Written By David Gomez
With Mayor Susan Clarke set to remain in office for another four years after being acclaimed, voters in Adelaide Metcalfe will decide who will join her at the council table for the 2026–2030 term.
Five candidates are competing for four councillor positions in the October 26 municipal election: incumbents Garett Kingma, Michael Brodie and Andrew Campbell, along with David Bolton and Eric Denison.
While the candidates bring different backgrounds and levels of municipal experience, their responses to this team questions reflect several common concerns, including infrastructure, responsible spending, economic development and preserving the township’s rural character.
Garett Kingma, a farmer and current councillor, was first elected in 2022. His interest in municipal affairs began approximately a decade ago when he sought drainage improvements on his farm.
Kingma identified a proposed wind turbine development in the township’s southwest as a significant experience during his first term, particularly because it allowed residents to express their views about the municipality’s future.
He said controlling municipal expenses remains a central challenge.
“We need to be mindful that the property tax bill has no regard for one’s ability to pay,” Kingma said.
He also supports the township’s industrial lands strategy along the Highway 402 corridor, east of Centre Road, as an opportunity to attract manufacturing and agricultural businesses while broadening the municipal tax base.
“Sound fiscal management isn’t just about cost control; it also insists on getting value for money,” he said.
Michael Brodie, who is seeking another term after serving two consecutive terms on council, moved to Adelaide Metcalfe in 2000. He and his wife Angela established their family and business in the township, where three of their four children continue to reside.
A former president of the Kerwood Optimist Club, Brodie said his experience in business has influenced his approach to municipal government.
“One thing I said to staff is you need to treat the public as your customers, no different than being in a business model. They deserve a timely response to their concerns,” he said.
Brodie acknowledged that council has faced difficult decisions over the years, but said he hopes those decisions have strengthened the municipality’s ability to serve residents.
He is seeking re-election because he enjoys working with municipal staff, fellow councillors and residents, as well as addressing the different challenges that arise in local government.
Andrew Campbell, a farmer involved in agricultural and rural development organizations, joined council in 2025 after being appointed to fill a vacancy. He is now seeking election to a full four-year term.
Campbell identified three priorities: regional growth and servicing, infrastructure stability, and support for businesses and agriculture.
Central to his plans is establishing a long-term servicing agreement with neighbouring Strathroy-Caradoc to support economic development and employment opportunities.
“Residents deserve quality roads and dependable services, which require proactive, long-term financial planning so funds are ready when repairs are needed,” Campbell said.
He also emphasized the importance of appropriate zoning and updated bylaws to accommodate residential, commercial and industrial development while supporting existing agricultural operations.
Campbell believes his time on council has provided valuable knowledge of the municipality’s priorities and ongoing projects.
David Bolton brings previous experience as both a councillor and mayor. A lifelong resident of Adelaide Metcalfe, he has served with the Kerwood Volunteer Fire Department for 40 years and belonged to the Kerwood Adelaide Metcalfe Optimist Club since 1986.
Bolton said he decided to enter the race after noticing a vacancy among the candidates and considering his previous municipal experience and availability.
“When I applied to run for council there was still a vacancy and with my experience and time availability, I felt I could contribute,” he said.
“I would like to see the servicing agreement for Centre Road completed. Also, with that being finished there needs to be a push for development along there,” Bolton mentioned as his priorities.
Eric Denison, who previously ran for council in 2014 and 2022, is making his third attempt to secure a seat.
Denison moved to Adelaide Metcalfe with his wife Crystal in 2008 and has remained active in community volunteering, particularly through the Kerwood Adelaide Metcalfe Optimist Club and its youth soccer program.
With more than 25 years of municipal sewer construction experience and a background in water distribution, Denison hopes to contribute practical knowledge to infrastructure and financial decisions.
One proposal involves exploring reductions or exemptions to municipal development charges—where legally possible—for secondary dwelling units such as seniors or in-law suites.
He believes these arrangements could allow seniors to remain near their families while helping younger generations maintain connections to the community.
Denison also emphasized balancing development with farmland protection.
“We need housing, businesses and investment, but growth should benefit existing residents too,” he said.
The five candidates will compete for four seats, with voters determining the composition of Adelaide Metcalfe Council alongside returning Mayor Clarke.
