Today is Election Day! Before the votes are counted and the results are known, there are a few people I want to recognize and thank.

First, congratulations to every candidate who put their name forward in this election, whether for Mayor, Ward Councillor, or School Board Trustee.

Running for public office takes considerably more than most people realize. Many candidates have been campaigning for nearly six months, giving up evenings, weekends, family time, and spending considerable amounts of their own money. There’s also the stress, anxiety, and personal scrutiny that comes with putting yourself out there for public consideration. It’s perhaps the biggest and most public job interview you’ll ever experience.

Regardless of tonight’s outcome, every candidate deserves recognition for having the courage to put their name on the ballot and stand up for something they believe in.

There’s also a certain camaraderie that develops among candidates. We’ve all shared an experience that relatively few people will ever understand. In that respect, we’re members of a pretty exclusive club! I’ve personally made lasting friendships through both the 2022 and 2026 elections, including with people I’ve competed against. That’s something I genuinely value.

I also want to extend a sincere thank you to Haldimand County’s Clerk, election officials, and all the staff involved in administering this election.

As candidates, we get a small glimpse into the enormous amount of work that happens behind the scenes. From preparing voter information and organizing voting locations to administering advance polls, internet voting, candidate registrations, and countless other responsibilities, there’s a tremendous amount of planning and coordination involved. Much of this work goes unnoticed by the public.

Their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to delivering a fair, accessible, and transparent election deserve our recognition and appreciation.

I’d also like to thank our local media outlets for their consistent election coverage, along with the many organizations, community groups, and volunteers who organized the six mayoral debates, ward debates, and candidate meet-and-greet events across Haldimand County. These events take considerable effort to organize and provide residents with valuable opportunities to hear directly from those seeking to represent them.

On a more personal note, I want to thank the volunteers, supporters, friends, and family members who have helped me throughout this campaign. From installing signs and knocking on doors to delivering campaign materials, helping at events, and offering encouragement along the way, your time and effort have meant a great deal to me. I couldn’t have done it without your support, and I am truly grateful.

The level of public participation has also been encouraging. As of polls close on Sunday, 9,877 residents had already cast their ballots through advance polling and internet voting. The strong early turnout is an encouraging indication of just how engaged our residents are in the future of Haldimand County.

Of course, this election hasn’t been without its share of mudslinging, rumours, lies, and personal attacks. It’s an unfortunate aspect of politics that I wish we could leave behind. We should be able to disagree on issues, challenge ideas, and hold different opinions without making things personal. I sincerely look forward to a return to a place where respectful disagreement is the norm.

Despite those moments, the overwhelming majority of my experiences throughout this campaign have been positive. I’ve had countless thoughtful conversations with residents, met some wonderful people, and witnessed firsthand just how much people care about their communities.

Our democracy is alive and well in Haldimand County. The interest, engagement, and willingness of so many people to participate in this election is something we should all be proud of.

To my fellow candidates, congratulations on making it this far. Whatever the results tonight, I wish each of you the very best.

And to the residents of Haldimand County, thank you for taking an interest, asking questions, challenging candidates, and participating in the democratic process.

If you haven’t voted yet, polls are open today from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

See you at the polls!