On October 22, 2018 residents in Cambridge, Ontario will be getting out to vote in a municipal election. Our team at Cbridge.ca firmly believes that local politics are important as they can affect your daily lives the most. In mid-September we invited every candidate running to answer the exact same two questions. We have not edited their comments and have not set a word limit. This page will be updated as responses come in.

To learn more about all the candidates running along with links to their websites, please visit our informative Cambridge Ontario Municipal Election 2018 Primer. We encourage everyone to get informed and make the right choice for you and your fellow citizens.

WARD 1

Candidate: Clifford Vanclief

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

What I love about Cambridge? Aside from the architecture, parkland and our Rivers. I love the people of Cambridge. The people are the spark and spirit of Cambridge. We share, we care, we band together no matter what part you are from. The people of Cambridge have heart, compassion and drive.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

If elected I would change communication. I would look at a newsletter or similar tool to communicate back to the community. I hear from residents they feel disengaged, I would engage with them at regular intervals. Some may ask why I don’t focus on taxes, homeless, etc. The simple answer is those are issues we tackle together as a team at Council with Regional, Provincial and Federal partners.

Candidate: Kevin Hiebert

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

I love my city. Since moving to Preston 18 years ago from the GTA as a just married younger man, I have watched the city grow, along with my family and my neighbourhood.
Cambridge offers so many ways to get involved and the best part is that you can come as you are.
Recently, as I have listened to the many many residents of my ward, I was struck by the similarities some of the newer arrivals’ stories have with my own. A desire to live somewhere that strikes the right balance between the full throttle buzz of the big city and the slower pace of smaller towns.
That is Cambridge. Really nice people, a beautiful place and a future filled with opportunity.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

The first thing I will do should I win the election is to take a deep breath, thank everyone and then…listen. And listen, and listen. To the residents, to the staff, to the exiting council and to the newly elected councilors and mayor. And also to myself. Then, and only then will I look at what to change. So while it would make for better reading if I called out a specific item I would change, it is premature to decide that now. What I will not change is who I am and what I stand for: you. Please vote Kevin Hiebert this October.

Candidate: Donna Reid

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

The number one thing I love about Cambridge is our three cores that give us that small town feel. The heritage buildings in each core make us unique. The buildings combined with our two rivers encourages tourism and is the setting for many films being shot here.
Our Hespeler core is flourishing with the new streetscaping and a savvy BIA that is marketing and beautifying the area well.
Preston has wide sidewalks and inviting chairs for customers to rest a bit. Although construction of King Street has been difficult, the core has been resilient.
Galt has new businesses starting but many stores are empty on Main Street. However, with the Old Post Office Digital Library opening, and the pedestrian bridge attracting so many walkers, there is hope for renewal. Who doesn’t love to stroll along Water Street and stop for a hot dog at LA Franks.
Our cores are jewels that beckon visitors as well as those who live here. Each core has a farmers market that adds to the flavour of a neighbourhood community. We are fortunate to live in these neighbourhood communities where we can gather and celebrate our heritage.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

The number one thing I would change is the fear we are experiencing with the opioid crisis. Fear stops us from participating in all the activities in our city. It stops us from visiting the library, shopping downtown and eating out in core area restaurants. We do have more homeless people, more people suffering from mental illness and more addicted to opioids. The answer to this crisis is not fear. It is helping council address the issues in ways that support those affected and/or homeless. As an elected leader in the community, I need your help and support as we struggle to assist those in need. Fear accomplishes nothing. However, working together with police, emergency workers, hospitals, social services and each of you, we can begin to address this crisis and look toward a better future for all who live here.

Responses are pending from the other Ward 1 candidates.

 

WARD 2

Candidate: Jeff Richardson

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

The number one thing I love about Cambridge is the community. Over the last 30 years I have watched Cambridge grow into a much larger, vibrant and diverse community while still maintaining that small town charm. We should all be proud of the sense of pride we all have in our community, the compassion and respect we have for all members of our community. These are qualities that you simply don’t find everywhere. Our pride and compassion is exemplified by our river based communities beautiful parks, trails and architecture and our desire to secure and protect heritage buildings and features. I see a bright future as we continue to work together to build an affordable, inclusive, sustainable city for our future.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

If elected the number one thing I would change is communication. I believe there is a growing disconnect between residents and members of City Council. Many residents feel that they are not being listened too, that Council is not addressing their issues and concerns. My commitment to the residents of Ward 2 is to improve the lines of communication between residents and myself and the City. My commitment to the residents of Cambridge is to improve lines of communication between the City and the Region as well as the Provincial and Federal governments. We need to bring everyone to the table and work together going forward as we work to address many important issues in the community.

Candidate: Janice Lajeunesse

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

The one thing I love about Cambridge is Hespeler.  Hespeler includes multiple of things.  I love how generations after generations choice to live in Hespeler to enrich a form of heritage.  I love the small town independent atmosphere we have .  The fact that we maintain our own Santa Claus Parades, Hockey teams, baseball teams, festivals and yet we remain an active vibrant part of our larger home of Cambridge. I love how the people in Hespeler take pride and control of what is right, and what is needed in Hespeler.  An example of this is self organizing of trail walks, cleaning up of the trails, activities for children like sharing of the Hespeler rocks  Our very own historian, Lary Turner who encourages everyone to appreciate our past.  The Hespeler reunion which also encourages us to walk down memory lane.  I love that the Hespeler population really does care and that is shown in the concern for our future by protecting and engaging our young people.  I Love Hespeler.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

When I am elected councillor, the number one thing that I would do my utmost  effort for Cambridge would be safety.  Safety includes so many angles, homelessness, opoid issues, equality rights, trails, school yards, crime, transportation and trafficking, If our community feels safe than you will have  happy growth  in your home, in public areas and in businesses.

Candidate: Mike Devine

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

The single greatest issue facing our city is community safety. Community safety encompasses concerns
such as dangerous driving, traffic congestion and problems in our parks and trails. These issues have escalated as our city continues to expand. There are drivers showing little regard for posted speed limits down main roads including school zones and parks. Community members are asking for safer roadways and crosswalks for their children and residents in residents of all areas report that dangerous driving has impacted their quality of living. School areas, homes for the elderly and streets where housing is in close proximity to a busy road need to be considered safe zones for walking and cycling. Many of the difficulties our greenspaces face are directly related to the inadequate amount of affordable housing in our city. Lack of safe shelter and affordable housing is forcing our city’s vulnerable people to take shelter in the trails and parks that our community enjoys for recreation. Residents are finding biohazard and litter in areas people used to freely explore. Our city has been subjected to the impacts of the Opioid crisis and lately, at an increased rate. Community members report not feeling safe, crime is impacting the downtown core and residential areas and we do not have enough supports for our community’s vulnerable people. Our city will benefit from the valued opinions of safe and proactive citizen groups as we navigate solutions to resolving these issues and continue to build upon this resilient community. There is no magic bullet here to correct the issues we must all work together at council with city staff. But it goes much further than this we must have the City ,the Region , Provincial and Federal Governments pool resources to create ,transitional and geared to income housing.

Responses are pending from the other Ward 2 candidates.

 

WARD 3

Candidate: Mike Mann

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

There are many things I love about Cambridge, our history, our culture, the people, but what I feel ties all of this together are the Rivers that run through each of our three core areas, uniting us as Cambridge. Each of the core areas were established around the Speed or Grand River. This was the “life line” of the community, providing power for the mill or foundry, drawing people to each of the three communities. The operating mills and foundries are gone, but in many places the buildings remain, and have transitioned with the changing times. The river remains, still drawing people to our community. The trails, parks and green spaces that have been developed along the rivers continue to draw people, and the people of Cambridge are a very kind, caring giving people.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

Communication with the public can always improve. Cambridge circulates a flyer in the Cambridge Times, with the Region on an annual basis giving updates on projects and initiatives that have taken place over the past year. I will continue providing this flyer however, every household and business receives a tax notice four times a year. In the March tax notice I would provide an explanation for the tax increase, and the services that the increase supports. I would also provide an update on initiatives, and projects and any other unexpected developments since the last tax notice. With the September notice I would give a further update over the previous six months, providing the community with a “report card” on our responsibilities and services provided. This is only one of many ways to keep the public more informed.

Candidate: Tracy Hipel

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

 The number one thing I love about Cambridge is the people. I grew up and reside in my family home in ward 3 and have deep family roots here. I still love going to the downtown businesses where it still feels like a small community town. I’ve used the same barber for over 40 years. A lot of the same people that helped me along the way in sports are still around.They had such an impact in my life and they were the reason I got involved with coaching various sports in Cambridge. It was also my way to give back to the community. Ward 3 is still that friendly community where you can walk a trail, enjoy the parks, visit the local pub or walk downtown and people say hello and know your name.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

If elected, the #1 thing that I want to change is to have more accountability from elected officials.The taxpayers of ward 3 and all of Cambridge must be respected and their voices heard.The taxpayers pay the city’s bills and so they should have a say in how their tax dollars are spent. As your councilor for ward 3, I will step up, speak up and stand up for you.

Responses are pending from the other Ward 3 candidate.

 

WARD 4

Candidate: Edwin Friest

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

As Certified Candidate for Ward 4 City of Cambridge Council, I embrace and love our cities Diversities. We strive to embrace all people within our community.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

As for what I would change, if elected; I would have to say our residents having their voices represented on council, and I will continue to be a strong voice for socialism and balancing corporate needs.

Responses are pending from the other Ward 4 candidates.

 

WARD 5

Candidate: Brett Wagner

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

I Love Cambridge, I have selected this location to lay our family roots. We have lived in Ward 5 for seven years, with Cambridge Soccer for my young boys and available jobs for my oldest daughter, it has given so much to enrich my family. Trust me, ask my Wife if she ever thought she would be a soccer mom, the answer would be “no” but; she loves it! We are so happy here and are delighted to support such a great city. Cambridge has astonishing people, some of the best I have ever engaged with, filled with wisdom, intelligence, and heart. I am proud to live in such a great community and city.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

Change. We Want a Clean downtown, we want a Caring community, and we want people to be courageous to stand up for what they feel is significant. I am taking our backyard to city hall; we need a clean city for everyone to feel proud of and Care for people that is not disconnected, and the courage to reach these people and address issues. I find the current elected official in my ward is divided between loyalty vs. what is right and has forced me to come to the calling. I don’t have all the answers, but I do have the ability to listen, this will create that change we are all looking for in order to make Cambridge a top choice in Canada to live.

Candidate: Pam Wolf

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

It is difficult to choose only one thing I love about this city, with our river, heritage buildings, neighbourhoods, farmers markets, and small town feel.  But it is the caring, committed citizens, who you meet throughout the city who work to maintain our quality of life that I value most.  The number of volunteers who work so hard to improve our community is impressive. They help manage our beautiful trails, clean our parks, and plant gardens. They volunteer at our libraries and protect our heritage buildings and views. They work with youth in sports, and cultural programs. Volunteers devote time to our most vulnerable people at the food bank , homeless shelter, and seniors programs. They are ushers at the theatre, readers in our classrooms, and the backbone of every festival. I sit on over 10 committees or boards from Affordable housing to the Library board and have the privilege of working with some of the most talented, committed, and kind people you could meet. I am impressed daily by the amazing, diverse, people, both young and old ,who are working to improve the lives of their neighbours in so many ways. 

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

The number one thing I would change is the amount of affordable and supportive housing we have available. I chair our Affordable housing committee and sit on the Board for Housing Cambridge and Home Concept. To increase our housing supply we need to work with all levels of government, however if the province and federal governments  do not step up we cannot turn away. We need to build the housing and partner with developers. We can use inclusionary  bylaws, incentives like waving parking requirements, development fees, planning fees, and tax increment grants. These provisions were passed by Cambridge Council and now need to be marketed to encourage new affordable housing in Cambridge. Safe affordable housing is the first step to recovery for so many people and it needs to be a priority for our new Council. 

Candidate: Bill Kirby

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

There are so many things to love about Cambridge, the beautiful scenery, the history from the prehistoric to the modern, cultural and sporting experiences. But the number one thing is the caring that people show for one another, the willingness to help with our hearts in the right place.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

I would bring our municipal government back to the people.  For far too long our city council has been out of touch with the community, preferring to dictate rather than lead tell rather than listen.  With policies that limit the communities ability to express their views.  This has led to a severe disconnect.

My greatest wish is to bring clarity of purpose and understanding back to municipal government to let people know directly what we are doing and why.  To collect their opinion and incorporate that into councils decision making.

I will commit to regular ward meetings though the neighbourhood associations to let people know what is going on at city hall and give them a direct chance to voice their thoughts and opinions.

With this in place you will have fairer taxation, better balanced services such as affordable housing and fewer surprises such as $100 million projects without consultation.

 

WARD 6

Candidate: Sandy Falkiner

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

Without writing an essay with regards to the number one thing I love about Cambridge, I would have to say it’s the individual uniqueness of each small town and the desire of the “town folks” to maintain their small-town atmosphere while incorporating the principles of big-town growth. The fact that we were able to pull this off during the city-wide amalgamation coupled with the region-wide amalgamation speaks to the fortitude, deep sense of historical roots, and profound love we all have for our collective communities.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

If elected, the number one thing that I feel needs changing and that I hope to be a part of is re-establishing our sense of safety and belonging in Cambridge. I feel there has been a disconnect and a loss of faith due to many factors including our growing homeless and housing crisis, mental health crisis, as well as the opioid crisis.

Candidate: Kurt L. Ditner

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

Choosing just one thing I love about Cambridge proved to be a more difficult task than originally anticipated.  There are so many things to enjoy about Cambridge. If I had to narrow it down to one, I’d say the spectacular year round scenery and old world charm downtown Galt has to offer.  I’m fortunate enough to live on Grand Avenue, close to the waterfront, downtown and the new Gas Light District, so there is not a day that goes by, that I’m not captivated by the beauty of the area whether it be the reflection of the churches in the water, or the sun as it sets casting its’ final rays of sunlight against the old stone buildings.  Cambridge has so many stunning areas, it’s no wonder why movie companies choose to film here. Cambridge is a showpiece that I’m proud to call home.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

If elected, my priority would be addressing the crime and the deterioration actual and perceived personal safety in our neighborhood.  We need to improve the downtown and the inter-city neighbourhood by way of more visible community police support. This combined with moving the Cambridge Shelter (The Bridges) to a more suitable location. Fight against the Safe Injection Sites as more emphasis should be put on reducing the problem by way of rehabilitation.  I strongly support the 65,000 square foot expansion of the School of Architecture in the Heritage District. Overall I believe Council’s top priority should be ensuring public safety, good governance, effective municipal spending, and creating a climate encouraging economic growth.

Candidate: Shannon Adshade

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

The number one thing I would change about Cambridge is the antiquated and lack of arenas, pools, gymnasiums and recreational facilities.

Responses are pending from the other Ward 6 candidates.

 

WARD 7

Candidate: Connie Cody

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

This question is hard to narrow down to one thing. I love the people, the diversity, the caring and compassionate communities, the heritage and the potential of what we can be…so if I have to narrow it down to just one answer, I have to say only, that I love this city as a whole.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

If elected, I would like to see positive change with municipal governing. This would include being fiscally responsible and showing respect to the taxpayer. This would include building relationships between all levels of government as well with the communities we represent. It would include building better community engagement in which the public is more fully informed and actively engaged to participate more in the decisions of today, that effect future generations.

Candidate: Ryan Coles

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

What I love the most about Cambridge are the parks and green spaces, the rivers and the trails, the countryside and the local festivals and events. What I love most about Cambridge are the people and the culture, the artists, the tradesmen, the creators and small business owners. I love the diversity and growth of Cambridge and I would like to see that continue. I would like to see safety, accessibility and opportunity for everyone. I would like to see a more open and transparent local government that is more engaged with the community. I have hundred of local followers and supporter through my social media primarily YouTube on the channel ‘Tree Camps’. I visit local events, local business, explore the region and beyond, as well as documenting my work with the homeless and opioid crises.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

If elected I’m going to further continue my dedicated work to the homeless and opioid crises. My compassion and readiness for action with this issue is a display of how I will address all issue during my time on Council. The homeless and opioid crises is evolving and we need to address this locally and be prepared for next summers surge of needles and criminal activity. We need to provide a hand up to those we can help and not a hand out to those abusing the system and we need to do this cost effectively. The second thing I will tackle when elected to Council will be lowering the property taxes. The value of our homes is about to drop. We need to help or community with this change in economy ahead of us.

Responses are pending from the other Ward 7 candidates.

 

WARD 8

Candidate: Carla Johnson

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

There two things: location & community.

Location: The 401 cuts right through our city which allows us quick, easy access to travel and also allows for convenient delivery of goods and services from other areas. Plus, we are about an hour from many great things such as Toronto, Niagara Falls, Lake Erie beaches, airports, etc. We don’t live in isolation like some cities. We are connected with areas outside our city, and across the larger province.

Community: Cambridge is an amalgamation of four smaller communities: Blair, Preston, Hespeler and Galt. This allows us to live in areas with a smaller town feel and yet have the amenities of a larger city. We get the best of both worlds here in Cambridge.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

Many Cambridge residents are ready to see our city step up and be elevated in our own eyes and in the eyes of the communities around us. Recently I heard an interviewer on a radio station describe Cambridge – in relation to the region – as the “bumpkin cousin no one wants invited to the family reunion.” As a long-time, proud resident of Cambridge it hit me hard and left me deeply frustrated. I know that comment was not a reflection on the people of our city; it was a reflection on our leaders, our politicians. Too often our leaders have fed negativity and they have done it solely for political gain. We have real issues to deal with in Cambridge and we need leaders who will bring us together to help solve them. We need leaders who build up the good will of our community, behave intelligently and handle themselves with utmost professionalism. I see great possibility for our city if we can get good, positive leaders in place and I want to be part of that change.

Candidate: Nicholas Ermeta

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

Two things: Big City Amenities With The Small Town Feel AND The People.

Big City amenities such as the Mall / Power Center, wide selection of restaurants, Hamilton Family Theatre, Social Agencies, Innovation District, University of Waterloo School of Architecture / Conestoga College, Digital Library, GO Buses, Multiculturalism / Diversity, and excellent employment opportunities

Yet we have the small town feel – unique heritage buildings / European atmosphere, vibrant neighbourhood cores, Farmers Markets, festivals, tree canopies / globe street lamps, scenic river system, abundant conservation land where it feels like you’re out in the country

The People are the best. I have lived in Cambridge since 1992 and people are as friendly now as they were back then. We have never lost our strong sense of community. We have one of the highest rates of volunteerism in the country. In our neighbourhoods people still know each other and look out for each other. The neighbourhood associations create a sense of community and host a series of events to bring people together. Many people are engaged and share their opinion using a variety of different methods. Our residents are very innovative and are leading the country in problem solving.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

Two Things: Greater Autonomy For Cambridge and Community Safety
Greater Autonomy For Cambridge
The majority of decisions affecting the future of Cambridge are made by people who don’t even live here.  Over 50 percent of our services are provided by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and Cambridge has 3 votes on a 16 member Regional Council.  Most of the calls I get are regarding issues that Cambridge Council has no control over.  I would like to see the Region of Waterloo replaced with a services board that would allow for regional financial efficiencies through ‘economies of scale’ however would put the decision making authority back into the hands of our Cambridge City Council.  It would increase local accountability because there would be no passing of the buck between the City and the Region.  Our residents know what is best for Cambridge and all decisions affecting the future of Cambridge should be made by people who actually live in Cambridge.

Community Safety
Everything from the drug crisis to speeding in the neighbourhoods.  Cambridge is still a safe community however people don’t feel as safe as they did 10 years ago.  We need to restore the feeling of safety in our community.  We need more police officers to catch speeders and monitor neighbourhoods to reduce break-ins.  Our parks could use better lighting and improved upkeep so people can’t hide in the bushes.  We need more people living downtown so that the ‘eyes on the street’ can create a safer environment overall.  We need more affordable housing and treatment programs to get people off drugs and off the street.  During my time on Council I have supported affordable housing incentives and have reached out to investors who specialize in affordable rental housing and investors that have a niche for getting people owning their own home for the first time.  The province wide opioid drug crisis caught everyone by surprise and we can’t get out of it alone – all levels of government need to work together to solve this epidemic.

Responses are pending from the other Ward 8 candidate.

 

MAYORAL RACE

Candidate:  Doug Craig

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

Cambridge has one of the most beautiful urban landscapes in Ontario. When you journey from the Mill Pond in Hespeler down past Riverside Park in Preston to Galt with the church spires in the distance, you get a sense of both the history and uniqueness of our community. 

From different perspectives on both sides of our rivers, there is a European flavor that reveals our past roots. Cambridge in the Region of Waterloo still has a small town feeling because of its three cores and each is unique in its contribution to the Cambridge core.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

I want to have a positive impact in moving homeless people off our streets into transitional/ supportive housing and eventually into affordable housing. In concert with that, I want to help the “ Bridges” find a better location that reflects the needs of the homeless today in a much better building.

Candidate: Ben Tucci

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

People and places. Architecture and history. Caring community with diverse interests but with a common goal.

A vast supply of knowledge and life experiences in our citizenry that we could engage and put to use to make us an even better place to live, work and play.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

Ensure that the City is truly open to the public (not just doors are open).

Restructure the financial statement of the City and release a vast amount of locked up capital to allow us to fast track much needed infrastructure work including, allowing us to deal with the points below without waiting for some other level of government to action.

Stabilize the City by taking ownership of the substance abuse issues and homelessness.

I do not want to ever be heard saying “not our jurisdiction” when in fact I believe every constituent and their issues are our jurisdiction.

Candidate: Kathryn McGarry

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

The first time I came down Water St past GCI and saw the Grand River with the view of the church spires and bridges in the distance, surrounded by stone buildings, I knew Cambridge would be the place we called home. The heritage river that flows through our City, the confluence of the Speed and Grand Rivers, our natural heritage, and cycling and walking trails, combines to make our City a unique and beautiful City. But it is the people of Cambridge that I love best: caring, innovative, compassionate, entrepreneurial! Every day, I am inspired by the people I meet and talk with and their passion for volunteering to make things better for our community.

What is the Number one thing you would change?

Cambridge needs new, positive, fresh Leadership! As your Mayor I will bring a style of leadership to city hall that is collaborative, one that harnesses the potential of our City council, city staff, business and community leaders. One that is based on harnessing our collective potential.

As a community builder and experienced leader, I have cultivated positive relationships with leaders across Ontario. Working well with the region, province, and federal government is key to make sure Cambridge is heard and gets the investments we need.

Our vision for a healthy, safe, connected and prosperous Cambridge will be achieved through working together to solve the challenges in front of us while at the same time, capitalizing on our community’s enormous potential.

Responses are pending from the other Mayoral candidates.

 

REGIONAL CHAIR

Candidate: Robert Deutschmann

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

Cambridge is three distinct communities, each with a proud and rich history.  Cambridge has been able to maintain its heritage and build on that so that the historical and modern have come together.  The recent addition of the pedestrian bridge and the completion of the renovation of the old post office are a testament to that.  We are seeing development occur from downtown Hespeler to the gaslight district in south Cambridge and all parts in between.  Cambridge is a growing and vibrant community.  Cambridge is also leading in the development of industrial land and employment growth that will benefit not only Cambridge but the entire Region.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

As Regional Chair, I would work on improving the relationship between Cambridge and the Region.  I am well positioned, as a former Mayor of North Dumfries and Regional Councillor, and I understand the dynamic of that relationship and will make it a high priority to work towards resolving issues in a collaborative manner.  I want Cambridge to understand that they are important to the growth and success of the Region of Waterloo.  At the same time, the Region is important to Cambridge and we are better together than apart.   As Regional Chair I am committed to listening and understanding the needs and priorities of Cambridge.  I respect the role of municipal councils as they establish the character and priorities for their community.  The Region needs to work with local municipalities to understand the unique needs of the municipality and to partner in helping to achieve those goals.

Candidate: Karen Redman

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

From my perspective, what I love most about Cambridge is the amazing gift of natural beauty coupled with an industrious spirit of its citizens. I grew up playing on the banks of the Grand River and exploring the farmers` fields in Preston. I went to a small four room country school with the children of executives at Savage Shoe and J.M. Schneider and with kids who ran home after school to do the chores on their family farm. To this day, just a short walk from a lovely urban environment, you can witness the juncture of the Speed and Grand Rivers. Watch hawks soar above and deer forage along the banks. The fact that RARE is hosted in Cambridge bears testament to the foresight of those who came before us. These citizens protected the natural beauty of the place. It is the generosity of the people in Cambridge who ensured that a lasting natural legacy was preserved for generations who come after. Over the years, the community that developed alongside these rivers has continued to evolve through investment in innovation and entrepreneurship within Cambridge. This is clearly demonstrated in projects like the Idea Exchange and the Gaslight District: projects like the Fashion Museum and the Hamilton Family Theatre. Cambridge continues to reinvent itself while still paying homage its proud history.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

In preparation for this campaign to be Regional Chair, I spoke to senior staff at all levels of Municipal government.To a person, each referenced a new era of cooperation between levels of government. Through effective delivery of important and necessary community services, the regional government has demonstrated value to all residents. It’s important to continue to analyze the effectiveness, from a service and cost perspective, of two local levels. There is so much more to finding efficiencies than simply reducing the number of elected officials. Among other things, we need to consider whether a structure change improves our response to social and economic opportunities, what makes it easier to do business with the Region, and how do we support the important role of neighbourhoods.

While the decision will ultimately rest with the province, I believe we have the ability and the responsibility as local leaders to build consensus around local recommendations.

My campaign is focused on building stronger connections Region-wide. Any steps towards amalgamation would be taken with the input of the cities and township governments.”

Candidate: Jay Aissa

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

The number one thing I love about Cambridge is that I consider it a close neighbour of the City I choose to call home; The City of Waterloo. And of course, Cambridge is a very important part of the Region where I have chosen to live, work and raise my family. All municipalities within the Region of Waterloo have great potential for economic growth, and I want to do everything I can to ensure the success of towns and cities.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

If elected Regional Chair, the first thing I will change is the plan to establish a Safe Injection Site (SIS) at a fixed site location in Cambridge. The question has been asked if I, supports the establishment of such Safe Injection Sites (SIS). My answer is yes, I do support the establishment of an SIS in the Region of Waterloo.

However, it is my position that such an SIS be a mobile unit and not a physical plant facility located at one specific place within the Region. We need only to look to the Region of Halton and the City of Halifax for successful examples of mobile SIS’s providing this very necessary program. A successful SIS does not have to be set up in a fixed location.

Responses are pending from the other Regional Chair candidate.

 

REGIONAL COUNCILORS

Candidate: Jeffrey Shaver

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

I love rich history of our towns and the unique buildings you find.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

I want to use automation to offer more Information and feedback with our residents. Use automation technology such as a dial a bus system to plan more accessible customized transit routes to get everyone around the city saving cost compared to traditional bus routes for same service area an allowing an increase in ridership

Candidate: Karl Kiefer

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

The people.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

The number one thing I would like to change if elected is making sure that all of the people of Cambridge have access to affordable housing. We are working towards this, but it won’t happen overnight and we need to continue to work together!

Responses are pending from the other Regional Councilor candidates.

 

WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (English/Public)

Candidate: Cindy Watson

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

The number one thing that I love about Cambridge is its strong sense of “Community”! Even though Cambridge has a population of approximately 134,000, we still have a small town feel. Galt , Hespeler and Preston have their own identities and caring communities but also form Cambridge, which has a stronger presence with the Waterloo Region. Cambridge communities cares, they care about each and every person within the community, and Cambridge communities work at making Cambridge a better place to live every day.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

If I could change something about Cambridge it would be strengthening and developing better ways to consult the people of Cambridge e.g. community advisory group to Mayor and Council, web cast delegations , more opportunity for people without political experience to sit on committees ect

Candidate: Jayne Herring

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

I love Cambridge for its look and feel. Along with caring people, we have an amazing number of heritage buildings and new structures that blend together along with beautiful green spaces. I am proud to tell people I live in Cambridge!

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

As a Trustee, I would like to help Cambridge youth with a youth engagement strategy. In simple terms, a funded program for young people that provides activities to keep them busy after school and in the summer that would tie in with existing programs. Similar programs have achieved life-changing results with youth in several countries and most notably in Iceland (please follow the links under Platform on my website www.jayneherring.ca for more details). The local Crime Prevention Council has developed a model and is looking to form a partnership and I hope to be an advocate for this worthwhile program.

Candidate: Courtney Waterfall

What is the number one thing you love about Cambridge?

I love how supportive the residents of Cambridge are. Whether it’s through supporting local businesses, fundraising, community events, or just rallying around one another. I love seeing how the community pulls together and supports things like #galtlove, Go Gold, the Fall Fair, all the different festivals, the Farmers Market, etc.

If elected, what is the number one thing you would change?

The one thing I would like to change is how we listen to our youth and involve them in decision making. The voice of our youth is very important. We need more youth involvement at not only the school board level, but also at the city and regional levels as well.

Responses are pending from the other WRDSB Trustee candidates.

 

WATERLOO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (English/Catholic)

Responses are pending from the WCDSB Trustee candidates.

 

Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (French Public) – Huron/Middlesex/Perth/Waterloo/Wellington

Responses are pending from the Conseil Scolaire Viamonde Trustee candidates.