Charkavi said Admaston/Bromley is always looking for more people to sign up to be a local councillor | Mik Horvath/MBC
Renfrew County, in partnership with every municipality within, have organized public information sessions focused around what it’s like to sit on municipal council.
The “So You Want to Run for Council?” workshops are taking a tour of the county on April 23 and April 24 with the keynote speaker, Nigel Bellchamber, who has years of experience with various seats within a municipal council.
Admaston/Bromley clerk/CAO, Jennifer Charkavi, was involved with the same workshop hosted in 2022 and said that year’s attendees really got behind the idea of a fresh take on municipal politics.
These sessions are typically held before municipal elections, which this year will be in October.
The goal is to get curious councillors-to-be informed about what it truly takes to sit on municipal council ahead of candidate registration, which is open from May 1 until Aug. 21.
Registration for the workshops is free, but Charkavi said the knowledge gained is priceless.
Sitting on municipal council is a dedication of mind and body; it is imperative to know of guidelines and policies, but it is also vital to be a present member of council.
Other topics to be touched on will include the municipal conflict of interest, members code of conduct and strong mayor powers.
Charkavi said being a municipal councillor involves quite a few responsibilities, some of which may not be immediately obvious.
So you want to run for council? What’s in it for you?
Being a municipal councillor may seem like a timid pastime, but councillors are a direct voice of local needs and have a tangible impact on local services.
Charkavi also said the impact of municipal workers are felt the most in every day life.
Sessions for “So You Want to Run for Council” begin on April 23, with the first round happening at the Eganville Arena from 2 until 4 p.m., there is another sessions later that day at the Murray Yantha Community Centre in McNab Braeside from 7 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
On April 24 there’s another two sessions; from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Petawawa Civic Centre in Petawawa, which at the same time will be broadcasted on Zoom for any virtual spectators.
Registration is free and can be completed by checking out the link -> https://petawawa.ca/candidate-information-sessions/https://www.renfrew.ca/en/news/so-you-want-to-run-for-council-candidate-information-sessions
(Written by Mik Horvath)
