Helen Benn first candidate to seek MV Council role

Nominations for the next municipal election on October 24, 2022 opened at the beginning of this month. Since May 1 fell on a Sunday, the earliest a candidate could put their name forward was May 2nd – and Barry’s Bay business owner Helen Benn didn’t hesitate to file her nomination that day. Above Helen Benn (Photo helenbenn.com)

Benn operates her business Live.Life.Better out of The Natural Health Centre on Dunn Street. The bio on her website states: “Helen Benn is a lifelong learner with a passion for always learning something new. Helen is a Certified Professional Life Coach, Mediator, Restorative Justice Practitioner, Family Group Conference Coordinator, PLR Hypnotherapist and Mental Health First Aider. She is a member in good standing of: The Association of PEMF Professionals (AOPP); Canadian Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (CATAP); College of Early Childhood Educators (RECE); the Ontario Association for Child and Youth Care (CYW) and The Association for Research and Enlightenment.”

It goes on to list her volunteer work: “Helen was a founding board member of Community Conflict Resolution Services of Halton and for 10 years she volunteered as a mediator for that non-profit organization. Helen is a volunteer Chairperson of the Barry’s Bay Recreation Committee and is a member of the Madawaska Valley District High School Parent Council.”

The bio ends with her educational experience: “Helen has been a workshop facilitator at the Humber College Lakeshore campus; Peel District School Board PD Staff Development; and many other groups and organizations over the years. Helen is also an Instructor of Adult Literacy, Basic Skills and Computer Skills, for the Training and Learning Centre of Renfrew County, in Barry’s Bay. Helen is also a member of the teaching support staff at RCDSB.”

The Current contacted Benn to find out why she wants to be a Councillor in Madawaska Valley. Benn replied, “I can say that I feel I would be an excellent candidate based on my knowledge and experience to be a Township Councillor that represents the community for all age groups and abilities. I feel as we emerge from the restrictions of the past couple of years, this is the time for the growth of community connectedness in the MVT, and for the spirit of our community to shine brightly … something I am very passionate about.”

Are you motivated to step up for your community?

The nomination period remains open until August 19 at 2 pm. New election rules this year include the ability to file nominations electronically, if allowed by your local municipality. The council and school board term of office will run from November 15, 2022 to November 14, 2026.

Resources for prospective candidates and voters are available from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Click HERE for the 2022 Candidates’ Guide.

Madawaska Valley Township provides helpful links for candidates and voters HERE and suggests that residents with questions about the election should contact Gwen Dombroski 613-756-2747 ext 212  or gdombroski@madawaskavalley.ca

As of May 9 at 4pm, The Current notes that the unofficial list of candidates now includes Councillor Carl Bromwich seeking re-election. So far, there are no candidates registered for the position of MV Township mayor or for any of the school board positions.

3 Comments

  1. Eve-Marie Chamot

    Some municipal candidates have already started putting up election signs:- this is perhaps not such a good idea in the middle of a provincial election and so far ahead of the municipal voting day since it might confuse voters with some people assuming that municipal candidates are also running provincially:- there will be plenty of time for municipal electioneering after provincial voting on Jun 2/22.

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