File Photo/CHAT News

By CHAT News Staff

ELXTN25

Updates: Shila Sharps focused on finishing out term; two people say they’re running

Jan 3, 2025 | 4:30 AM

Election season has begun.

The first week of the nomination period is coming to a close Friday with one current councillor saying she hasn’t decided if she’s not running yet and two residents saying they are running for office.

Thursday marked the first business day of the nomination period, which runs until Sept. 22. Nomination papers can be filed with the city’s returning officer any time during this period at the city clerk’s office.

It’s not as simple as signing up. Those who wish to run for council need to gather resident signatures and include an affidavit, among other requirements outlined on the city’s nomination page.

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CHAT News will have 24/7 coverage of the election period, including a candidate tracker and more.

While there will likely not be any high-profile declarations at this point, and perhaps for several months, CHAT News will have all the latest.

Download the CHAT News app for iPhone or for Android to get alerts.

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The current council

Shila Sharps, the outspoken Medicine Hat councillor who filed a code of conduct complaint against the mayor that led to sanctions, a court case and a provincial inspection, has not yet decided on running for re-election this year.

“At this point, I feel like I just need to focus on the remainder of our term,” Sharps said in a message to CHAT News on Thursday evening.

The councillor, who owns an immigration business downtown Medicine Hat, said she is focused on finishing out the term.

She joins the majority of council members who remain unconfirmed at the end of the first week of the nomination period.

There are two members of councillor who said they aren’t running again.

Coun. Andy McGrogan told CHAT News in April 2024 that he has “no intention” of running again. Ramona Robins, another first-term councillor, said in June 2024 she would not attempt a return to the horseshoe.

Notably, Mayor Linnsie Clark, who has remained as a key player in ongoing division at city hall, has not yet confirmed if she will try to keep her job.

Neither has Robert Dumanowski, Darren Hirsch, Cassi Hider or Allison Knodel.

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Who’s running?

Calvin Maltin — who owns Isaac’s Barber Shop — is the first known resident to say they’re for the mayoral candidacy. Maltin has agreed to a CHAT News interview taking place Friday morning.

Maltin offered his services to protestors making up the so-called Freedom Convoy in February 2022.

Stephen Campbell is the first person to announce they’re running for councillor. Campbell, who advocated against limiting personal freedoms during the early pandemic years, was nearly 4,000 votes short of winning.

No one has formally submitted the documents required to officially declare their candidacy.