Candidates running for city councillor positions and the mayor’s office presented their platforms during an all-candidates meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
<p The meeting, organized by the St. Thomas Kinsmen, was moderated by Matt Sharpe and streamed live online.
Council candidates were given two minutes each to speak from a podium and outline their goals to the audience, while mayoral candidates had five minutes. There wasn’t a formal question-and-answer session.
Following the presentations, candidates engaged with members of the public individually to address their questions.
Sixteen out of the 19 certified council candidates attended, along with all three mayoral candidates.
The council candidates present included Joan Rymal, Kyle Yates, Mike Brisson, Geoff Mountenay, Steve Ogden, Christopher Staddon, Earl Taylor, Lori Baldwin-Sands, Gary Clarke, Chris Deslandes, Joe Docherty Jr., Rose Gibson, Jim Herbert, Heather Jackson, Kay Vaughan and Steve Wookey. The absent council candidates were Gibbs Diobe, Sandra Hamill and Malichi Male.
The mayoral hopefuls were Aidan Frederick, Corey Janzen and Jeff Kohler.
Profiles of St. Thomas candidates will be featured in an upcoming edition of The Express.
Councillor highlights
Out of 19 councillor candidates running this term, seven are incumbents. Eight will be elected.
A number of candidates like Mr. Staddon, Mr. Yates and Mr. Mountenay identified themselves as providing a “younger voice” on council.
Most if not all participants expressed a commitment to responsible financial management.
Ms. Rymal indicated she hoped to continue her work related to Valleyview long-term-care home and expand the city’s transit system if re-elected.
Mr. Yates stated that he would focus on preserving local history if elected; making housing more affordable; creating new parks; and enhancing city transit services.
Safety was a key concern for Mr. Brisson along with ensuring responsible spending by the city while maintaining its services.
Besides offering a “younger voice,” Mr. Mountenay aimed to expand housing options by adding high-rises along Talbot Street and bringing more amenities within walking distance for residents.
Mr. Ogden emphasized putting people first in his presentation stating that if elected he would support those experiencing homelessness while encouraging businesses to be good “corporate citizens.”
If elected Mr. Staddon plans to ensure sidewalks are added on every street in St. Thomas; enhance transit services so buses run every 15 minutes; and tackle mobility as well as housing challenges faced by residents.
If re-elected Mr. Taylor expressed his intention to keep “moving the city forward,” improve housing options; enhance transit services; while preserving local heritage.
Ms. Baldwin-Sands mentioned that she wants to see construction begin on a new community aquatics center if re-elected as well as continuing efforts towards recruiting doctors while supporting sustainable development practices.
According to Mr. Clarke he would prioritize fiscal responsibility programs at Valleyview reasonable tax rates along with initiatives promoting affordable housing options should he be re-elected.
For his part Mr. Deslandes outlined plans for what he described as “bold growth” advocating measures that would invigorate downtown life enabling local businesses thrive successfully.
In addition familiarizing himself with council proceedings meant giving him an edge once elected according To mr Docherty who also planned focusing greater resources toward arts initiatives across st thomas.
If Re-elected Ms. Gibson intends further developing trails networks across town whilst pushing economic success targets ahead too
From his perspective if returned office MR. Herbert hopes create task force focused solely economic growth improve public transport maintain reasonable taxation levels support elgin county railway museum facility upgrades simultaneously
Echoing sentiments shared earlier Ms. Jackson reiterated strengthening partnerships municipalities counties alike fostering infrastructure improvements combined addressing future needs surrounding housing sustainability commitments overall.
Finally stressing practicality community focus approach should she win election then Ms. Vaughan envisions better communication channels established between residents city officials coupled expanding green spaces advocating self-sustainable projects moving forward together harmoniously improving quality life enjoyed everyone living here!
If Re-Elected MR. Wookey desires remain accessible constituents design long-term planning strategies ensuring bright futures await us all regardless challenges face ahead!
Mayoral highlights
A new mayor will take office this term since Mayor Joe Preston has chosen not to run again.
Mr. Frederick focused his campaign around managing money wisely handling growth strategically creating diverse types available provide more housing alternatives reviewing current state railways operating under city’s jurisdiction previously held note " We call ourselves ‘The Railway City’, yet there is surprising lack passenger traffic issues needing addressed promptly", said Frederick during speech event!
Pushing accountability issues further forward was core tenet behind campaigns led by Janzen who dedicated significant portion discussing financial choices made previous administration questioning kohler’s credit card usage times served earlier roles serving between years 2003-2006 without hesitation whatsoever!
Kohler portrayed himself capable leader having “skin game” promising honor heritage protect affordability improve service delivery standards manage responsibly promote safety measures throughout community effectively demonstrating commitment change positive direction over next few terms ahead.! No rebuttal addressed directly appeared offered from kohler regarding accusations leveled against him prior though!Municipal elections occur Ontario Monday October 26th voters can cast ballots either online telephone starting Tuesday October13th through until close polls ending same day multiple assistance centers open facilitate voting process smoothly too!
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