A veteran Chatham-Kent Councillor is set to run for Mayor in 2026.
Michael Bondy, who was first elected to Chatham-Kent Council in 2010, confirmed with the Sydenham Current he will run for Mayor in the upcoming Municipal Election next year.
“I am motivated by the state of our community,” Bondy told the Sydenham Current.
“I believe we have to make changes to the way we govern the municipality. Council has, over the years, witnessed an erosion of its authority. Administration has been given too much control over many aspects of the operations of the city.”
Bondy added: “Staffing decisions and wages are not authorized by Council and that should change.”
Bondy said he “firmly believes” Chatham-Kent should change the entire model of the Municipality.
“We should either de-amalgamate or at least adopt a new system that gives more authority to the smaller communities to peruse their own priorities,” he said.
“What this looks like is a mystery, but it should be explored. I truly see this as a way to unite the former Kent County. We have been working on our amalgamated community for 26 years and it is not working out the way many had hoped. These would be my top new priorities.”
Bondy said “obviously economic growth is” has been a top priority.
“That our course would not change,” he said.
“I believe my business background would give me an advantage when speaking with people looking to set up shop anywhere in Kent County. I would be a Mayor who is optimistic, but also realistic.”
Bondy is now serving his fourth term representing Ward 6 – Chatham.
The next municipal election will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026.
