Chris Norton, 2026 Candidate for Council in the Township of Greater Madawaska
Advanced voting is under way and it’s a mad dash to election day. WOW FM reporters reached out to candidates running for seats around the council table in Greater Madawaska, to give them the opportunity to share their platform with you, the voter.
In this article, you will be able to read the platform of Chris Norton running for a seat on council in the Township of Greater Madawaska. This is his submission.
My name is Chris Norton, and I’m running for Ward 1 councillor in Greater Madawaska.
My family has been here for six generations, going back to 1843. I grew up here, started working as an electrician when I was 17, and today I run Long Lane Farms with my family.
I’ve spent most of my life working for myself, and one thing I’ve learned is that you can’t keep spending money you don’t have. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions, work with what you’ve got, and put things off until you can afford them. I don’t see why running a township should be any different.
I’m concerned about where we’re heading financially. Our debt has increased significantly, taxes keep climbing, and we’re making decisions today that residents will be paying for over the next 10 or 20 years. I believe we need to be a lot more careful about what we’re committing ourselves to.
But this isn’t just about money.
I think we’ve gotten away from involving the people who actually live here. We have so many residents with years of experience, good ideas, and a willingness to help. I’d like to see more committees, more volunteers involved, and residents having a real say before decisions are made, not just being told about them afterward.
I also believe we can support local businesses and encourage growth without losing the quiet, rural character that brought so many people here in the first place.
When I say Residents First, I mean everyone who calls Greater Madawaska home, whether they’re here year-round or seasonally.
I’m not running because I think I have all the answers. I certainly don’t. But I’m willing to ask questions, listen, look at things differently, and stand up for the people I’m elected to represent.
That’s what Residents First means to me.
Election day is October 26th and advanced voting is now open. If you’ve received your voter information letter, you can submit your vote now. If you haven’t or need assistance voting, Voter Assistance Centres have been opened at the following locations to help with any issues.
- 19 Parnell St., Calabogie
- October 19th-23rd – 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- October 26th – 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Denbigh-Griffith Lions Club, 25991 HWY 41, Griffith
- October 26th – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- DACA Centre, 111 Flat Rd., Dacre
- October 26th – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(Written by: Bob Kubbinga | Platform provided by: Chris Norton)
