Gallagher steps back but Russell candidates keep running

Nick Gallagher’s decision to stop campaigning has raised a question: does Russell still have an election?

With four other candidates seeking four council positions it may look almost like an acclamation but the election will continue with Gallagher’s name on the ballot. He could still win a seat, but he told The Rustler on Thursday he would resign if elected.

Gallagher announced Oct. 15 that he was ending his campaign after recently receiving information from his employer about a potential conflict of interest. He said his employer had informed him that continuing to campaign and potentially serving on council could create a real or perceived conflict of interest.

Under Ontario’s Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the deadline to formally withdraw a nomination was 2 p.m. Aug. 21. Township Clerk Joanne Camiré Laflamme has confirmed the election will proceed under the provincial rules, meaning the other four candidates are not automatically elected.

“I was surprised. With little more than a week to go to polling day, I thought any questions with regards to conflicts would be answered before nomination day,” Charles Armstrong said in an email Friday.

“This has no effect on my campaign. I am continuing as planned,” he said. “I am continuing my door to door campaigning with no change in my approach.”

For candidate Dominique Bertrand, the remaining campaign will still involve canvassing, talking with residents and helping people follow the election.

“My approach to this campaign has not changed. I will continue canvassing, connecting with residents, and sharing relevant information to ensure people remain informed and engaged in the electoral process,” Bertrand said.

Bertrand expressed disappointment about what the situation means for local democracy while respecting Gallagher’s decision. The answer also looked beyond this election to the need for a larger field next time.

“This situation also highlights the importance of having more candidates step forward at the next election. We need to ensure residents have meaningful choices and that we never find ourselves in a situation like this again.”

Candidate Lisa Deacon said councillor candidacy has steadily declined over the last three election cycles.

“We need to seize the moment for what it is, a wake-up call to strengthen local democracy,” she said. “Local democracy is a collective project.”

For Deacon, the announcement brought “complete surprise and a real sense of loss.” She thanked Gallagher for the work he had put into his campaign, including helping residents understand the voting process. But she does not intend to wind down her own efforts.

“So, I will continue to show up at events and to knock on doors to encourage people to vote but also to continue to educate, and to ask these essential questions,” she said.

Deacon also wants residents to start thinking about the next election well before it arrives.

“We must begin to identify and encourage potential candidates for 2030. That work honours my supporters and volunteers and the energy they have invested in my campaign.”

Those supporters, she said, care about democracy and everyone having a voice.

“So that aspect of my campaign is more important than ever.”