Ward 2 (South East Kent) – 2 councillor positions
Chad Carnie
My name is Chad Carnie and I am a lifelong resident of CK’s Ward 2.
As a young child we lived at my grandparents gravel pit just south of Duart and later moved to Morpeth where I reside still.
I am 38 years old, married for 10 years to my beautiful wife Tessa, and we have two young children together. I like to hunt, fish, camp, and golf.
I graduated from R.D.H.S. and went straight into an auto body and collision repair apprenticeship, which is what I still do 20 years later.
I am running for council because I want to make sure our ward is seen and heard in Chatham. It’s a large ward and I want to make sure everyone feels represented, from Muirkirk to Cedar Springs and everywhere in between.
Matthew Giffin
(No biography submitted)
Matt Lamarche
A bit of information about myself, I am 40 years old and currently married with 3 kids, 15, 12 and 8. Have lived in Chatham-Kent now for just shy of 20 years, 13 of the past years currently in Ridgetown. When I am not busy with the kids activities I do like to fish when I can or get out hunting in the fall. As far as my post-secondary education is concerned, I completed a Diploma in Agriculture, I have a degree in Agri-Business and I also completed a Graduate Diploma in Seed Science and technology. I have spent most of my life working in the Ag Industry, funny part about that is that I grew up in town and not on a farm but I always feel that gives me a unique perspective being able to understand both sides of the fence so to speak. I currently work for Corteva, most people still know it as Pioneer-Hi-Bred, been there since coming to Chatham-Kent so nearly 20 years now in various roles most being leadership roles.
I guess the big question is why am I running for Council? Well, I have a bit of a unique story as to why that is. A few years ago, our community in Ridgetown faced a situation where people had real concerns about a project happening in town. People had questions, they wanted to be heard—and they were looking to their elected representatives for support but guess what happened, no one showed up when it mattered most and that just didn’t sit right with me because whether you agree or disagree on an issue, the job of a councillor is simple: be there, listen, and represent the people who put you there. I said to myself I could do better, at the very least I could show up and that’s what prompted me to run for council and that’s the commitment I am making to the residents of Ward 2. If elected, I will be present, I will listen and I will make sure your voice is brought to the council table—especially when it matters most and am willing to be a team player and work with my colleagues to make that happen.
Brad Snobelen
Hi my name is Brad Snobelen and I am a life-long resident of Chatham-Kent. After careful consideration and continuing my desire to serve my community, I am proud to say that I am running for Chatham-Kent Council in Ward 2 this October 2026. Please allow me a few minutes to introduce myself to those that who may not know me.
I live and work on our farm just outside of Ridgetown with my wife Jess and our 2 children. We are raising the 4th generation of Snobelen’s on our family farm.
My interest in municipal politics started at a very early age. Spending quality time with my grandfathers growing up who were both Reeves of their respective townships, conversations always turned to municipal affairs. I learned at an early age the commitment and dedication that it takes to be in public office.
My interest has grown over the years as I became more involved in our family farm, married and started a family.
In 2016 I joined the Kent Federation of Agriculture, the local extension and representation of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. This local board supports and advocates for over 1850 members to ensure their voice is heard in many different areas but mostly municipal affairs. During my 9 years on the Kent Federation of Agriculture Board I served as a director, then as Vice President and Treasurer. I was elected President in 2023 and served for two years.
During my time on the KFA Board I was privileged to help write and deliver many deputations to Chatham Kent Council on such important issues as Property Taxes, Farm Tax Ratio, Infrastructure Issues and Area Ratings to name a few.
I helped to create the Agricultural Advisory Committee. This was created to help improve communication between the municipality and the agricultural and rural communities. I was very happy to be elected by my peers as the first chairperson of that committee.
In 2025 I was awarded agriculturist of the year by the Chatham Kent Chamber of Commerce at the rural urban awards. I was recognized for my work with the Kent Federation as well as my years of farming on our family farm.
I’ve spent my life working in and around this community, and like many of you, I understand the value of hard work, responsibility, and looking out for your neighbours. Whether it’s through farming, business, or raising a family here, I know what it takes to keep rural communities strong.
I’m running for council because I believe our rural voice needs to be heard clearly and consistently around the horseshoe. Too often, decisions are made that don’t fully reflect the realities we face outside of the big center — this is a direct result of not having anyone in Council who lives and works solely in the rural sector. Issues such as road maintenance and infrastructure need a voice that in the end supports local agriculture and small business.
I believe in practical, common-sense leadership. That means being responsible with taxpayer dollars, focusing on core services, and making sure our roads, drainage, and essential services are properly maintained. It also means standing up for the people who call this area home and making sure your concerns are not overlooked.
Most importantly, I believe in being accessible and accountable. If elected, I will listen, I will respond, and I will work hard to represent your interests with honesty and integrity.
This community has given a lot to my family, and I want to give back by helping ensure it remains a great place to live, work, and raise the next generation.
Hassan Tariq
(No biography submitted)