HAGERSVILLE—Just two candidates remain in the running for the position of Ward 4 councillor after Anna Mroz announced via social media last week that she would be stepping down from the race just 12 days before the election on October 26, 2026.
Mroz has been prominent on social media and in the public eye throughout the campaign, sharing concerns on a number of topics through her candidate page, including a lack of clear communication from Haldimand County, the preservation of Haldimand’s rural heritage, and what she calls “uncontrolled development” locally.
Some things she was looking to bring to the table if elected included more opportunities for residents to provide feedback to council items in the evening, more transparency from the County on development plans, a bylaw supporting backyard chickens in residential areas, and a dog park in the community.
In her Facebook statement, Mroz said she knew the race would be difficult, but described it instead as toxic.
“I have come to a decision that I will not continue to participate in this toxic cesspool of municipal government politics and as such I have withdrawn from the election,” wrote Mroz. “It has dimmed my light. I’m not removing myself from this because I’m scared of losing, I am removing myself because I refuse to deal with this garbage for the next four years if I am elected, because it does not stop.”
She called the election process broken and a “perpetual cycle of abuse, harassment, degradation, belittling, and toxicity. It’s hidden agendas, backroom deals, conniving strategies, rule bending, cover ups, denial of any wrongdoing, disregard for constituents, personal agendas, and owing favours.“
Fellow Ward 4 candidate Tony Dalimonte shared a comment following the news.
“It’s tough running for a seat, and even tougher being in the seat. Harsh criticism happens, but it’s never been as ugly as in the last four years. I’ve been on the receiving end of it for two elections and two by-elections worth and it’s only worsened,” said Dalimonte. “I wish Anna all the best in her healing and future endeavours, and I’m focused on giving Ward 4 the clear choice it deserves this election.”
Ward 4 candidate Jason Harnett declined to comment, citing that Mroz’s name would still be on the ballot despite her public withdrawal.
Mroz pointed to social media in her statement as a significant factor: “(People) say things that they wouldn’t dare to say to your face in person, because they are not hiding behind a screen. There are groups out there that perpetuate slander, dismiss the facts even when there is proof, and allow this to continue under the disguise of freedom of speech.”
A former municipal government employee, Mroz claimed that a culture built around damaging character and spinning information also exists within the administration.
“The culture is rotten from the top down,” she wrote.
She characterized the feeling that led her to withdraw as a “darkness” following her, with no escape.
“I attempted to anticipate the public response and predict the negative spins by certain groups of individuals, and its dark, overwhelming, consuming, negative path. So my thoughts would spiral and I would catastrophize,” she wrote.
Mroz thanked those who have supported her.
“I am appreciative of all the people that I have met through this process that were kind, respectful, and genuine. I am beyond grateful for my friends who have helped me, the time you spent out of your days,” she wrote.
“I’m not going to apologize for prioritizing my wellbeing and my family first and foremost. Mental health is important, and this political process should never be like this. It’s inevitable that people will have a reaction to this statement, that’s human nature, but do so without hatefulness.”
Mroz is the second candidate to drop out of the municipal election, following Ward 5 candidate Dave Chevrier, who previously announced his withdrawal due to him moving. Both candidates’ names remain on the ballot, as they withdrew after being certified as candidates.
The Press contacted Mroz for further comment on her decision, but did not receive a reply.
Click here to read more of the Haldimand Press’ election coverage.
