After every election – municipal, provincial, federal – I gather all of the print materials that were provided by the campaigning candidates. The candidates for whom I voted have their materials put into the recycling bin. The candidates who I opposed are shredded and placed in my outdoor fire pit. Utilizing my backyard Caledon fire permit, I ceremoniously light them in a funeral pyre of cleansing flame – what I call my Bonfire of the Vanities.

However, I saved two Third Party Advertising brochures for further investigation. One is the 2022 “Council Report Card” produced by Kathleen Wilson. While Kathleen denies having anything to do with their distribution in the 2026 campaign, she does admit to knowing who was distributing them. So who?

As well, and more mysterious is the eight page, five colour, high gloss paper brochure distributed by a Brigitte Loquercerio. Ms. Loquercerio was apparently a last minute third party advertiser registrant at the Town of Caledon. But she had no contact information listed on any Town sites. So who registered her, and why was she permitted to be registered without identification? We would love to clarify with Ms. Loquercerio, but to this date, the Town has not provided any contact information.

So, the election may be over, but the investigations continue. Who wanted to discredit the candidates opposed to the so-called Groves 2.0 agenda so desperately that they would invest this much money into third party advertising? I won’t be burning the evidence until I have the answers. As the song goes, “Well, it may be the Devil, or it may be the Lord, but you’re going to have to serve somebody.” Yes, it may serve the people or it may be the gold, but you’re gonna be serving somebody, The way I see it.

Skid Crease, Caledon

First, a bow to anyone who throws their towel into the political arena. You are no longer private property; instead you become a public figure open to the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Your decisions are second guessed, your truthfulness questioned, your integrity challenged, your personal past and your present record are the subject of public scrutiny and speculation. And, yes,  it is all in the public interest.

In times past, issues like Swan Lake would be discussed around the campfire, or the knitting circle, or the Town Hall and on the Village Commons. In 2026, the electronic drug of social media can spread a truth or truthiness or outright lie at online speed to millions of people. The discussion and digestion of those issues is muddied at best, but it produced a clear outcome for the Town of Caledon in the 2026 Municipal Elections.

The populace overwhelmingly rejected the campaigns of candidates appearing to advocate for continuing the previous four years of developer influenced Strong Mayor rule – what some have labelled “Groves’ 2.0” policies.

The opposing perspectives of greenspace protectors on the new Council will be met with resistance from monied development powers who have influenced the past council. There will be difficult and expensive decisions if good governance is to be restored to the Town of Caledon staff, many of whom were sole selected under Strong Mayor Powers. Difficult decisions, but necessary for this new Council.

This transition story is far from over. The battle has been won, but the war continues. As my wise old Dad used to say, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance!” Stay vigilant Caledon. Watch every decision like you would watch for an invasion to make us the 21st Sate. There is no cease and desist. The way I see it.

Skid Crease, Caledon

Democracy Caledon has just  endorsed this full list of candidates for the 2026 Municipal Elections in Caledon, Ontario:

Mayor: Christina Early
Regional Councillor, Wards 1, 2 & 3: Dave Sheen
Ward 1 Councillor: Keri Parfitt
Ward 2 Councillor: Hunar Kahlon
Ward 3 Councillor: Stan Cameron
Ward 4 Councillor: Cheryl Connors and Heather French are both strong candidates Ward 5 Councillor: Diana Mollicone
Ward 6 Councillor: Carmela Palkowski

Unfortunately the Area  Councillor for Areas 4, 5, and 6 was acclaimed. However it should be noted, that despite Tony Rosa’s unwavering support for the “gang of five”, he was always an accessible and responsive Area Councillor for the citizens of Ward 5.

So, regardless of Monday’s results, what questions still need to be answered to best serve the public interest in Caledon. What should be the limits on election signs pollution in our Town? How much is too much? Why were illegally placed signs not taken down promptly by the By-law staff?

Who was circulating 2022 Third Party Advertising “Council Report Cards” in tandem with the Brigitte Loquercio’s 8 page, high gloss, five-colour, very expensive Third Party Advertising  brochure in tandem with Kathleen Wilson’s 2022 material? And why is late comer Brigitte Loquercio’s contact information unavailable in the Town registration site?

And most importantly, why is there no audit and disclosure, as promised by the  Strong retiring mayor, on the the $1.5 million reportedly raised in two private fundraisers under the banner of a Town unsanctioned “Mayor’s Gala” now stored in her not-for-profit Caledon Community Inc. vaults?

And lastly,and very much in the public interest, what is the connection between the outgoing mayor’s ex-husband who manages the financials for the privately raised fundraisers now stored in the not- for-profit accounts, and his campaign manager’s  and sign erection role role with other current candidates in the current election? The answers to these questions will be pursued long after the results come in on Monday night.

It all could be complete coincidence, However, I’m an ecologist. I only find patterns. There are no coincidences, only connections. The way I see it .

Skid Crease, Caledon.