Heather Wright/The Independent

With about eight days left before the nomination period closes for municipal elections, there are some familiar faces making their intentions known.

In Petrolia current councillor Liz Welsh and former councillor Marty Souch have both filed papers to run for town council. There are now seven people running for six council seats in Petrolia. Joel Field is currently the sole candidate for mayor.

In Plympton-Wyoming, long-time politician Netty McEwen will face a challenger this time around. Developer Brad Zantingh filed his papers to run for deputy mayor Aug. 13. “I have a strong understanding of our community, the people who call it home, agriculture, commercial growth and sustainability. My extensive knowledge and experience with muncipal services, policies, bylaws and governance have prepared me to take on this important role,” he wrote on social media after filing his papers.

In Brooke-Alvinston, long-time councillor Frank Nemcek will seek another term on council. Seven people are now running for the four position including Nemcek and Ian Lehrbass who filed his papers last week. He lives on Cameron Road and recently went to council concerned about the possible closure of the bridge near his home.

There have been few nominations across the county; in Warwick, all of the current councillors have filed papers for re-election. And there are two new candidates; Jane Joris and Marty Vanos.

In Lambton Shores, David Mclean filed his papers to represent Forest in Ward 4. It’s one of the few seats that is contested in the municipality right now.

There is only one candidate for the position of mayor and deputy mayor and no one has filed papers to run in Wards 1, 2, 3, and 7. With out further candidates, there could be acclamations in Wards 5 and 6 as well.

Clerk Stephanie Troyer-Boyd says in the last two elections, there have been elections for the top position. And she added, if any of the wards don’t have candidates, the Municipal Act allows for the nomination period to be reopened.

In St. Clair Township, there is only one candidate for both the mayor and deputy mayor’s positions. Clerk Jeff Baranek says historically, without a mayor’s race, voter turnout is lower. “I am hoping the internet voting will result in a higher turnout,” he tells The Independent.

In Oil Springs, two incumbent councillors have put their names forward for one of four council seats. Connie McFadden and Larry Wagner are the first to file their nomination papers for councillor.

In Sarnia, there are two new candidates for city councillor, Lo-Ann Chan, a former federal NDP and city council candidate, filed her papers Monday. Ray McMaster is also vying for a seat. And Bill Anning has become the latest candidate for the county/councillors position.

The nominations to run for municipal council in the Oct. 26 election close Aug. 21.