Despite announcing his intention to withdraw from the Chatham-Kent municipal election, Wallaceburg’s Mark Childs will remain a viable candidate on the ballot.
In early September, Childs publicly stated that he was no longer running to represent Ward 5 on Chatham-Kent Council due to the conflicting responsibilities of his campaign and his role as the owner of The Black Goose Grill in Wallaceburg.
“There’s no way I can run a restaurant and be a full-time councillor and do both right. There’s just no way,” said Childs.
However, according to CK’s Election Coordinator Chris Bantock, a candidate who has filed their nomination papers can formally withdraw only by submitting a written notice to the municipal clerk by 2 p.m. on Nomination Day, which was August 21.
“As that did not occur, the candidate remained a certified candidate, and their name legally had to remain on the ballot. The communication that the municipality later became aware of did not constitute a formal withdrawal under the [Municipal Elections] Act,” said Bantock in an emailed statement to CKXS News.
Should Childs receive the first or second highest number of votes in Ward 5, he will still be eligible to accept the seat.
“If the candidate is elected but does not wish to take the seat, and they do not take the declaration of office by the required deadline… a deemed resignation would arise in accordance with the Municipal Act,” said Bantock. “Council would then have to declare the seat vacant at its next meeting.”
The newly elected council would then be required to either appoint the candidate who received the next-highest number of votes, or to hold a by-election.
Childs said he is urging residents not to vote for him.
“I’ve been trying to tell everybody. I’ve posted it on my Facebook page, and I’m going to post it again Friday and Monday so it’s fresh in everybody’s mind for those voting,” he said. “Don’t vote for me. I appreciate the thought, but it’s just going to screw everything up.”
There are 13 other candidates on the ballot in Ward 5 with two seats available. Incumbent councillors Aaron Hall and Carmen McGregor are not seeking re-election.
Chatham-Kent residents will head to the polls for Election Day on Monday.
