Election Day in Chatham-Kent was on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.
The Sydenham Current has sent a series of questions to all 14 elected Councillors across Chatham-Kent, along with the newly elected mayor. Coverage will be rolling out over the next couple of weeks.
Our next feature is Brian Machado, who will begin his first term serving on Chatham-Kent Council, representing Ward 6 – North West Chatham.
Machado finished second at the polls, gathering 1,964 votes.
Below are the questions we sent each Councillor-elect and their responses:
Ward 6 – North West Chatham: Brian Machado
1. Election night and the road ahead: You’ve just been elected, and the community has placed its trust in you to represent them for the 2026-2030 Council term. What was election night like for you? What emotions and thoughts were going through your mind as the results came in? Now that the election is behind you, what’s the first order of business as a newly elected or returning Councillor?
“Election night was an emotional experience, one that I will remember for the rest of my life. When the results started coming in and it became clear that the residents of Ward 6 had placed their trust in me, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude, excitement and, most importantly, responsibility.
“This was never just about winning an election. It was about the relationships built, the conversations shared on doorsteps and the opportunity to give people a voice. Throughout the campaign, Brandon, myself and our team knocked on more than 4,400 doors and had hundreds of meaningful conversations with residents. Those conversations reinforced why I wanted to serve.”
“My first order of business is to listen, learn and build strong working relationships with my fellow Councillors and municipal administration. There is a great deal to learn, and I intend to approach this responsibility with an open mind, ask questions and make informed decisions. I want residents to know that their voices will continue to matter long after election day.”
2. A new Council structure: This was the first municipal election in Chatham-Kent with a reduced number of Councillors and adjusted ward boundaries. How do you feel these changes impacted the 2026 election, and what impact do you anticipate they will have on how Council operates and represents residents moving forward?
“The reduction in the number of Councillors and the adjustment of ward boundaries certainly created a different election landscape. Candidates were required to connect with broader communities, meet more residents and understand a wider range of neighbourhood concerns.
“I believe these changes create both opportunities and responsibilities. With fewer Councillors representing Chatham-Kent, it becomes even more important that we communicate effectively, work collaboratively and ensure residents feel connected to their elected representatives.”
“I see this as an opportunity to strengthen the way Council works together. While each of us has a responsibility to represent our respective wards, we must never lose sight of the fact that we are serving one municipality. The decisions we make around the horseshoe affect the entire community, and I believe we will accomplish more when we work together rather than independently.”
3. Working with the new Mayor: Michael Bondy has been elected Mayor of Chatham-Kent. What are your thoughts on the new Mayor, and what will your approach be to working with Mayor Bondy to effectively represent not only your ward, but the municipality as a whole?
“I am very pleased to see Michael Bondy elected as Mayor. I have known Mike and his family for many years, and I have tremendous respect for his experience, commitment and longstanding involvement in our community.
“My approach to working with Mayor Bondy will be rooted in mutual respect, open communication and collaboration. We may not always agree on every issue, and I think that’s perfectly healthy in a democratic process. What matters is that we have honest discussions, consider the facts, listen to different perspectives and ultimately work toward the best possible outcomes for our residents.”
“I believe we have an opportunity to establish a positive direction with this new Council. I want to be part of a team that puts people before politics, encourages constructive dialogue and works toward a common goal: making Chatham-Kent a stronger, more prosperous and welcoming municipality for everyone.”
4. Priorities, opportunities and challenges: Throughout the election campaign, candidates discussed a variety of issues and priorities facing Chatham-Kent. As the new Council begins its term, what are your top priorities? What do you see as the biggest opportunity for this term of Council, and conversely, what do you anticipate will be its biggest challenge?
“My priorities are centred on responsible financial management, transparency, infrastructure, public safety, economic development and supporting the people and businesses that make Chatham-Kent such a special place.
“Residents are feeling the pressures of rising costs, and municipal government has a responsibility to be mindful of the financial burden placed on taxpayers. I want to see us continually examine efficiencies, manage spending responsibly and ensure that every tax dollar is delivering value to our community.”
“I also want to encourage an environment where local businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs and future investors can succeed. Our small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and economic growth creates opportunities for families, young people and future generations.”
“Another priority is ensuring residents feel heard and have confidence in their municipal government. Transparency, accessibility and accountability must be more than words. They need to be reflected in how we conduct ourselves and make decisions.”
“I believe our biggest opportunity is to bring together the experience, perspectives and talents of this new Council to move Chatham-Kent forward. We have tremendous potential in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, housing and economic development.”
“Our biggest challenge will be balancing those opportunities with the financial realities facing municipalities today. There will be difficult decisions, competing priorities and different opinions. How we navigate those challenges, while maintaining public trust and working together, will define the success of this term.”
5. Life outside of Council: Outside of your elected position, what professional, personal or community experience do you bring to your role as Municipal Councillor? How do you intend to balance your responsibilities as a Councillor with your other professional and personal commitments?
“Outside of municipal government, my life revolves around family, faith, business and community.
“I am a husband and father of four boys, and family has always been at the centre of everything I do. Professionally, I have spent many years in the restaurant and hospitality industry, building businesses, working alongside employees and serving people from all walks of life. I am involved with Churrascaria Steakhouse and Nova Vida Pastelaria Café & Bakery, and I also have the privilege of teaching Hospitality and Tourism at Ursuline College Catholic High School.”
“These experiences have taught me the importance of hard work, accountability, listening to people and understanding the challenges that everyday families, employees and business owners face. They have also given me an appreciation for the incredible people and organizations that contribute to our community.”
“Balancing these responsibilities will require organization, commitment and support from my family and the people around me. I understand that serving as a Councillor is a significant responsibility, and I intend to give it the time and attention it deserves.”
“My faith is also an important part of who I am. It reminds me that leadership is ultimately about service, humility and putting others before yourself.”
“I didn’t enter this election believing I had all the answers. I entered because I care about this community and believe I can contribute something positive.”
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity residents have given me. My commitment is to remain approachable, accessible and accountable, and to work alongside my fellow Councillors, Mayor Bondy, municipal administration and residents.”
“Chatham-Kent belongs to all of us. Our future is something we build together.”
