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.
Denise Maynard
I’m Denise Maynard, a single mom and Ward 2 neighbour running for Chatham‑Kent council to represent everyday residents rather than special interests. I know firsthand the strain of living paycheck to paycheck and the toll of local issues: children exposed to drugs and violence, people sleeping in tents, and neighbours left without pathways to stability. Our council must balance compassion with accountability — ensuring consistent, fair enforcement while investing in affordable and transitional housing, addiction treatment and rehabilitation, and community‑based public safety that protects families.
If elected, I will bring lived experience to council, listen to residents, and work with service providers and law enforcement to create practical plans that actually improve quality of life. I will prioritize municipal spending on essential services over short‑term or decorative projects, and be accountable to Ward 2 residents.
Vote Denise Maynard — Dignity with Accountability.
Albert Bilbeam
Albert Pilbeam is a candidate for Chatham-Kent Council representing Ward 2.
For more than 30 years, Albert has served the people of Chatham-Kent through policing, firefighting, public safety, coaching, volunteering, and community leadership. Throughout his career, Albert has believed that the best solutions come from listening, working together, and putting people first.
Albert retired as a Police Sergeant with the Chatham-Kent Police Service following a 24-year policing career. He also served for 17 years as a Volunteer Firefighter, responding to emergencies and helping protect families throughout Chatham-Kent.
Today, Albert is the Manager of Campus Safety at the University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus, where he leads campus safety, emergency management, and security operations.
He has served on local and provincial boards and committees focused on public safety, education, and community leadership, while also coaching youth hockey, soccer, and baseball and volunteering with local organizations. Albert holds a diploma in Law and Security Administration, has completed the Ontario Management Development Program, and has continued to build on that education through professional training in leadership, management, emergency management, and incident command.
Over the years, Albert has had the opportunity to lead teams, manage budgets, coordinate emergency responses, and build strong partnerships throughout the community. Those experiences have reinforced the importance of accountability, collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making—qualities he would bring to Council.
Albert and his wife have made Chatham-Kent their home for many years, where they raised their two daughters and son. They continue to enjoy being active members of the community they proudly call home.
Albert believes municipal government should be open, accountable, fiscally responsible, and focused on making decisions that are in the best interests of residents.
Why I’m Running
I’m running because I care deeply about our communities, and after a lifetime of public service, I believe I still have more to contribute.
Chatham-Kent has been my home for many years. It’s where my family was raised, where I’ve built my career, and where I’ve had the privilege of serving people in many different roles.
Throughout that time, I’ve learned that the best decisions are made by listening first, understanding different perspectives, and working together to find practical solutions.
Ward 2 faces important opportunities and challenges. Whether it’s supporting agriculture and local businesses, maintaining infrastructure, planning responsibly for growth, or ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, I believe residents deserve thoughtful, accountable leadership that puts the community first.
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.
Spencer Stinson
Hi, my name is Spencer Stinson and I’m running to represent the residents of Ward 2 in the upcoming election. I grew up working alongside my dad on our beef cattle farm north of Kingston, ON, so I learned at a young age that you fix what’s broken and it’s important that you show up for your neighbours. I was drawn to SW Ontario after high-school, where I completed my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and later my Masters in Engineering Management. Now working for 15+ years on engineering projects from concept to implementation has taught me how to plan carefully, solve problems, and deliver results responsibly. Combined with a strong focus on financial prudence, I believe those skills would bring some much needed practical value to the council.
South-Kent is where I met my wife, and Blenheim is where we have chosen to call home for 11 years now with our two boys (4 and 6). I’m committed to making Chatham-Kent a great place for people to grow and prosper, because I truly believe that a strong community is one in which everyone is given an opportunity to succeed if they are determined and work hard. I also believe giving back and being involved in your community keeps you grounded and builds connection to the people you call home with. I’ve been privileged to be on the board of directors of Linck – Child, Youth and Family Supports for 2 years and active on the recreation scene here in Blenheim – being on the Blenheim Minor Baseball board and coaching both of my sons’ baseball and soccer teams. I truly love being involved in as much of their life that I can be, and want to strive to make the community we call home better every chance I can get.
I’m committed to being a strong advocate for the issues that are important to the residents of Ward 2. People can very quickly become disengaged in politics on a good day, and if they feel their voices are not well represented in Chatham the problem only gets worse. Our 2022 election is a representation of this where just over 30% of eligible voters cast their ballot. That’s nearly 7 out of 10 people who could have voted that did not. Whether people in Ward 2 vote for myself or any of the other candidates, my hope is that over the campaign I am able to demonstrate that I am here to listen, work hard and motivate you to get out and vote on October 26th.
Hassan Tariq
(No biography submitted)