Bradley seeking 12th term as mayor

All but one current councillor running

Cathy Dobson/The Independent

As is his habit, Mike Bradley officially joined Sarnia’s mayoral race just a few hours before nominations closed Friday, ending speculation whether he’d attempt a 12^th term.

Bradley, 71, has been Sarnia’s mayor since 1988 and is Ontario’s second-longest serving mayor behind Milton’s Gord Krantz.

He made his announcement with little fanfare, simply releasing a lengthy statement and not accepting requests for interviews.

“I offer proven, experienced, strong leadership that delivers real results,” he wrote. 

He said he stands for low taxes and no debt, which gives the city more money to spend on infrastructure. Sarnia has spent close to $300 million in this term of council, including record spending on roads, sewers, two new bus terminals, splash pads, arenas and two new libraries, according to his statement.  That followed years of relatively little infrastructure renewal in the 90s.

Bradley also highlighted his use of Strong Mayor Powers this past term when he stopped a proposal for a new police headquarters. 

Bradley said he intends to run a “modest” campaign, focused on civility and affordability.

“I look after my dollars as I look after the public’s,” he said. “There will be no buttons, hats, banners or gimmicks.”

Bradley has been Sarnia’s mayor for 38 years and consistently wins elections with 55 – 60% or more of the vote.

In the last election in 2022, he had only one opponent and won with 59% of the vote. Nathan Colquhoun was a city councillor at the time who wanted to become mayor and came within 4,000 votes of Bradley.  Colquhoun is back this time as one of 21 candidates running for four council seats.

This election’s slate of candidates has many familiar names and includes four former council members who didn’t serve in the last term including Colquhoun, Mike Stark, Margaret Bird and Andy Bruziewicz.

Forty-three people want to win a seat on Sarnia city council.  Apart from the 21 vying for a council seat, there’s another 17 running for a city/council seat. That means they serve on both city council and county council.

Five have thrown their hat in for mayor including Bradley and two-term councillor Bill Dennis, who said in 2023 he would run for mayor and filed his nomination papers the first day he could officially.

Political newcomers Carrie McEachran – the CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce – Scott Molson – a Sarnia tire dealer – and George Stanko, an engineer who filed his papers earlier this week..

Every single member of the last term of council is hoping to be re-elected in some capacity, except for Dave Boushy who retired this year at the age of 92.

For a full list of who is running, visit Unofficial List of Candidates – City of Sarnia.