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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What is Council?

Who makes up Council?

What is the role of the Mayor?

What is the role of Councillors?

How much does a member of Council get paid?

What is a school board?

What is the role of a school board trustee?

What qualifications do I need to become a candidate?

What qualifications do I need to become a school board trustee?

How and when can I become a candidate?

Can I start raising and spending money on my campaign now?

How much does it cost to become a candidate?

What do I need to bring in when I wish to file my nomination paper?

Where can I file my nomination paper?

What are some things I can do before becoming a candidate?

What are the financial reporting requirements?

 

Elections - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Council?

Council is the Municipality's decision-making body.

Council:

• represents the public

• considers the well-being and interest of the Municipality

• develops and evaluates the policies and programs of the Municipality

• determines which services the Municipality will provide

• ensures that administrative best practices and procedures are in place to implement the decisions of Council

• maintains the financial integrity of the Municipality

• carries out the duties of Council as prescribed by provincial legislation

Each person on Council for Ward 1, including the Mayor, has one vote on all issues;  the two elected officials representing Ward 2, have one vote on all issues, and for those issues relating to approvals under the Planning Act, Tax Rate Adjustments and Boundary Adjustments, Ward 2 Council representatives have two votes.

 

 

Who makes up Council?

Council is made up of 1 Mayor, 1 Deputy Mayor, 3 Councillors for Ward 1 and 2 Councillors for Ward 2

 

 

What is the role of the Mayor?

• provides leadership to Council

• is responsible for council meetings

• represents the municipality at official functions and

• carries out duties of the Head of Council as identified under the Municipal Act

 

What is the role of Councillors?

• as part of Council, deliberate and establish policies and by-laws in order to implement Council's decisions

• consult with the constituents they represent

• respond to resident inquiries ensuring all sides of an issue are considered in the decision making process

• Councillors serve on standing committees, local board and committees and take on voluntary roles with other community organizations

 

 

How much does a member of Council get paid?

 

Salaries and benefits (2010)

Salaries are fully taxable

Mayor

$44,632.05

Deputy Mayor

$21,446.57

Councillors

$15,302.42

 

 

What is a school board?

A school board operates the province's publicly funded schools

There are four types of school boards in Ontario:

• English Language Public School Board

• English Language Catholic School Board

• French Language Public School Board

• French Language Catholic School Board

 

The four school boards covering this area are:

• Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Public School Board

• Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Roman Catholic Separate School Board

• Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sub

• Conseil scolaire de district du Centre-Sud-Ouest

 

 

What is the role of a School Board Trustee?

Trustees:

• approve annual board budget

• as part of the Board, deliberate and establish policies as authorized by the Education Act

• monitor implementation of Ministry of Education and Board policy and programs

• consult, represent and advocate for the constituents in their ward

With preparations underway for the upcoming Municipal Election, the Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC) has developed an information guide for trustee candidates and communities for each of the four school board associations - "Making a Difference for Kids:  Running for Election as a School Board Trustee" - please click on the appropriate office below:

Information Booklet for Trustee Candidate - Catholic Schools
Information Booklet for Trustee Candidate - Public Schools
Information Booklet for Trustee Candidate - French Language Public School
Information Booklet for Trustee Candidate - French Language Catholic School 

What qualifications do I need to become a candidate?

• a Canadian Citizen

• at least 18 years of age

• a resident of the Municipality of Port Hope or

• own property in the Municipality

• eligible to vote, and

• not disqualified to hold office by any legislation

 

 

For the position of School Trustee you must be:

• a Canadian Citizen

• at least 18 years of age

• a resident in the area of jurisdiction

• eligible to vote for the school board and

• not disqualified to hold office by any legislation

 

 

How and when can I become a candidate?

In order to become a candidate you must file a:

1.  "Nomination Paper" and a

2.  "Declaration of Qualification" with the Municipality

The earliest you can file is January 4, 2010.  The above forms will be available on the MMAH website and a link to the MMAH web site will be provided on the Port Hope Municipal Election web page for convenience.

 

 

Can I start raising and spending money on my campaign now?

You cannot raise or spend any money on your campaign until you file your nomination paper.  The earliest you can file your nomination paper is January 4, 2010.  Candidate campaign expenditures are limited under the Ontario Elections Act; Refer to S.66(1) under the Elections Act.  The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides an excellent summary of the financial responsibilities of candidates:   

 

How much does it cost to become a candidate?

There is a $200.00 filing fee for Mayoralty candidate and a $100.00 filing fee for Councillor or School Trustee candidates.

The filing fee must be paid when you file your nomination paper and the payment must be:  Cash, Interac, Cheque or Money Order payable to the "Municipality of Port Hope"

Note:  Nominations for School Board Trustee must be filed with the Town of Cobourg Municipal Office, 55 King Street West, Cobourg. 

 

What do I need to bring in when I wish to file my nomination paper?

The nomination paper must be completed and signed by the person running for office and a Commissioner of Oaths and must be commissioned in person at the Municipal Office, 56 Queen Street.

You must bring in one piece of current identification showing your name and qualifying address and proof of citizenship and the filing fee (cash, Interac, cheque or money order)

The following are acceptable pieces of identification:

• government issued photo identification or form that shows your name and address (e.g. driver's licence or Ontario Health Card)

• Municipality of Port Hope property bill

• residential bill (e.g. home hydro, gas, water, telephone or cable bill)

• health card

• bank statement

• mortgage statement

• insurance policy (for home or auto)

• pay stub or letter from your current employer

• proof of Citizenship (birth certificate or Canadian Citizenship certificate)

 

 

Where can I file my nomination paper?

Starting January 4, 2010 you can file your nomination paper in person at:

Municipality of Port Hope Town Hall

56 Queen Street

Note:  The last day to file Nomintion papers is 2:00 p.m. on September 10, 2009.

Note:  Nomination Papers for School Board Trustee must be filed with the Town of Cobourg Municipal Office, 55 King Street West, Cobourg. 

 

What are some things I can do before becoming a candidate?

• become involved in the community

• research and understand the role of a Mayor, Councillor or School Trustee

• review the 2006 Candidate's Guide

  Understand the

        • financial responsibilities

        • financial reporting requirements

       • campaign rules

• review the relevant legislation such as the:

       • Municipal Elections Act, 1996

      • Education Act

     • pertaining By-laws and the Municipal Code

    • review the relevant legislation pertaining to a candidate's election campaign period   

      and the maximum amount of expenses permitted. Refer to S.76(4) under the Elections Act for more detailed information. 

 

   

What are the financial reporting requirements?

All candidates must file a financial statement.

There are two types of financial statements.  Refer to S.78(1) under the Elections Act for more detailed information:

•  The Form 4, Financial Statement is a simple statement that the candidate can complete.  Candidates who raise or spend $10,000 or less complete this form.

• The Form 5, Audited Financial Statement is for candidates who raise or spend over $10,000.00.

Additional information regarding financial reporting may be obtained on the Municipal Affairs and Housing web site.