July 20, 2026
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While most people believe that the third United States president Thomas Jefferson stated, "The government you elect is the government you deserve," that statement is actually attributed to 18th Century Savoyard philosopher and counter-revolutionary Joseph de Maistre.
In an 1811 letter, Maistre famously wrote in French, "Toute nation a le gouvenement qu'elle mérite," which translates to, "Every nation gets the government it deserves."
Jefferson was deeply passionate about civic responsibility and famously stated, "Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government."
Whatever statement you believe, it is inherent that local government attract qualified candidates, and that the electorate be well-informed to choose from those candidates in the next municipal election, slated for Monday, Oct. 26.
With just a month remaining before Nomination Day (Aug. 21), the Municipality of Kincardine doesn't even have a full slate of candidates from which to choose. As of Monday, July 20, we have a race for mayor, one name for deputy mayor, two for the three councillor-at-large posts, and one person running for Ward 3, leaving vacancies for councillor-at-large, and Wards 1 and 2.
Either this is a case of the usual last-minute decision-making in Bruce County or people don't care, and we're not sure which is worse. Even all the incumbent members of council haven't declared their intentions.
In the 2022 municipal election, there was a race for every position until one candidate for Ward 1 had to withdraw due to health reasons. Now, it appears either apathy is running rampant or prospective candidates are hedging their bets to see who else is planning to run.
Meanwhile, in Huron-Kinloss, there is a full slate of candidates, including a race for mayor. But again, not all the incumbents have declared either.
What is everyone waiting for?
Many have said there is no reason to have a council since the mayor (through the provincial strong mayor powers) makes all the decisions. If you watch any council meeting, you know that's not true. Other than the responsibility to draw up the budget, the mayor has just one vote on council. By the same token, the mayor is also the head of council, represents the municipality and is the local voice on Bruce County council.
If you want to elect the government you deserve, then you need to step up and make your voice heard, and in some cases, this means stepping into the fray, throwing your hat into the ring and running for council.
Otherwise, you get to sit back and suffer in silence for the next four years.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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