The Paris Independent for Saturday September 10th, 2022

The Paris Independent 20

M U N I C I P A L P O L I T I C S

Meet the Candidates

September 10, 2022

Get to know the people who want to represent you

The municipal election is Monday, October 24 th . There is a race for a seat in every ward, except ward 4 where incumbents Robert Chambers and David Miller were acclaimed.

This week The Paris Independent will introduce candidates running in Ward 2 & 3 as well as those running for Mayor. Leading up to the election, we will ask local

MAYORAL RACE

candidates a series of questions, posed by you, so you can get answers to help you make an informed vote. If you have a question you’d like to pose, please send us an email to stories@theparisindependent.com This week we are asking ‘Why did you run for council?’ Here is what Paris Ward 2, Paris Ward 3 and Mayoral candidates had to say:

SHAWN PRATT Local business owner – Grand River Cabs Previous Mayoral Campaigns: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018

I, Shawn Pratt, a 20-year resident of Paris, made the decision to run for public office and submitted my application for the Mayor of the County of Brant on August 19, 2022. In this format request, I am allowed 200 words to express why I chose to run for council. These short formats usually favour the incumbents, so that being said, I

will be short on the answer to the above question, since I have been promised an interview later in September by the Paris Independent. It's time the County of Brant and its citizens have a true “PARIS MAYOR” that will service the whole County and knows extremely well the specific and urgent needs in Paris. We need Paris to become Simply Grand again in order for the rest of the County to flourish. Let's get back to our moniker, “Prettiest Town in Southern Ontario”. I firmly believe there is a strong

opportunity

this

election

to

create a new council with the

opportunity to have seven or

eight new council members that

have new ideas and visions for a

better County of Brant, instead

of

the

same

old,

same

old,

thoughts

and

visions

of

the

present

and

past

council

members.

I am passionate, personable and

approachable and “I love the

County of Brant,” that is why I

want to be your next Mayor and

council member.

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MAYORAL RACE

M U N I C I P A L P O L I T I C S

September 10, 2022

DAVID BAILEY Licensed Funeral Director, former owner of David A.B Interior Design Consulting Firm Current Mayor of County of Brant, 1st Term

To build on the work we have put

in place. The County of Brant

has changed in leaps and bounds,

and I believe it is a time where I

can still contribute to the growth

and

management.

I

want

to

ensure we don’t drop the ball on

small

houses

and

obtainable

homes.

I am very proud of my first term and accomplishments. I want to continue to ensure that Brant has proper representation at provincial and federal tables, and to ensure that my four years of building relationships will not be lost or diminished. I think the work in my Biography explains how much we have started in the County, and I believe at this point a second term is the continuity we need to continue without a pause or hiccup. I also think that the investment in training and knowledge that the

County has invested in me needs to be validated. Continuity in a County that is only 20 years old is very important. I look forward to taking part in the tri-council meetings with the City of Brantford and the Six Nations, in correcting any past wrongs or misunderstandings with the indigenous people. I believe I am the best person to take part in the healing process of the County and the Six Nations.

MAYORAL RACE

DAVID SWANSON Sunlife Sales Agent, AZ Driver, Taekwondo 5 th Dan Master Degree 1 st Mayoral Race. Ran in Ward 5 Brantford 2014/2018

As a Mayor with significant accomplishments in many different arenas, I have the

unique financial, industry, and leadership experiences necessary to facilitate discussion and promote a solution mindset within the legislature. We are headed into a very difficult transition period. Flexibility, adaptation, and innovation will be the key factors to success. Keeping our traditions so that we don't forget our past is exceptionally important. So is

knowing when to review those

traditions

so

that

we

aren't

missing

opportunities.

Being

the

Mayor

is

a

great

opportunity.

As

head

of

the

legislative

arm

of

the

Corporation of The County of

Brant you have great power and

with

that

comes

great

responsibility.

Continued on page 22

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M U N I C I P A L P O L I T I C S

September 10, 2022

I have the vision and intend to develop policies that will keep our County affordable with the aim of simplifying the processes of lot severances, less red tape for tiny homes, granny suites, and garden flats.

I would build upon the ERides program to allow people with limited access to have reliable transportation with professional drivers. I would reduce travel times and traffic congestion in our area by

encouraging the development of a new 400 series highway. My friends, it would be a pleasure to serve alongside you, and keep our County Great!

WARD 2LUKAS OAKLEY Product Manager and Laboratory Technician at the biotechnology company Epitome Diagnostics 1st Municipal Election Campaign

The catalyst to run happened in February, when developers were demolishing the lands near Barker’s Bush. Walking past the 12-foot tall, 100-footlong pile of trees – trees that were older than any living person in Paris – was sobering and frustrating.

To me, Paris and Brant County have always been defined by their relationship to nature; our two rivers and our forests. The coming years are going to be critical for Paris and the County, with the provincial government designating us as a place to grow. Without proper planning that respects our architectural and natural heritage, everywhere from Apps Mills to Pinehurst is at risk of suburban sprawl.

Next month I will be marrying my fiancée of 10 years, and we want

to see Paris keep its distinct charm while still looking to the future. Not just for the next 10 to 20 years, but for the next 50.

We will need to take careful, measured steps to ensure that we do not lose the Paris that we grew up in and fell in love with. We do not have to choose between growth and tradition. What we do need is a vision for the future, and someone to pursue that vision with a passionate, energetic fervor.

Appointing a Proxy

If you would like to appoint a proxy for voting, you must complete the following form: Appointment for Voting Proxy - Form 3 1. You must be eligible to vote in the municipality.

ADVERT#4

2.The person you are appointing must be eligible to vote in the municipality. 3. You must know the person who you are appointing and be able to fill in their information. To complete the form: 1. Provide your information in Box A, the information of the person you are appointing in Box B., Sign and date the form in Box C.

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WARD 2

I’ve lived in Paris my whole life (56 years) and raised my family here at the corner of Silver & Gold in Paris. At age 12, my first summer job was with the Town of Paris as LIT at the Paris Pool, helping kids learn to swim and helping to clean the facility.

WARD 2

M U N I C I P A L P O L I T I C S

I see much to do as we develop the community around Ward 2. We have expanded our population to the extent that infrastructure, safe passage, services and safety are hampered. There are roads that need painting, traffic control

September 10, 2022

STEVE HOWES Marketing & International Sales for Paris Playground Equipment Inc. Ward 2 Councillor, 1st Term

As

a

teenager,

I

spent

6

years

working in the local grocery store,

and during the later part of high

school and college, I worked as a

photographer

for

the

local

newspaper. The one thing these jobs

had in common is that they gave me

the opportunity to get to know the

people

in

our

community.

After

college,

I

started

a

career

in

Marketing and International Sales

for Paris Playground Equipment Inc.

I

have

spent

the

last

20

years

working

with

Ontario

Municipalities.

Local politics has long been an ambition of mine, so in 2018 I ran in the election to represent Ward 2 for the County of Brant and was successful. As I learned about the inner workings of our municipality, I have shared that information in many detailed posts on my councillor Facebook page and now on my campaign website www.votehowes.ca …please check them out.

CHRISTINA SPEERS Project Manager by profession 1 ST Municipal Election Campaign

that need to be reassessed, snow that isn't quickly removed off of sidewalks, tree canopy that needs to be protected, local business to be promoted, new subdivisions that want a voice, a green bin program and community veggie garden to promote. I want to discuss silencing those train whistles. And let’s protect farmland where possible! There is so much diversity that draws people to this area. We need effective communication at the municipal table to move important work efforts along.

I was once a dragon boat racer. We were taught three parts of winning: Get the boat up and out of the water. You can only do that with a strong leader at the front, and everyone paddling in synchronicity. Make distance. Move that boat to the winning line with as much power as you have. See the goal and reach it. And finally, give it all you've got to finish strong. I want to be your representative at the finish line.

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M U N I C I P A L P O L I T I C S

September 10, 2022

WARD 2

FAIZAN BAIG Mortgage Agent for Zolo Realty & Mortgages Post-Grad Diploma in Business Studies 1 ST Municipal Election Campaign

First of all, I would like to give my brief introduction: I am retired banker and used to work 20 Years in Insurance and Investment Banking in Toronto.

WARD 2

But I am still working as a Mortgage Broker. 1. I have time, energy and passion. I have grown up children and they live their own. I do not have big family commitment. 2. I speak other languages. 3. I love democracy. 4. I love Brant County, Town of Paris. A little beautiful town of Canada. My Vision is to make more beautiful, charming and

peaceful community. A peaceful place to live in and work. My mission is to improve the quality of life those who lives here by providing them quick delivery of local services. There is a growing Muslim and Indian communities and no one is going to raise their voice on Brant County.

JAY ARORA Entrepreneur, Designer & Business Owner 1 ST Municipal Election Campaign

Paris is home. Strongest communities are anchored in a spirit of collaboration. My partner Kimberly and my son Aryan are blessed to call Ward 2 our home. Being a homeowner and an advocate for finding solutions for my community, I understand the hard work it takes to get answers. Our immediate needs are to address power outages, traffic control,

managing

new

developments,

effective land use, public transit

options,

supporting

seniors

&

youth,

affordable

housing,

food

banks

and

more.

The

list

is

expansive!

Being

a

healthcare

professional for nine years and

business

owner

for

five,

I

understand how to work hard for

solutions.

Relationships and initiatives can

and should reach beyond County

limits

and

I

feel

I

can

help

facilitate

this

with

the

neighbouring

towns,

cities

&

Aboriginal lands. I have skills and

experience

to

connect

various

segments

of

our

growing

communities to discover shared objectives and work together towards finding innovative yet attainable solutions. After connecting with Councillors Steve Howes, Marc Laferriere and Mayor David Bailey, I am even more confident I can serve my community with integrity like they continue to serve daily. Our family roots in County of Brant dates back decades. I am confident I will always strive to preserve the essence of what we love about our County.

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WARD 3

M U N I C I P A L P O L I T I C S

September 10, 2022

DANNY TEVES Retired member of Toronto Police Service, Financial advisor 1 ST Municipal Election Campaign

I’m running for Councillor because I want to be an influential voice for the residents in Ward 3 by listening and collectively working with them for improvement. My mission is to be a bold leader that is transparent and accountable. As Councillor, I will partner with municipal staff, council members, and constituents regarding the future planning, development

WARD 3

and infrastructure of the community.

As

a

lifelong

commuter,

I

understand

the

importance

of

improving

traffic

congestion

and

other community infrastructure to

support

a

growing

town.

I’m

passionate

about

mental

health,

building lasting relationships with

residents, sustainability and creating

livable communities.

I am a retired and respected 16 year member of the Toronto Police Service. An experienced and successful financial advisor for Citigroup. I served 10 years as coordinator for Hope with Wheels,

actively served on the fundraising

committee

for

Haven

on

the

Queensway and functioned as Board

Member of Cedarview Church in

Paris.

I

was

involved

in

humanitarian work in Cuba to help

meet the basic needs of people. I’m

the

Recipient

of

the

Queen’s

Diamond Jubilee Medal 2012 for

my

significant

contributions

in

Canada

and

abroad

to

public

service.

I live in Paris with my wife and three kids.

JOHN PEIRCE Major Incident and Problem Manager Sun Life Financial Ward 3 Councillor, 2 nd Term.

I am a family-oriented individual who has been very happily married for 30 years to the love of my life Kim. We have two

wonderful children Rebecca (Paul) and Matthew, as well as two amazing grandsons Leo and Jackson, with a third coming this December. I have lived in Paris for over 40 years and have been a resident of Ward 3 for over 30 years.

I ran for Council as I have a very strong desire to give back to my

community that has been so good to my family and I for many years. The County of Brant is where we chose to call home and I have always believed that we should do whatever we can to help make our community a better place, this is my chance to help do so.

Continued on page 26

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September 10, 2022

I have always had a keen interest in the growth and the future of our County, and I am passionate about activities within it. I am a hardworking, energetic, and

ambitious individual who loves to get involved. A proven leader who is trustworthy, results oriented that leverages data, experience and Community

feedback when making decisions. I am friendly, approachable, and always willing to listen.

WARD 3

JOHN BELL Retired Project & Business Planning Director. Bachelors degree in Engineering Science /Masters degrees in Maths and Business Administration Ward 3 Councillor, 1 st Term

Hi, I’m John Bell, a Ward 3 Councillor for the last 4 years. I ran in 2018 because I felt I had some applicable skills, available time and energy, and a desire to help our community. I wanted to see better managed residential growth in Paris, support growth of our local economy, push for necessary infrastructure, maintain Paris’ charm, improve road safety,

support

residents

in

their

interactions

with

County,

and

more.

Despite the impact of Covid there have been successes in this agenda – e.g. Cowan Community Health Hub, Rest Acres Road improvements, Brant Safe Street Strategy, new Official and Strategic Plans, many industrial and commercial growth projects - and I always try to respond quickly to resident calls although I can’t always guarantee the outcome is what residents are seeking.

There remains much still to do

e.g. implementing the downtown Paris Master plan, securing more affordable homes, stepping up Safe Streets Strategy actions, and through implementation of our new Official Plan continue to better manage growth. That’s why I’m running again.

With 4 years experience as a Councillor, across all aspects of municipal government, my apprenticeship is served, and I believe I can be even more effective and impactful in a 2nd term. To learn more, go to - www.johnbellward3.ca.

Candidates in Brant County Wards outside of Paris…Ward 1

Jennifer Kyle John Wheat John MacAlpine Jeannine Forbes

Ward 4

Robert Chambers – acclaimed David Miller - acclaimed

Ward 5

Brian Coleman Christine Garneau Mike Gatopoulos John Starkey Ella Haley