Ward 1 (South West Kent) – 2 councillor positions
Mark Authier
(No biography submitted)
Michael Bond
Michael Bond is a long time Chatham-Kent resident, community-minded leader, and experienced business operations professional who is committed to bringing practical, common-sense leadership to municipal council.
With more than 30 years of experience in operations management, production leadership, budgeting, and team development, Michael has built his career on accountability, efficiency, and results. He understands the challenges families, workers, and small business owners face because he has lived them firsthand.
Michael believes Chatham-Kent needs strong leadership that focuses on core municipal priorities: responsible tax management, infrastructure renewal, public safety, economic growth, and community well-being. He supports investing in roads, bridges, water, and wastewater systems while ensuring taxpayers receive value for every dollar spent.
His campaign is centred on balanced decision-making—listening to residents, respecting taxpayer dollars, bring trust back and making sure council focuses on the services that matter most.
Michael is committed to addressing homelessness and addiction through stronger recovery supports, safer communities, and practical solutions that protect both vulnerable resident sand neighbourhoods.
He also believes in transparent government, greater public engagement, and ensuring major community decisions—such as recreation investments, development projects, and long-term infrastructure planning—reflect the voices of the people of Ward 1 and Chatham-Kent as a whole.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys golf, fishing, camping, and spending time with family and friends in the community he is proud to call home.
Michael Bond is running for council because he believes Chatham-Kent deserves leadership that works hard, listens first, and puts residents before politics.
Andréa Palmer
I was born and raised in Tilbury. I live in Merlin and I operate a business in Chatham. I have over 20 years of management experience in both the hospitality and financial services industries.
I decided to run for council as I feel there’s a need for a voice of common sense at the table and someone that will represent this ward with integrity, transparency, and honesty.
Since amalgamation, I feel many decisions have been made to benefit the city of Chatham and the surrounding areas seem to come as an afterthought or only get heard after too much complaining. I want to be the voice for my constituents and get their concerns on the table and act in their best interest at all times.
I will be your voice in ward 1 and fight to make sure your concerns are heard and addressed in a timely manner. I will make myself available to my constituents on a regular basis, not just at a time of crisis or at election time, to keep them informed, and to keep my finger on the pulse of the communities in ward 1.
I am sure there will be difficult and unpopular discussions that will have to be made during the four year term, but I will not keep my constituents in the dark, and I will ensure that I will keep them informed, following proper procedures, and within the Codes of conduct set out by the municipality.
I have spent my work career in the customer service field and I have always provided myself on giving excellent customer service. This position will be no different. As a taxpayer, you are the customer and my promise to you, is to do all I can in the power allowed me to provide the exceptional customer service you deserve.
Gerhard Taves
(No biography submitted)