HALDIMAND—Jesse Little is making public access to information and greater accountability within Haldimand County central to his campaign for mayor, drawing on years of experience with his own disputes with the municipality and concerns he’s heard from residents.
“I feel it’s my duty to stand up for the public. I have been encouraged to run for the mayoral position and hold the government to accountability, which they have not been doing themselves,” said Little.
He said his “top priority” is ensuring the County “fulfill their legal duties,” noting his own experience dating back to 2018 when a municipal administrative error resulted in him being incorrectly recorded as convicted of a provincial offence.
Little has disputed how the matter was handled ever since, previously raising concerns that the error was not immediately brought to his attention. A County statement in July 2024 admitted to the error, stating the impacted authorities were notified but that the correction forms were initially omitted from the document package provided to Little; the missing documentation was later provided.
Little’s ongoing interactions with County staff led to the OPP escorting him from the administration building in 2019, and then he was charged with two counts of public mischief in 2024. Those charges were stayed by the Crown in October 2025, ending the proceedings unless they are reactivated within the applicable 12-month period.
“The fact that these last two terms of council refused to take any action was an action in and of itself,” Little said. “My obligation is to uphold the rights of the public, ensure the County operates in accordance with the law, and to limit arbitrary government overreach into the public’s lives.”
He said public feedback during his campaign has shown people are discontented with what he called a “lack of accountability and the lack of transparency from the County. Many people have mentioned freedom of information requests, which routinely get delayed past time frames or outright denied.”
Little believes that negative feedback exists because the public is “getting conflicting messages. I’m sure you’re aware of parties with their own interests pushing an agenda, and that comes back to openness and transparency for the public.”
Asked how he would handle divisive issues in Council over the next four years, Little replied, “It goes back to the most basic foundation: the rules and the laws.”
He criticized Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley for ejecting him from Council chambers in September 2023 for wearing a t-shirt with a political statement on it during a meeting. Little maintains he did nothing wrong and that he was wrongfully threatened with arrest.
“The County later implemented changing the bylaw, because I did nothing wrong,” he said.
Asked about his position on strong mayor powers or how he might use them if elected, Little said he needed to read up on what the powers entailed.
“At this point I haven’t done that fully,” he said.
Asked for his thoughts on potential data centre development in Haldimand, Little replied, “We can look around the world where data centres have already been implemented, and there’s pros and cons. There’s potential for employment. There’s potential for income. There’s potential for environmental concerns.”
He said the matter would come down to what the public wants under his watch.
“My personal opinion running as mayor doesn’t exist. I have to run in a selfless manner representing the public’s interests and the public’s wants and needs,” he said.
Asked how he would work to ensure Haldimand’s growing and diverse population all feel welcome in the community, he said: “I treat everyone the same.”
Asked if he was concerned his list of grievances and past altercations with County staff and Council members might impede his ability to work constructively within Haldimand’s administration, Little reiterated his previous comment, noting he would “treat everyone equal…. All I’m calling for as a citizen is the rule of law.”
He again relayed his previous experiences dealing with County staff.
“Staff members there that I’ve dealt with, the majority of them have been pleasant and are hardworking people trying to make a change for the better. It’s a couple bad apples that spoil the bunch, and that needs to be addressed immediately,” he said.
Come October, Little hopes the community will see him as the best option to make positive change in Haldimand County.
“I am giving the public an opportunity to have a candidate represent them who is them. I’m a Canadian citizen. I’ve lived here my whole life. I want to be treated according to the law, without prejudice, and given an equal shot in this country,” he said. “I’m not going to tell anyone to vote for me. I’m just giving an opportunity. In my heart, there’s good and evil, and I’m standing up for good.”
He concluded, “I have an obligation to stand up against tyranny, and that’s what I see happening…. I think it’s every citizen’s obligation to be involved, even if they’re not running, to make sure the County upholds their duties.”
