Chandra Best is a first-time Councillor, elected in 2026 to serve as a Ward 1 Councillor for the Municipal District of St. Stephen.
Chandra moved to rural St. Stephen in 2021 and has since become actively engaged in local governance and community life, including serving as co-chair of the International Homecoming Festival. Before moving to New Brunswick, she spent 35 years in public service in Ontario, with experience in service delivery, service improvement, planning, analysis, and operational decision-making.
Since becoming part of the St. Stephen community, Chandra has taken a strong interest in municipal issues and local decision-making. She has served on both the Local Service District Advisory Committee and the Rural Ward Committee, experiences that strengthened her understanding of rural perspectives, municipal services, and the importance of clear communication between residents, Council, and administration.
Chandra is committed to thoughtful, practical, and responsible decision-making. As a Ward 1 Councillor, she intends to bring rural perspectives to the Council table while working collaboratively on issues that affect the whole Municipal District.
She believes strong local government depends on listening carefully, communicating clearly, and making decisions that are fair, informed, and grounded in the realities of the community.
Chandra is honoured to serve the residents of Ward 1 and looks forward to contributing to a Council that works respectfully and constructively for the benefit of the entire Municipal District of St. Stephen.
Chandra lives in Ward 1 with her husband and their five German Shepherds. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, crafting, and spending time with her grandchildren.