The upcoming municipal election in Chatham-Kent will mark the end of a long political run for two municipal councillors.
After 40 years, Ward 6 Councillor Doug Sulman and Ward 4 Councillor Joe Faas have announced that they will not be seeking another term.
Sulman was first elected to the City of Chatham Council in 1982, making him the only remaining member of the first council to serve the amalgamated municipality of Chatham-Kent.
"It's bittersweet but I got involved because I wanted to be involved with community service and I was taught that at home," said Sulman. "With everything, there is a season and my season with my community elective service has come to an end. I think it's time for younger people to pick up the mantel and go with it."
According to Sulman, he is the fourth generation of his family to serve in public office. It started in the 1890s when his great-grandfather was elected as an alderman in Chatham. He went on to become mayor and later a member of provincial parliament.
Sulman's grandfather was also an alderman who later became mayor. His father was a school board trustee and the county sheriff, which is a position that no longer exists.
"It's been drilled in my head since I was a child at the kitchen table," said Sulman. "Community service was expected of you."
Faas was first elected to Dresden town council in 1977 and was later appointed mayor in 1990. He remained Dresden's mayor until the town, through amalgamation, became a part of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent in 1998.
"I think I've had my mind made up, probably about a year ago," said Faas. "With COVID-19 and my age, you know, I guess you get a little tired of dealing with issues."
According to Faas, a 1977 liquor plebiscite for the former Town of Dresden was a major factor in his decision to join council.
"I was working at the race track, managing the bar, and we always had to get a permit at the time," said Faas. "Word came down that the town didn't have a plebiscite to allow liquor, we probably wouldn't be able to serve that at the track."
Looking back, Faas said one of the most notable accomplishments was getting a water line from Chatham to Dresden. He said it was a touchy subject and being a project of that size, it needed provincial funding.
"I think from start to finish, it took about 18 years to get that water line through," said Faas. "It was a case of perseverance and patience. I think we got close to 90 per cent of funding for that which was quite a boost."
Here's who's running in Chatham-Kent's municipal election:
There are a few things we already know about the municipal election in Chatham-Kent.
Mayor Darrin Canniff is running for a second term. He is running against political newcomers Andy Fisher and William Pickard.
In Ward 5, councillors Aaron Hall and Carmen McGregor have been acclaimed, with the only two seats for Wallaceburg being uncontested.
Ahead of the October 24 vote, here's a look at who is running across Chatham-Kent.
Ward 1 – West Kent (2 elected) Lauren Anderson Melissa Harrigan (incumbent) Sandy Maynard David Serednicki
Ward 2 – South Kent (3 elected) Anthony Ceccacci (incumbent) Ryan Doyle Mary Clare Latimer (incumbent) Trevor Thompson (incumbent) Mike Walker
Ward 3 – East Kent (2 elected) Martin Fisher Matt Lamarche Moréna McDonald Steve Pinsonneault (incumbent) John Wright (incumbent)
Ward 4 – North Kent (2 elected) Rhonda Jubenville Scott Kilbride Jim Konecny Jamie McGrail (incumbent) Jason Sayer Steven Scott Dennis Fox Aaron Neaves
Ward 6 – Chatham (6 elected) Conor Allin Michael Bondy (incumbent) Marjorie Crew (incumbent) Andrew Elliott Amy Finn (incumbent) Michael Gibbons Karen Kirkwood-Whyte (incumbent) Sheila M. Martin Brock McGregor (incumbent) Lynn O’Brien Bonny Pigeon Derek Robertson Dava Robichaud Alysson Storey Larry Vellinga Carson Warrener
