Mayoralty-race update: Culhane, Thompson say they’re not in

Belleville Councillors Garnet Thompson and Pat Culhane both denied reports this week that they might seek the mayoralty. John Boldrick/QNet News file photo

By Greg Murphy

BELLEVILLE –Two city councillors say they are not interested in running for the mayor’s seat, despite some local news reports that have suggested otherwise.

Incumbent Mayor Neil Ellis announced last week that he will not seek a third term.

While there were news reports this week that Councillor Pat Culhane, who is a nurse supervisor at Belleville General Hospital, might be interested in running for mayor, she said that information had not come from her.

“A number of people have spoken to me about that, but I plan to support someone else who plans to run,” Culhane said. She declined to say who that was.

Culhane says she plans to seek re-election to her position as councillor if the individual she is supporting makes it to the mayor’s seat.

Another councillor whom news reports identified as a possible contender for Belleville’s mayoralty was Garnet Thompson. But Thompson said Thursday he does not plan to run, but to try to keep his position on city council.

“It is all speculation, all media speculation,” he said, adding, “At this stage of the game, I’m planning to stay on council.”

Thompson has yet to fill his papers to seek re-election as a councillor.

Meanwhile, two prominent figures in the area have expressed an interest in the position.

Councillor Jack Miller, a local sportscaster well-known as the voice of the Belleville Bulls, told QNet News Wednesday he might be interested in running, though he said it is early days yet. The election is in October.

“I have some things to work out in my life prior, but I am certainly interested,” said Miller.

Local businessman Bob Clute, who owns Bob Clute’s Automart and Belleville Mitsubishi, has also said he may be interested.

“I’m considering it and that’s that,” he said.

Mayor Ellis told QNet News he is confident in those who are interested in running for his seat.

“I think all of them bring something to the table. All of them are quite capable at doing the job,” he told QNet News.

Also this week, Councillor Tom Lafferty announced he would not be running again.

“I plan to spend more time with my wife and family. Being a councillor is a very time-consuming job,” Lafferty said Thursday.