Adam Bramburger
Beaver Staff
About 30 people, including all four declared mayoral candidates in Greater Napanee, attended an information night Thursday for potential and third-party advertisers in this fall’s municipal election.
The session, which was organized by Lennox and Addington County and its four lower-tier municipalities featured a presentation from Ministry of Municipal Affairs advisors Carol Church and Peter Sizov.
Sizov discussed the roles of councillors, municipal staff, school board trustees and board staff and how they interact with one another.
He also outlined the eligibility requirements to enter a race for the Oct. 22 campaign. Those wanting to run have until July 27 to file nomination papers and fees with municipal clerks in their municipalities. He spoke about a new requirement this year that requires each candidate to be nominated from 25 eligible voters.
Church continued by discussing the financial parameters outlined by the Municipal Elections Act, including formulas that set campaign contribution, spending, and self-funding limits.
Head of council candidates are able to spend $7,500 plus 85 cents per elector. All other positions can spend $5,000 plus 85 cents per elector. Campaign contributors can spend $5,000 cumulative and just $1,200 per candidate or campaign.
She also discussed requirements regarding borrowing, campaign expenses, surpluses and providing accurate financial statements by the deadlines prescribed in the act.
The ministry representatives encouraged all potential candidates to familiarize themselves with the applicable laws and to seek their own legal advice and rulings from a municipal clerk if they’re unsure on anything.
Some time was spent on a new twist for this election that requires individuals, corporations, or trade unions to register with a municipality as third party advertisers if they plan to support a candidate or referendum side.They also have strict rules governing their finances.
Potential candidates were also able to meet directly with clerks and representatives from their municipalities after the presentation.