So this is obviously not a municipal vote sign but it would appear with Joanne Chianello’s “announcement “ that the 2026 election campaign is unofficially underway.

As she has said herself her proposed candidacy was not a surprise for those of us that watch City Hall. There were more sightings on social media . More drop ins at community events and more public comments on the current state of municipal affairs . I know Joanne and I wish her well. But that is not the point of this post.

If other folks out there are thinking of running in the 2026 election then time is already running out to make a credible run. Here are some suggestions to make up for lost time . Start checking out some Council and committee meetings to get a better sense of what you might be getting yourself into time and effort wise. Start talking informally to community members to gauge what sort of support you might have out there. Talk to some existing politicians about what living the political life is like and the potential impacts on you and your family. Most importantly talk to your family because they will involved whether they want to or not . I remember how my wife Kristen would politely tell some people who approached her with City concerns when she was at the grocery store or walking the dog that she was married to me but she didn’t work for me and that the Councillor would be happy to answer their emails or telephone calls.

I know that some incumbents will likely not be running again and some first timers are likely considering whether to take a second kick at the can as the job has not turned out quite as expected . It is even possible that some incumbents will lose though the power of incumbency is strong . So again if you are thinking of running in 2026 your runway is shrinking by the day . The way to win an election even against an incumbent is to be out there knocking on doors, visiting community events and digging in and doing the work . I remember being told by one voter that they had voted for me the first time because when I showed up at a park clean up during the campaign I helped to pick up the garbage as opposed to just doing a photo op .

So to recap understand the job you are applying for . Engage meaningfully with the people you hope to represent . Finally and most importantly get buy in from friends and family.