 3 incumbent councilor Karen Cook, Morgaine Halpin and Sherlock Reid.
Bill Sporbeck will competing with Baughman and McFarlan for a seat in Ward 5.
While running for deputy mayor, Noble is currently up against Bill Harrington and Colleen Row.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.