County News
Plus 2
Higher pay fails to dramatically increase the candidate pool
If the goal of raising council compensation was to increase public participation in municipal decision-making, it succeeded— if only marginally. In July, council agreed to raise members’ compensation from a base of $29,645 to $40,422—a 36 per cent hike in pay.
“The expectations of this job deserve a better and higher remuneration, without a doubt,” said Councillor Phil St-Jean during the debate in June. “My biggest worry is, if we keep this at under $30,000, we are going to eliminate the opportunity for [some residents] to step up and put their names on a ballot.”
Similarly, Councillor Kate MacNaughton said a modest increase could broaden the pool of potential candidates and improve voter choice during municipal elections.
As it turned out, the cast of candidates did expand in 2026, but just barely—35 residents will see their names on the ballot on October 26 compared to 33 in 2022—just two more.
Three wards will see their current council member acclaimed: Chris Braney in Hillier, John Hirsch in South Marysburgh and Corey Engelsdorfer in Wellington. Picton avoided acclamation in the closing days of the nomination period. A fourth candidate, Jane Lesslie, raised her hand in Picton, joining Emery Niles in challenging sitting Councillors St-Jean and Mac- Naughton.
Eight candidates will vie for two open seats in Bloomfield/Hallowell. Councillor Phil Prinzen declined to run for a third term. Brad Nieman is running for mayor. Six candidates will compete for three council seats in Ameliasburgh. In Athol, four residents will vie for the seat vacated by Sam Branderhorst.
In Sophiasburgh, three folks are challenging current councillor Bill Roberts for the single seat in the northeast end of the County. David Harrison has decided not to seek another term in North Marysburgh. Three candidates have let their name stand, including Harrison’s wife, Siobhan.
To all potential voters: There is a significant amount of confusion as to how you can check if you are on the voters list, and if not, how you can get there.
Thanks to Craig Mills at County FM, here is the best link: https://pecounty.voterservices.ca/
You may be surprised to find that you are NOT on the voters list, as was I.
It was not hard to complete the registration process, but required that I upload a scan of my ID (I used my Driver’s Licence).
Please, please, if you live in the County and are eligible to vote, 1) Register, and then 2) Actually vote, either in the advance poll or Oct 26.
Who can vote? https://www.thecounty.ca/government/election/information-for-voters/#whocan
– a resident of the County of Prince Edward, or an owner or tenant of land in the County of Prince Edward, or the spouse of such an owner or tenant;
– a Canadian citizen;
– at least 18 years old; and
– not prohibited from voting by law.
You don’t just have to be a taxpayer.
But EVERY taxpayer should care how this election turns out.
Budget meetings for next year’s tax rates start just over a month after swearing in. You will want people in office who understand the difference between NEEDS and WANTS.
And people who understand what it will take to get tax increases down to inflation, or near it.
ALL candidates should be treating this as a very serious job interview.
Because it is.
Tell us what qualifications you are bringing – be it professional, volunteer, whatever you believe may apply. Tell us what your interest is in the Ward you have chosen to represent – especially if you don’t live there, or are fairly new to the County. Treat this seriously. It couldn’t be more so. YOU will be responsible for the 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 Budgets. The “Buck Stops Here”. With you – and The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward is a $100M going concern.