And they"™re off...

When the deadline arrived for filing nominations, a total of 14 candidates had thrown their name into the hat to vie for six available positions representing township residents on Mapleton Township and Wellington County councils. Two candidates will contest the mayor’s seat, two more are seeking to represent Mapleton at the county council table and 10 candidates hope to occupy one of four seats for councillors at the Mapleton council level.

That’s a commendable expression of interest in local government from candidates, and one that indicates local voters should have viable choices in the upcoming election.

Now the real homework begins, as voters will hopefully strive to cast as informed a ballot as possible.

Readers should watch for next week’s issue of the Wellington Advertiser, which will contain a special election section featuring profiles of candidates from Mapleton and throughout the county.

Of course, future issues of the Community News will contain additional local election coverage as the campaign develops.