Election Contests in Central Frontenac

With one month to go before the deadline for candidates to register for this fall's municipal elections, candidate registration has been slow over the past few weeks. But in Central Frontenac, there are a dozen candidates registered and there will be contests in at least 3 wards, and for mayor.

Nicki Gowdy and Susan Irwin are both running for the open mayor job, as Frances Smith is stepping away.

Both of the incumbents from ward 1 (Kennebec), Lynn Klages and Cindy Kelsey, have entered the race over the last ten days, and with Chase Matson already registered, ward 1 voters will have a choice.

In Ward 3 (Oso) a contest between Meredith Peters and Lesley Merrigan, and recent appointee Bill MacDonald is underway.

Brent Cameron is trying to return to council in Ward 4 (Hinchinbrooke), facing long time incumbent Philip Smith, and former councillor and mayor, Janet Gutowski.

Only in Ward 2 is there no election in the offing as of yet. One term incumbent Danny Meeks is the only one running so far.

Candidates can wait until August 21 to register, but they cannot spend any money on their campaign until they do.

Campaign signs have been going up around the townships, slowly, and low key campaigning is under way.

While all of the current members of South Frontenac Council have registered, there are only 5 candidates registered in North Frontenac, with two for mayor, incumbent Gerry Lichty and challenger Kelly Willis, and only two candidates in Addington Highlands, Kirby Thompson for eeeve, and Royce Rosenblath in Ward 1 (Denbigh).