Cindy Scholten being interviewed at City Hall.Cindy Scholten being interviewed at City Hall.
Sarnia

Scholten Not Seeking Re-Election

Sarnia City Councillor Cindy Scholten is not seeking re-election this fall.

The one-term incumbent says while she's always found personal joy in serving others, she wants to focus on her career.

"It's been a difficult decision, because I'm so invested in my role, but I really had to put myself first," says Scholten. "I'm an independent marketer, so I work for myself and I think that even though council is a part-time role, if you're a very devoted and dedicated councillor, then it does take up a lot more time, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but I think it's time now that I focus on my business and my family a little bit more."

Scholten says she's experienced "challenges, triumphs and joys," over the past four years.

Councillor Cindy Scholten At Rally For Mayor Mike Bradley (Photo By Melanie Irwin)

"I feel like we've had some unusual challenges together as a council this term and I think that we all know why," says Scholten. "I certainly didn't expect as a first-time councillor to go in and have to deal with the mayor, who violated the workplace harassment policy and that's just something that was unexpected."

She says those pressures were not a deciding factor in her decision.

"Absolutely not. Absolutely not," says Scholten. "It was uncomfortable and it wasn't good with what we dealt with, but no, absolutely not."

Scholten says she followed through on her campaign strategies.

"The biggest thing I wanted, was to advance public consultation and really explore new opportunities online to reach the majority of citizens versus a public meeting," she says. "So, I'm really pleased that we have an online engagement platform now."

There are now at least three city council seats up for grabs in the October 22 election.

Veteran councillor Mike Kelch has also announced he's not seeking re-election and Anne Marie Gillis is making a run for mayor.

Incumbent councillors Dave Boushy, Brian White, Matt Mitro and Mayor Mike Bradley have yet to register as candidates.

The nomination deadline is July 27.

Retired Polysar worker Fred Ingham filed his nomination papers for mayor last week. He also ran in 2014.

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