We have attended the town halls and meet ’n’ greets, talked to the candidates and canvassed our friends, read the statements, and discussed among ourselves. To winnow down a field of 32 nominees, we considered representation across age groups and genders, knowledge of key issues, relevant skills and experience, working well with others, and just plain making the County look — and sound — good. Herewith, our slate of preferred candidates. 

Mayor

Brad Nieman ran a splendid campaign. From blanketing every town, hamlet and village in election signs, to the spiffy office on Picton Main Street, he gave it everything he had. His black pickup truck, emblazoned with Nieman for Mayor, was everywhere, from the Bloomfield Derby to the Milford Fall Fair, all summer long. The affable long-term councillor appeals to a strong constituency across the County—and for good reason. That said, we found Ernie Margetson’s immersion in the details of every file just that bit more persuasive. Every time we spoke, he’d added something to his thinking. If there were questions he couldn’t answer, he went home and studied up. Keen to learn, he’s open to new ideas and other points of view. That means he listens. When it’s his turn to speak, he’s both direct and thoughtful. He’s the one, in other words, that we want representing the County both in the province and to the feds. If anyone can forge a consensus across different constituencies, priorities, and points of view, it might be Mr. Margetson. 

Ward 1

In Picton, incumbents Kate MacNaughton and Phil St-Jean, and Jane Lesslie — who campaigned for a seat last year only to lose by six votes — are competing for two seats. MacNaughton and St-Jean have been standout councillors for this ward. Strong and united backers of clean drinking water, carefully managed growth, and affordable housing, they are champions of Picton’s success as the County’s business and commercial center and committed advocates for the less fortunate. Jane Lesslie, on the other hand, sees investing in growth as a risk. That stance itself risks the County’s — not to mention Picton’s — bright future. 

Ward 2

In Bloomfield/Hallowell, eight candidates are vying for two seats. The Radiator Collective’s Erynn Ahern and former urban planner Victor Lind are standouts. Ms. Ahern, a proponent of the affordable housing initiative at the former Queen Elizabeth school in Picton, is not afraid to say food insecurity might be more important than the roads, while Mr. Lind is already well known from his volunteer work, formerly with Save Picton Bay and now Stop Illegal Quarries PEC. Meanwhile, Bloomfield dairy farmer Kane Rutgers is a young family man, active in community clubs and sports, who promises to represent the County’s crucial farming sector, as well as the needs and dreams of younger families. 

Ward 3 Wellington: Corey Engelsdorfer, acclaimed.

Ward 4

In Ameliasburgh, which has three seats, the six candidates include two incumbents, Sam Grosso and Janice Maynard. Both have respectable track records as councillors, though Grosso secured planning permissions to open a live music club in his barn in a way that angered his neighbours and suggested an abuse of his position. Meanwhile Andreas Bolik served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 45 years and already has one term at council under his belt. An aerospace engineer and former lawyer, he promises to bring an informed voice to the table. 

Ward 5

Athol has four candidates and one seat. Both Haley Woods and Anna Zak are good choices — for completely different reasons. Ms. Woods is an unusually thoughtful advocate for those with physical and other challenges, while Ms. Zak, who owns Cherry Valley’s Lakecroft, would bring small business to the governance table. She might be able to help expand a seasonal tourist economy in a county still learning how to smooth the way for business investment. 

Ward 6

In Sophiasburgh too, there are four candidates and one seat. Megan Hutton represents everything Shire Hall is missing: she’s a vibrant young woman committed to the arts, to music, and to improving her community. A graduate of the schools of music and arts at NYU, she’s been a driving force of the County’s burgeoning music scene for two decades. Bill Roberts is an experienced and consistent leader, an advocate for the disenfranchised, and almost always delivers clear rationales for his decisions. What a shame both these candidates are running in one ward. We hope they tie, and must each be given a seat. 

Ward 7 Hillier: Chris Braney, acclaimed.

Ward 8

Unfortunately for Siobhan Harrison, who is running to replace her husband, Dave Harrison, as North Marysburgh’s sole councillor, while some residents are concerned about the number of times Mr. Harrison had to recuse himself from council votes because of his family ties, others worry he didn’t recuse himself enough. Luckily, both other candidates here, Ken Morton and Tracey Stevens, would be excellent. Mr. Morton, who recently sold a successful business, Deerhaven Farm & Garden, is committed to representing the ward’s strong farming sector. As he puts it, “the challenge is to have sustainable growth while maintaining our boutique culture —small town charm with big city amenities.” Ms. Stevens, a computer engineer who helps companies integrate AI into their operations, runs a consulting business in Cressy and promises to bring sophisticated management skills to the role.

Ward 9 South Marysburgh: John Hirsch, acclaimed. 

School Board Trustee: South Prince Edward 

Both Codie Goodman and Peter Wheeler are competing for the position of Hastings Prince Edward District School Board Trustee. Ms. Goodman, who is experienced in working with youth and works now for the Greater Than County youth collective, is brimming with enthusiasm, commitment, and informed ideas. Peter Wheeler, on the other hand, didn’t return our calls. Goodman has our vote.