Before we start, here’s a link to the famous Lou Abbott and Bud Costello comedy routine Who’s on First? You may want to give it a watch to get ready for this update on the municipal candidates in Trent Hills and who’s running in what ward.
I wanted to put together a list of the municipal candidates with their contact information, where you can find them on the internet or social media, and a brief description of their background.
Mayor
Steven Haylestrom, steven@haylestrom.ca website: https://haylestrom.ca/
Haylestrom has been a Warkworth resident for 24 years. He is a systems automation expert, housing innovation strategist and a construction consultant in the modular home industry. His website provides his views and plans for a wide range of issues.
Michael Metcalfe, metcalf4mayor@gmail.com Facebook page
Metcalfe was appointed to council in December 2017 after the death of then mayor Hector McMillan. Bob Crate was appointed mayor and Metcalfe took over his council spot. He was elected to council in 2018 and as deputy mayor in 2022.
Originally from Bowmanville, Metcalf grew up on a farm and has a bachelor of science in agriculture from the University of Guelph. He has owned and operated several restaurants in Hastings.
Deputy Mayor
Rick English, who has been representing Ward 4 (Warkworth), has been acclaimed since no one opposed him.
Ward 1
Adam Baguley, adambaguleyward1@gmail.com, website
Baguley and his wife Irena purchased a farm Trent Hills 15 years go. He graduated from Western University and has 25 years’ experience in real estate. In 2006, he established the Mada Group Inc., a land development, construction and property management company. He handled the restoration and renovation of what is now the Golden Café, which his wife and her partner Magda Husejko opened in April.
Jana Reid, Facebook page, janareid@xplornet.ca
Reid has lived in Trent Hills since 2002 and has been a realtor and broker since 2006. She’s also a jazz singer and vocalist who performs frequently in the area and one of the driving forces behind the annual Porchella Festival.
Karen Ulrich, ulrich.oceap@hotmail.com, website
Ulrich retired from the Durham Catholic District School Board after 31 years. She was financial assistant of Facility Service Maintenance and Health and Safety officer chairperson. She has been working part-time at Rabethge Jewellery Ltd. since 2023.
Ward 2
Erick Baron-Joyner, erickbaronjoyner@yahoo.com Facebook page 343.367.5735
Baron-Joyner, 27, is a candy salesperson. He ran for council in Cramhe Township in 2022, placing last among six candidates for three spots.
Adam Briggs, adam.briggscc@gmail.com Facebook page 705.632.9018
Briggs is the founder and CEO of Small Town Productions, a multi-media and marketing company based in Trent Hills. He is a graduate of Loyalist College in Television and New Media Production and Advertising & Marketing Creative Design programs.
Tina Burke tinaforcouncil@gmail.com Facebook page 705.868.6526
Burke has been active in opposing plans for the Alto High-Speed Rail line.
Rob Pope Facebook page pope4ward2@gmail.com
Pope is a Trent Hills native and past-president of the Rotary Club of Campbellford. He is active in Rotary’s student exchange program.
Ward 3
Nader Eid Website nadereidcampaign@gmail.com Facebook page
Eid is a writing coach who offers workshops to help people learn how to tell their own stories. His website is Own Your Story. He writes a Substack newsletter called Community Voices.
Viv Smallwood vivsmallwood26@gmail.com Facebook page 705.653.6589
Smallwood has lived in Trent Hills for more than 40 years. She runs Viv’s Glass and Screen Shop. She has been a Guide leader, fair board director, and Aron Theatre volunteer.
Sandra Wall sandrawallsward3@gmail.com website Facebook page
Walls has lived in Trent Hills for 22 years. She is currently Senior Administrative Assistant To The Chief of the Alderville First Nation. In the past she has managed the Salvation Army Thrift Store and been an Employment Services Coordinator with Career Edge. She was a councillor for the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand from 2010 to 2014.
Ward 4
Leslie Mahoney lesliemahoney2026@gmail.com Facebook page
Mahoney is a native of Trent Hills, graduate of Loyalist College and a design consultant at Bennett’s Furniture and Mattress. She’s active with the Motley Crew All-Abilities Softball team
Meagan McLean meaganmclean7@gmail.com Facebook page
McLean is a photographer and author of several books under the name Meg LaForge. She lives in Warkworth.
Emilio Ojeda em.ojeda.ward4@gmail.com website Facebook page 705.202.1373
Ojeda has lived in Trent Hills for 15 years. He has been active with the Warkworth Community Pantry, Trent Hills Pride, Chrome on the Canal, the Trent Hills Development Advisory Committee and other groups. He works for Northumberland County .
Ken Tully kensandietully@gmail.com 705.749.3774
Tully was Vice President at World’s Finest Chocolate. He was elected to council in 2014 and 2018 but decided not run in 2022. He is active in the Shriners.
Ward 5
Ethan Armit ethan.armit2025@gmail.com Facebook page Website Instagram armitethan 705.996.1147
Armit is a local entrepreneur who has worked in several industries around the province – mining, forest-fire fighting, recreational sports event management and education. He has done volunteer work with 1st Hastings Scouts and is on the board of the Friends of Ferris Park.
Bob Crate Facebook page crater22@nexicom.net 705.761.2278
Crate is a Hastings native who first was elected to council in 2010. He was acclaimed in 2014. In 2017 he was appointed mayor following the death of Hector McMillan. He was elected mayor in 2018 and 2022.
Dennis Savery densavery@gmail.com 705.768.4161
Savery has been a Hasting real estate agent for more than 30 years. He attended high school in Clarkson and studied business at Sheridan College. He was first elected to council in 2022.