Central Huron - 2026 municipal candidate questions and responses

We emailed every candidate in Huron County running in the upcoming municipal election (including those who were acclaimed).

We asked four questions.

Everyone was given the same timeframe to respond.

1. If elected, will you support your municipality declaring June to be Pride Month, in support of 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and the work of inclusion in our communities?

Candidate’s name	Role	Yes	No	Unclear	Did not answer
Marg Anderson*	Mayor				X
David Jewitt	Deputy Mayor	X
Jennifer Cox	Councillor - East Ward	X
Kaushik Patel	Councillor - East Ward				X
Everett Smith	Councillor - East Ward	X
Adam Robinson	Councillor - East Ward				X
Vanessa Lishman*	Councillor - West Ward	X
Michael Russo*	Councillor - West Ward				X
Alison Lobb*	Councillor - West Ward				X

2. If elected, will you support your municipality flying the Pride Flag during the month of June, showing tangible support for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents?

Candidate’s name	Role	Yes	No	Unclear	Did not answer
Marg Anderson*	Mayor				X
David Jewitt	Deputy Mayor	X
Jennifer Cox	Councillor - East Ward	X
Kaushik Patel	Councillor - East Ward				X
Everett Smith	Councillor - East Ward	X
Adam Robinson	Councillor - East Ward				X
Vanessa Lishman*	Councillor - West Ward	X
Michael Russo*	Councillor - West Ward				X
Alison Lobb*	Councillor - West Ward				X

3. Would you attend Huron County Pride events, including its Pride Week, year-round programming, and support its decal program and other educational events?

Candidate’s name	Role	Yes	No	Unclear	Did not answer
Marg Anderson*	Mayor				X
David Jewitt	Deputy Mayor	X
Jennifer Cox	Councillor - East Ward	X
Kaushik Patel	Councillor - East Ward				X
Everett Smith	Councillor - East Ward	X
Adam Robinson	Councillor - East Ward				X
Vanessa Lishman*	Councillor - West Ward	X
Michael Russo*	Councillor - West Ward				X
Alison Lobb*	Councillor - West Ward				X

4. What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

DAVID JEWITT, Deputy-Mayor (acclaimed)

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

"I have a responsibility to all residents of Central Huron to treat people with dignity and respect. I also believe that, as an elected official, I have an obligation to advocate for marginalized members of our community and to ensure their voices and experiences are considered in our decisions.

"I have remained consistent in my belief that the decisions I make should contribute to a community where people feel safe, supported, respected and proud to call Central Huron home.

JENNIFER COX - Councillor - East Ward candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

"As an elected official, I see part of my role as helping ensure the municipality is safe and welcoming for all families, residents, and visitors. I also feel responsible for educating the community and Council and sharing Pride information."

EVERETT SMITH - Councillor - East Ward candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

"My responsibility as an elected official is to serve and represent everyone in our community fairly and respectfully. That means listening to residents, understanding their concerns, and treating everyone with dignity. 

"If elected, I will work to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ residents, families, and allies have a voice and feel comfortable participating in our community. Ultimately, my responsibility is to serve all residents and make decisions in the best interests of the community as a whole."

VANESSA LISHMAN - Councillor - West Ward (acclaimed)

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

"I know that everyone has the right to live their truth without harassment, hatred and prejudice. I will listen and give support where needed."