Five questions with Michele Bowman, candidate for Augusta council in the 2026 municipal election

Editor’s note: To help voters to be better informed, Brockvilleist will be asking the same five questions of all Augusta council candidates in advance of the municipal election, which will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Questions were sent to all candidates on Sept. 21, 2026. We will publish their responses as we receive them. Below are the responses from candidate Michele Bowman. You can view a full roundup of all our Augusta Township municipal coverage here.

1. Tell us a little bit about your professional background, including any prior municipal or other political participation, as well as about you, personally. What made you want to run for council?

I was born and raised in Augusta Township and have spent essentially my entire life here. My parents have also lived in Augusta for many years, and I raised my own family here. I attended local schools and St. Lawrence College and have a background in business, management and human resources. I also served for 10 years as an Augusta firefighter.

I was first elected to Augusta Township Council eight years ago, and I am now asking Augusta residents to place their trust in me for a third term. I originally ran because Augusta is my hometown, and I wanted to have a positive role in the decisions affecting its future.

After eight years, I still enjoy being a councillor and remain just as committed to our community as ever. I spend a significant amount of time researching issues, asking questions and listening to residents before making decisions. I’m seeking a third term because I believe there is more work to do, particularly around affordability, infrastructure, economic development and maintaining the services residents rely on.

2. How would you describe your personal political ideology and/or affiliation?

I don’t really define myself by a political ideology or party affiliation, particularly at the municipal level. Municipal government is about roads, infrastructure, recreation, emergency services, bylaws, planning, taxes and delivering services residents use every day.

My approach is to research each issue individually, listen to residents and staff, ask questions and make decisions based on the facts, costs and what I believe is in the best interests of Augusta. I would describe my approach as fiscally responsible, practical and community-focused.

3. What are the three most common issues voters bring up to you as you campaign?

The three issues I hear about most often are taxes and affordability, speeding and road safety, and municipal services, including curbside garbage pickup.

People are concerned about recent tax increases and want to understand where their money is going. Roads, drainage, culverts, speeding and traffic safety are also frequent topics.

Municipal services cover a wide range of conversations. Recently, curbside garbage collection has generated considerable discussion.

4. What three issues are most pressing/important to address locally in your opinion?

First is affordability and long-term financial sustainability. We need to control costs while rebuilding and maintaining appropriate reserves so future infrastructure and emergencies do not create sudden pressure on taxpayers.

Second is economic development. Augusta needs to strengthen its commercial and industrial tax base. Residential taxpayers currently carry much of the burden, and attracting responsible investment while supporting existing businesses and agriculture can help broaden that base.

Third is infrastructure. Roads, bridges, culverts, drainage, municipal buildings and other assets require long-term planning. Preventative maintenance and investing at the right time can be far less expensive than allowing infrastructure to deteriorate and replacing it later.

5. What do you feel sets you apart from other candidates?

I think residents should make that comparison themselves. What I can say about my own approach is that I bring eight years of council experience, a lifelong connection to Augusta and a strong willingness to do the research, and simply doing the right thing.

I don’t believe a councillor should promise outcomes because no individual councillor can deliver them alone, we each have one vote. What I can promise is that I will listen, ask questions, research the issues, explain my reasoning and advocate for residents.

I’m accessible, and I’m not afraid to question a proposal or change my position when the evidence supports doing so. I believe good municipal decisions come from research, common sense, transparency and working together.