The three candidates vying for the county’s top office met for a debate on Monday at Picton’s Regent Theatre.
A packed crowd filed in to see Brad Nieman, Ernie Margetson, and Terry Shortt answer questions put forward by the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce. The debate began with three minutes for each candidate to introduce himself and make opening remarks, followed by a question and answer session where each candidate was given 90 seconds to answer a question asked to the group. After the questions and answers came a brief free-form section where candidates could raise any topic they wanted, followed by two minutes of closing statements from each candidate.
The questions asked of the three mayoral candidates covered a wide range of topics. Those topics include development charges, investment in the arts, possible changes to the size of council, construction of data centers, and more. One question that was asked included whether or not the candidates would make use of strong mayor powers, where all three candidates said they would not.
At the end of the evening, during closing statements, each candidate took some time to summarize their campaign in a final appeal to the undecided voters in the audience. Nieman said that the next council will have to take action on a number of issues.
“Council needs to be accountable to the voters,” said Nieman. “We need to actually build attainable housing, attract new business, and protect our farms-all farms, big and small-and the county urgently needs much better fiscal management. You deserve that as taxpayers.”
Brad Nieman addresses the voters from the stage of the Regent Theatre during the 2026 mayoral debate. Photo: Alan-Michael Steele, Quinte News
Margetson said that he planned to bring people together to collectively make strong decisions for the county’s future.
“I believe that I have the skill set, and I believe I can lead this municipality is the head of council, and bring us together, and hopefully make the decisions that everyone feels are the best for not only this term of council but the future as well,” said Margetson.
Ernie Margetson waits on stage for his turn to speak during the mayoral debate. Photo: Alan-Michael Steele, Quinte News
Shortt emphasized his business experience and connections during his closing statement.
“I was constantly in contact with the president of organizations like Quaker, James Hollings of Trenton, General Mills, and others, and had to quote on large projects, so I’m used to dealing with big numbers,” said Shortt. “With your support, I intend to use my business experience, my council experience, and my knowledge of the county to the best of my ability as your mayor.”
Terry Shortt speaks to the crowd during the 2026 mayoral candidate’s debate. Photo: Alan-Michael Steele, Quinte News
County residents go to the polls on October 26th, to select their next mayor.
Election signs for all three candidates sat at the front of the stage during the debate. Photo: Alan-Michael Steele, Quinte News
