Twice as many candidates in Belleville as in last election

The diversity of campaign signs around Belleville reflects the large number of candidate names that will be on the ballot in the Oct. 27 municipal election. Photo by Amanda Lorbetski

By Amanda Lorbetski

BELLEVILLE – There will be a lot of candidates on the ballot for Belleville mayor and council in next month’s municipal election.

According to the election section of the city’s website, there are 37 candidates – twice as many as in the 2010 election.

Local writer, former Loyalist College journalism professor and political observer Orland French said not all candidates run to be elected. “They want to get their name better known. They may be looking at running seriously next time around. They don’t have much of a chance this time. At least it gives them some experience.”

Councillor Tom Lafferty, who isn’t seeking re-election, says he hopes that the candidates sincerely care about the city.

As a councillor, “you get to have an impact on (the city), on your life and on the life of others, and hopefully make it a better place,” said Lafferty. “I really hope that that’s the reason people are in” the race.

That’s just one of many things for Belleville voters to consider when they head to the polls on Oct. 27.

Listen here for a full story from 91X FM on the subject of the large number of candidates: