Wanting to get to know Essex’s municipal election candidates better? CTV asked them questions to give you some more insight into their platforms. Mayor Sherry Bondy – Incumbent Why are you running for Mayor of Essex? I am Sherry Bondy, and I am running for Mayor of the Town of Essex because I love serving our community and believe I have a great deal to offer our municipality. Serving the people of Essex has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of serving our community in different ways, whether working in a local restaurant or as an employee of the Essex County Library system. These experiences have given me a strong appreciation for the people who make our community special and have strengthened my commitment to public service. I also hold two degrees from the University of Windsor, one in Social Work and one in Education. Both have been incredibly valuable in my role as mayor. My background in Social Work helps me understand the diverse needs of our residents, approach challenges with empathy, and recognize the importance of listening to all voices in our community. My education background has strengthened my communication, problem solving, and leadership skills, all of which are important when working with residents, staff, and council to move our municipality forward. I bring a solid understanding of the issues facing all areas of Essex and a genuine commitment to making decisions that benefit our residents and strengthen our community. During my first term as mayor, I brought full-time energy, dedication, and hard work to the mayor’s office. Together, we worked hard to achieve several important milestones, including our municipality’s first-ever Capital Roads Plan, a Debt Management Policy, and an Investment Strategy. We are also working on a Flooding Roadmap to help address one of the important challenges facing our community. Residents know me as someone who works hard, values trust, and is willing to take a stand when it matters. I believe leadership means asking tough questions, challenging the status quo when necessary, and always keeping the best interests of our residents at the forefront. I am running because I care deeply about Essex, believe in the work we have started, and want to continue building a strong, financially responsible, and forward-looking community for everyone who calls Essex home. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? I believe some of the most important issues that I am hearing on the doorstep facing the Town of Essex are infrastructure, flooding, responsible growth, financial sustainability, and ensuring that all areas of our municipality receive the attention they deserve. Infrastructure and roads remain a major priority. We have taken an important step by establishing our first-ever Capital Roads Plan, and we need to continue building on that work with long-term planning, clear priorities, and responsible investment in our roads and municipal infrastructure. Flooding and stormwater management are also critical issues. Residents deserve to know that we are taking their concerns seriously and working toward practical, long-term solutions. Developing a flooding roadmap is an important step toward understanding our challenges, identifying priorities, and planning for the future. Financial responsibility must remain at the forefront of every decision council makes. Residents expect their money to be managed wisely. Our Debt Management Policy and Investment Strategy provide a foundation for making informed financial decisions, planning for future needs, and balancing the services residents expect with what the municipality can responsibly afford. Responsible growth and development are equally important. We need to plan carefully so that growth is supported by adequate infrastructure and services while protecting the character of our communities. Whether residents live in Essex Centre, Harrow, Colchester, or our rural areas, they deserve to feel heard and know that their concerns matter. Finally, I believe trust, transparency, and accountability are essential to good municipal government. Residents deserve open communication, thoughtful decision-making, and a mayor and council who are willing to ask tough questions and challenge the status quo when necessary. As mayor, I believe it is my responsibility to look beyond the immediate challenges and plan for the long term. We need to build on the work already underway, listen to our residents, and make decisions that put the long-term interests of the entire Town of Essex first. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My top three priorities are financial responsibility and affordability, flood mitigation, and responsible development, and long-term financial sustainability. 1. Affordability and responsible spending I understand that residents are struggling with the rising cost of everyday life, and municipal taxes are part of that burden. We must continue to ensure that every tax dollar is spent wisely and that we are constantly looking for ways to do more with the resources we have. During my first term, we worked to identify alternative revenue sources, including sponsorships and naming rights, to help offset tax increases. We also overhauled our budget process to strengthen operational oversight and introduce greater accountability and checks and balances into our Community Partnership Grant Program. I want to continue finding efficiencies, improving transparency, and protecting taxpayers while maintaining the services our residents rely on. 2. Flood mitigation and responsible development Flooding remains a serious concern for our community, and we have more work to do. We need practical, long-term solutions that address our flooding challenges and protect residents and property. That is why we have paused work on our Official Plan to ensure flooding concerns are properly considered before proceeding with decisions about future development in flood-prone areas. Growth must be carefully planned, supported by infrastructure, and guided by the long-term safety and well-being of our residents. 3. Long-term financial sustainability and infrastructure We must continue making sound financial decisions today to protect taxpayers tomorrow. During my first term, we took important steps toward a more sustainable financial future, including our work regarding the sale of E.L.K. and the development of an Investment Strategy. These initiatives can help us better manage municipal assets, support the long-term needs identified in our Asset Management Plan, and reduce pressure on future tax increases. I want to build on this work through disciplined financial planning, responsible asset management, and continued investment in the roads and infrastructure our community needs. My focus is on building on the progress we have made, making responsible decisions, and ensuring that the Town of Essex is financially sustainable and prepared for the future. Residents deserve leadership that listens, plans ahead, and is willing to make difficult decisions in the best interests of our entire municipality. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I bring a combination of experience, full-time dedication, and a commitment to transparency that I believe is important for the Town of Essex. Before becoming mayor, I served 12 years as a councillor. Those years gave me valuable municipal experience and allowed me to develop a strong understanding of the responsibilities of the mayor’s office before stepping into the role. I took the time to learn about both the rural and urban areas of our municipality and understand the different needs and concerns of our communities. As mayor, I have dedicated my full-time energy, attention, and countless hours to the role. I believe residents deserve a mayor who is accessible, engaged, and fully committed to the work of leading our municipality. In 2022, residents voted for change, and I have worked to bring that change through improved communication, greater transparency, and increased accountability. I have advocated for more comprehensive meeting minutes, expanded live streaming, and greater sharing of the work being done by council and the municipality. Residents deserve to know what decisions are being made, why they are being made, and how those decisions affect their tax dollars. I have also worked hard to establish strong financial policies and improve our processes to ensure municipal funds are managed responsibly and spent wisely. From strengthening our budget process to developing long-term financial strategies, my focus has been on creating a more accountable and financially sustainable municipality. I offer 12 years of experience as a councillor, a successful first term as mayor, full-time dedication to the job, and a straightforward approach to leadership. I believe in answering questions honestly, challenging the status quo when necessary, and making decisions based on what is best for the Town of Essex and its residents. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I don’t make promises just to get votes. I believe residents deserve honesty, realistic expectations, and a mayor who is prepared to put in the work long after election day. The one promise I will make is that I will work hard every single day for the residents of Essex. I take nothing for granted, and I believe deeply in public service and the responsibility that comes with being elected. I believe in transparency, communication, and meaningful public consultation. Residents deserve to be informed, heard, and involved in decisions that affect their lives and their tax dollars. Over the next four years, I will continue working to improve how we communicate, share information, and hold ourselves accountable for the decisions we make. I also believe Essex needs a mayor who is committed to serving the entire municipality, not just a select group or a particular area. Every community and every resident deserves to have their concerns heard and considered. I will always strive to do what I believe is right for Essex, even when the decisions are difficult or unpopular. I am an experienced, dedicated public servant who will stand up, ask tough questions, challenge the status quo when necessary, and push for results. I will not be intimidated into abandoning what I believe is in the best interests of our residents. In four years, residents should be able to hold me accountable for my work ethic, my transparency, my willingness to listen, and the decisions I make on their behalf. I may not be able to promise that every challenge will be solved, but I can promise that I will show up, do the work, explain my decisions, and remain focused on serving the people of Essex. Trevor Menard I chose to run for Mayor because it was the position that requires the most improvement. In speaking to many residents in Ward 1. It is going to be very difficult to unseat the two current counsellors. The people in Ward 1 are very happy with their representation. I commend the three candidates who stepped up to challenge for the two seats available. The same comments were echoed for the Deputy Mayor seat. The residents are quite happy with the representation that the Deputy Mayor has been putting forth for the municipality. It would be very difficult to unseat a strong incumbent and prominent business owner, pillar of the community and resident of Ward 1. Those same individuals, that I spoke with in the beginning. Talked about how the current mayor has been lacking accountability, integrity and professionalism. How the mayor is attempting to manage the day to day operation of the municipality for a part time position. Now that I have been out to the other hamlets. The same messages have been repeated. I am hoping to work with our new council to improve our relationship with our constituents. Currently one of the most important issues is flooding in the Harrow and Colchester hamlets. Yes there is flooding in Essex and McGregor. The major flooding issues are happening in our Southern Municipalities. These residents have endured years of committees, task forces, focus groups, environmental studies etc.. There has been no action or work done to mitigate the flooding. There are ways that the town could have worked to divert run off. The town has skilled operators, engineers and planners who are aware of the issues. They should be tasked with providing corrective measures to actively work on the flooding issues. We should be aggressively seeking provincial and federal grants to reduce the financial burden on the residents. This issue is not going to be solved in the first 4 years of my term. We need to get out from behind committees, focus groups etc. etc.. We need to put shovels in the ground and start seeing improvements so the residents start to see that this next term of council takes their concerns seriously and if utmost importance. There may need to be a review of the drainage and basins that have been shutdown. What was the next steps once the drain was shutdown? If water diversion was the purpose of the drains and basins. Where does this water go now that these are shutdown? 1- see response to question 2. 2- Infrastructure. We have seen our roads deteriorate over many years. There has been little improvement or maintenance to many of our municipal roads. Yes some have been addressed. However many residents have talked to me about the slow progress within all of our communities. Not sure why we need a road task force to have residents report road which roads need repair. The town’s Infrastructure Services Department is quite capable of determining what roads need repair and what underground infrastructure need to be updated. The records should be on file for work done to any roadway repair, water main or sewer infrastructure. 3- Responsible taxation. We should never have a zero taxation period. If we do. We are not truthful or responsible to our residents. If we set a zero percent tax rate for one year. The next year would see a larger tax increase that no one can prepare for. Being responsible in our tax policy would be to keep the tax rate to inflation level or less. Never zero. The cost of material, labor, services, supplies etc. increase on a month to month, year to year colander. With a zero percent increase we could potentially see increases in material, labor, services and supplies go up as much ad double digits. By being responsible and keeping tax increases to be around the inflation rate. We could avoid double digits price increases. Now being a realist. This is great in theory. Outside or contractual obligations, exigent or unplanned major purchase could affect this pattern. Residents are under strict budgets at this time. We need to be responsible with our municipalities finances. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? Over the past 35 years. I have worked for a Tier One Automotive Parts supplier. Many of our methods are based on TPS (Toyota Production System) principles. There are many philosophies that could be used to improve our municipality. Some philosophies such as Lean Manufacturing, Kata, Gemba and Kaizen are principles used to improve manufacturing through team involvement. These are bottom up approaches to continuous improvement. When roadblocks appear. The team breaks the problem down into its most fundamental problems. They get prioritized and then the team focuses on one item at a time to overcome the roadblock. Integrity, accountability and confidentiality are staples in all my careers. As a team leader I deal with confidential matters. With the EFRS I serve the public. As such, my actions when not on duty reflect directly to the fire service and my emergency service family. I learned years ago while with the OPP Auxiliary. My actions and those of the team should always be above reproach. There should be no question of my integrity in dealing with private matters. The people of this great municipality should not need to question the mayor’s stance on integrity, accountability, privacy, or confidentiality. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I can promise that I will not share personal and/or private information on a public forum. If there is a leak from within council, it will be reviewed by the ethics commissioner and the legal team. The punishment will be appropriate for the offence. Ward 1 Joe Garon – Incumbent Why are you running for Ward 1 councillor in Essex? I am running for my third term on council. Much work has been started or completed. There are some projects I still wish to see through to the end. I am passionate about my town and proud to serve. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? Main issue in my opinion is aging infrastructure and not enough tax dollars to get everything completed. We need to do better seeking upper tier government grants to help. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? 1. Grants and fiscal responsibility 2. Responsible growth while maintaining Essex’s small-town identity 3. Essex sports field and Hanlan extension How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I am not different from my fellow candidates I don’t think, in the sense I believe we all are in this for the right reasons – to make Essex the best it can be. Where I may differ is in my approach. I am no nonsense and focused on only what matters which is getting results for my constituents. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? The only promise I can make is that I will continue to work hard for my constituents and always base my decisions at the council table on what best interests the community. Andrew George Why are you running for Ward 1 councillor in Essex? I have a list of great project ideas I’d like to bring to the public’s attention. This is the same reason I ran for MP in 2021. All videos from both campaigns can be found at www.Linktr.ee/DharmaGardener What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? Status quo. Stagnation. A lack of innovation. Without new ideas that could help the local economy, we are doomed to wallow in the same ol’ same ol’ until your taxes are more than you can pay. The cost of living is outrageous, and it will take new strategies to ensure we create a resilient community, able to overcome world market meltdowns. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? Build community gardens - https://youtu.be/5X8w4upRa7M Open up library deliveries to entrepreneurs - https://youtu.be/Jw3EM2wVmUo Change the BIA Dollars program from coupon to community currency - https://youtu.be/0Sl0IxxWvPs How do you differ from your fellow candidates? In two ways – I have ideas to benefit the town, while my opponents have shown none. They all have the hometown vote, while I do not. It’s the classic case of ‘will the citizen vote for who they know – or the candidate with best ideas’ What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? We will start community gardens and ensure a portion of all harvests are sent to the food banks – ensuring the most vulnerable people in our community eat the healthiest foods. Fred Groves Why are you running for Ward 1 councillor of Essex? I believe that the Town of Essex is the hub of the county and has a great deal of potential when it comes to development. We have a very talented and professional administration and staff and I believe that as a communicator, I can work with them to make our town the best it can be. Essex is my hometown and I am very, very proud of it! What do you believe is the most important issue facing the ward and how would you address it? Throughout my campaign and knocking on doors, housing seems to be the biggest issue. As a member of the town’s Affordability Housing Task Force, this is something we need to do better at especially housing with supports. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? Housing, both with supports and attainable housing is at the top along with pubic safety. I also believe that developing our new sports fields is very important to attract visitors. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I have spent a lifetime as a journalist and author and that requires me to ask the tough questions and demand answers. Also listen to both sides of every issue. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? Telling the truth, listening to both sides, not being influenced by other members of council. Katie McGuire-Blais – Incumbent Why are you running for Ward 1 councillor in Essex? I’m running for re-election because I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last four years, but I also know the work isn’t finished. When I ran in 2022, I wanted Ward 1 residents to have a councillor who was accessible, prepared, willing to ask questions and willing to do the work between council meetings to move issues forward. That is still what motivates me today. Over the last term, we’ve made significant investments in roads, infrastructure, recreation, active transportation, and our downtown. We’ve also continued working to support local businesses and attract new investment. I love this community. I want Essex to continue being a place where families want to live, businesses want to invest and residents feel they are getting good value for their tax dollars. There is still a lot I want to accomplish, and I believe the experience and relationships I’ve built over the last four years will allow me to keep that momentum going. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town, and how would you address it? One of the biggest challenges facing Essex is balancing affordability with the growing cost of providing municipal services. Residents are dealing with rising costs at home, and municipalities are facing those same pressures. Policing, construction, insurance, utilities and operating costs continue to increase, while residents still expect safe roads, reliable infrastructure, parks, recreation, and other services. My approach is to scrutinize spending, look for efficiencies, pursue outside funding wherever possible, and make responsible decisions about what we can afford. I believe we need to keep tax increases as low as reasonably possible without allowing our infrastructure or level of service to deteriorate. That means setting priorities, planning ahead and making difficult decisions when necessary rather than simply passing every increased cost onto taxpayers. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My first priority is infrastructure, continuing to invest in roads, drainage, flooding mitigation, sidewalks and active transportation connections throughout Ward 1. My second priority is fiscal responsibility. I want to continue pushing to keep tax increases to a minimum while protecting the municipal services residents rely on. That includes seeking grants, finding efficiencies and making sure taxpayers are receiving value for their money. My third priority is economic and community development. I want to continue supporting our existing businesses, attracting new investment and creating a community where people can live, work and build a livelihood. I would also like to establish regular opportunities for local businesses to speak directly with the Town about challenges, opportunities and what we can do better. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I can only speak to what I bring to the position. I have four years of experience on Essex Town Council and a record residents can evaluate. Voters don’t have to wonder how I will approach the job, they can look at how I have done it. I am very hands-on. I spend a lot of time speaking with residents, businesses and administration, researching issues and following up when something needs attention. I am not afraid to ask difficult questions or disagree when I believe there is a better approach. At the same time, I understand that municipal government requires collaboration. Getting something accomplished often means working with people who may not agree with you on every issue. I won’t promise residents that we will always agree. I will promise that I will listen, explain my decisions, do my homework and make the decision I genuinely believe is in the best interests of our community. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? That I will continue working for Ward 1 every day, not just during an election. Residents should expect me to remain accessible, respond to their concerns, bring their issues forward, ask questions and report back on what is happening at Town Hall. I believe elected officials should be visible and accountable throughout the entire term. Four years from now, residents should be able to look at my record and see not only what I voted for, but what I worked on, what I advocated for and what was accomplished. Randy Voakes Why are you running for Essex Ward 1 councillor? I held the position for eight years and now that I’m retired, I can really invest myself into the position. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? The Town of Essex is an economic golden nugget with #3 bypass running through it. For downtown stability we have to look for initiatives to bring those commuters into our town. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? 1. Sports Complex Development on Batten Side Road 2. Strive for more community events to keep constituents invested in their community 3. And as always to keep taxes minimal, but at the same time, modest tax increases to keep up with current corporate costs and community development. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I will bring respectful firmness to the council position. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? Accountability. Ward 2 Kim Verbeek – Incumbent Why are you running for Essex Ward 2 councillor? I have spent my adult life volunteering, organizing, serving, and advocating. Representing community groups by speaking at county council to ombudsman and various governing bodies. So, running for council was clearly the next step. I have now served eight years. I have become very effective in this job. I love connecting with the community then representing at the council table. This is our municipality and I want to continue working towards; a community where families thrive and businesses grow and future generations flourish. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? This would be my third term. Ward priorities were addressed in previous question. I would continue being a strong voice at council table for our Ward 2 community. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I now have the experience and solid knowledge of this role. I love working with and for our community and I truly care. I want all of us to do well and thrive. I enjoy doing things beyond the council table, the meetings and the readings. I organize many events that bring community together, Stroll by Santa (free family Christmas event), food, clothing and book swaps, community information events, free first aid and CPR classes to name a few. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? Professionalism, respect, and healthy debate are very important to do this job well. I also feel once in this position people expect us to hold ourselves to a standard befitting an elected official. People look to us to represent them in a professional manner. I am cooperative and collaborative. I enjoy working with others, I like listening and learning so I am always doing both. I promise to be approachable, always working hard, listening, learning and caring. Ben Orlando Why are you running for councillor of Ward 2 in Essex? I’m running because I believe Ward 2 deserves a strong, independent voice at council, someone who listens to residents and brings their concerns forward. I’ve been talking with people throughout the ward, and I’m hearing concerns about roads, drainage, taxes, municipal services, responsible growth, and making sure our community continues to be a great place to live. I want to be someone residents can actually reach and someone who will work hard for them. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? I believe our biggest challenge is managing growth responsibly while making sure our infrastructure and services can keep up. Growth can be a great thing. It can bring new businesses, investment, housing, and a stronger tax base. But we have to make sure development is properly planned and that roads, drainage, and other municipal services can support it. I also believe we need to be responsible with taxpayers’ money. We should be looking for grants, efficiencies, and other ways to pay for improvements without simply putting more pressure on taxpayers. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My first priority would be roads and drainage. Residents need reliable infrastructure, and we need to be proactive rather than constantly reacting to problems. Second is responsible growth and economic development. I want to support small businesses and development that makes sense for our community and strengthens our local economy. Third is fiscal responsibility. Every tax dollar matters. Council needs to prioritize spending, look for efficiencies, and make sure we’re getting value for the money residents are paying. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I respect anyone willing to put their name forward to serve. What I can speak to is what I bring. I’m not running to tell people I have all the answers. I’m running to listen, ask questions, and be a strong voice for Ward 2. I want my campaign to be about substance over signs because a campaign lasts a few months, but the decisions we make last for years. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is simple. I will listen to Ward 2 residents, bring their concerns forward, and be accountable for my decisions. Four years from now, I don’t want people judging me by how many signs I had. I want them to judge me by whether I worked hard, kept my word, and made a positive difference for Ward 2. Justin Power-Colenutt CTV News is awaiting a response. Ward 3 Bill Baker Why are you running for councillor of Ward 3 in Essex? I am running because I care deeply about the future of Ward 3 and the Town of Essex. I have lived in the community of Colchester along Lake Erie vineyard sector for more than 30 years. I believe my experience, commitment and understanding of municipal government can make a meaningful difference. Having previously served as Ward 3 councillor from 2010 to 2014, I understand both the responsibilities of elected office and the importance of building constructive relationships around the council table. My commitment to public service did not end when I left council or my campaign for mayor that followed. I have remained actively involved through the Committee of Adjustment, Affordable Housing Task Force, Climate Adaptation Task Force, and Colchester planning initiatives. These experiences have kept me closely connected to the challenges and opportunities facing our community. The next four years will involve significant decisions about residential development, infrastructure capacity, flooding, municipal finances, and protecting the character of our rural and lakeside communities. These decisions will have lasting consequences for residents and future generations. I believe Ward 3 deserves experienced, accessible representation that listens carefully, examines the facts, respects taxpayers and works collaboratively to achieve results. That is why I am running and it is the foundation of my campaign commitment to balanced epresentation. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the ward and how would you address it? The most important issue facing Ward 3 is ensuring that the pace and scale of development do not exceed our infrastructure capacity or compromise the quality-of-life residents value. Colchester and our surrounding communities face increasing development pressures while still dealing with longstanding concerns involving flooding, drainage, wastewater servicing, shoreline protection, and road conditions. I support responsible growth and additional housing, but growth must be supported by reliable infrastructure and sound financial planning. We cannot make development decisions in isolation, without fully understanding the cumulative effects on existing residents, municipal services, and the character of our community. If elected, I will advocate for a coordinated, evidence-based approach that connects the Colchester Secondary Plan, the Town’s Master Servicing Plan, flood mapping and municipal capital planning. We need clear, publicly available assessments of wastewater treatment capacity, stormwater management, drainage systems and the costs of necessary upgrades before major growth decisions are made. I will also push for the town’s flooding roadmap to translate engineering findings into specific priorities, realistic timelines, funding strategies, and measurable progress. Equally important, residents must have meaningful opportunities to participate in these decisions. My approach is not to oppose growth, but to ensure that growth is responsible, financially sustainable and respectful of the communities we are trying to preserve. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My first priority is a focus on improving flooding, drainage and essential infrastructure. That means advancing practical solutions to longstanding drainage problems, addressing vulnerable beach roads and shoreline areas and ensuring that necessary road and infrastructure improvements receive appropriate attention. My second priority is responsible development and protecting the character of Ward 3. The Colchester Secondary Plan and future development proposals must balance opportunities for housing and economic growth with wastewater capacity, road safety, agricultural lands, environmental considerations, and the character of our lakeside communities. I will advocate for development decisions grounded in engineering evidence, meaningful resident consultation and a clear understanding of who pays for the required infrastructure. My third priority is fiscal responsibility, accountability and improved communication. The town faces substantial long-term infrastructure obligations and every capital investment must be considered against competing priorities, borrowing costs, future operating expenses, and its impact on taxpayers. I will advocate for disciplined budgeting, responsible debt management, pursuit of available government funding, and greater transparency about municipal spending. Residents deserve to understand not only what council decides, but why those decisions are made, what they will cost and what progress is being achieved. These three priorities are interconnected and addressing them requires a council willing to work together for the benefit of the entire municipality. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I respect everyone who has stepped forward to serve our community. What I believe distinguishes my candidacy is the combination of previous elected municipal experience, continued community involvement, and extensive leadership experience across both the public and private sectors. My professional career includes serving in airport planning and development at Windsor International Airport, executive leadership in healthcare and working within the City of Windsor Mayor’s Office. More recently, as a Senior Project Manager implementing enterprise business software, I have worked with organizations in manufacturing, food processing, healthcare and distribution. These responsibilities require financial discipline, strategic planning, risk management, understanding complex operations and delivering results. Those are practical skills that translate directly to municipal budgeting, infrastructure investments to support responsible governance. I also understand that one councillor cannot accomplish meaningful change alone. Having served on council before, I recognize the importance of listening to different perspectives, working constructively with fellow councillors and administration and building the relationships necessary to advance Ward 3 priorities. My approach is neither to automatically oppose change nor to support every proposal that comes forward. It is to ask the difficult questions, understand the financial and community implications, and make informed decisions in the public interest. That combination of practical experience, independent judgment and collaboration is what I mean by balanced representation. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is to make accountability and communication with Ward 3 residents a measurable commitment, not simply a campaign slogan. If elected, I will provide a publicly available Ward 3 Progress Report at least semi-annually throughout the four-year term. These updates will identify the status of important community priorities, including flooding and drainage, roads, development, infrastructure investments and significant budget decisions. Residents will be able to see what has been accomplished, what remains outstanding, what challenges exist and what steps I have taken to represent their interests. Where decisions or results are beyond the authority of one councillor, I will explain that openly rather than make promises I cannot personally deliver. After four years, residents should not have to rely on election advertisements to determine whether their councillor has been effective. They should be able to look at a clear record of engagement, decisions, advocacy and progress. I cannot promise that every issue will be resolved or that every council decision will go my way. But I can promise to be accessible, prepared, transparent, and accountable for the work I undertake on behalf of Ward 3. Public trust is earned through actions, not words, and that is the standard I intend to uphold. Kyle Lefaive Why are you running for councillor of Ward 3 in Essex? Ward 3 is where I grew up, where I’ve put down roots, and where I plan to stay. I went through Harrow Junior, Senior, and Harrow District High Schools, worked on farms and orchards, and spent summers in Colchester at the arcade (RIP), the harbour, and the beach. Ward 3 is farmland, orchards, a lakeside community, and a growing village, and I’ve enjoyed it all. A wise friend once told me everyone should take a turn on council to know what it’s like to serve and shape their community - and I’m ready to take mine. I bring over 17 years of living in Ward 3, seven years of business ownership, and more than 10 years in supervisory and management roles. Today I work for a municipal public works department as an equipment operator. Living in Ward 3 is a privilege; representing its residents would be an honour. What is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? For Ward 3 specifically, talking with residents has made one thing clear: Our ward isn’t one community, it’s several. Rural, farming, lakeside, and village residents live very different realities, yet decisions too often get made as if one approach fits everyone. That’s the biggest challenge I see. It makes it hard to set shared priorities when the needs on one road can be completely different from the next. I’d address it by holding meetings or “ward-halls” in different parts of the ward, building a clear picture of each area’s needs, and making sure every decision I vote on is weighed against how it lands across all of Ward 3, not just part of it. What are your top three priorities for your first term? How do you differ from your fellow candidates? Six of us are running for two seats in Ward 3, and four have served before. I respect that experience, but I bring something different. I see things through several lenses: Business owner, resident, municipal worker and creative problem solver. I’ve worked on municipal frontlines as a parks operator and now as an equipment operator in public works for another municipality, so I know the challenges operations crews face and how municipal structures work from the inside. I co-owned the Green Bean Cafe from 2017 to 2021, along with other small ventures throughout my years. I’ve held supervisory and management roles in manufacturing, engineering, logistics and construction - I’ve also collaborated on arts and culture initiatives in Banff, Toronto, and Windsor. I’m a fresh voice with a modern view who knows how the work actually gets done, and who recognizes that each of Ward 3’s communities deserves a voice at the table. What’s one promise voters can hold you accountable for in four years? Zero excuses for an unreturned call. Every resident who contacts me will get a response, wherever in the ward they live. If I don’t have the answer, I’ll find it and get back to you as soon as possible. We’ll work through your situation together. Jason Matyi – Incumbent Why are you running for Essex Ward 3 councillor? I have called Belcreft Beach home for more than 25 years. My involvement in municipal politics began with the flooding issues our community faced in 2011. That experience taught me how important it is for residents to have someone at the council table who listens, asks questions, and follows through. I am running for re-election because there is still important work to be done. I want to continue advocating for our roads, drainage, shoreline protection, responsible development, and fair municipal services. I believe Ward 3 deserves strong representation that puts residents first. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? One of the biggest challenges facing Essex is aging infrastructure and the growing cost of maintaining it. Our roads, drainage systems, water infrastructure, and municipal facilities all require attention. We need to make better use of our asset management information, prioritize preventative maintenance, and ensure spending decisions are based on actual needs rather than wants. I would continue pushing for responsible budgeting, fair investment across all communities, and pursuing provincial and federal funding wherever possible. We must maintain the services residents depend on without placing unnecessary financial pressure on taxpayers. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your next term? How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I believe my experience and voting record provide residents with a clear understanding of where I stand. I have demonstrated that I am willing to question recommendations, challenge spending, and vote against proposals when I believe they are not in the best interests of residents. My professional background as a Preventative Maintenance Manager and former equipment engineer has taught me the importance of planning, accountability, and making decisions based on facts. I also believe being accessible matters. Whether it’s attending community meetings, responding to concerns, or bringing residents’ issues directly to council, I have worked to ensure Ward 3 has a voice. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is to continue putting residents and core municipal services ahead of unnecessary spending. In particular, I will bring forward renewed efforts to protect existing surface and subsurface drainage when new development takes place. A previous motion I brought forward was defeated on a tied vote, and I believe this issue is too important to leave unresolved. Four years from now, residents can judge me by my voting record, the motions I bring forward, and whether I have continued standing up for the communities I represent. Ron Rogers CTV News is awaiting a response. Corey St-Onge Why are you running for Essex Ward 3 councillor? I’m running for Essex Ward 3 councillor because I care about the future of our community and want to have a voice in how we grow and develop. My family and I are proud to call Ward 3 home, and I want to make sure the decisions being made today benefit our community for generations to come. For the past 16 years, I’ve worked in the construction and development industry as a project manager and residential designer. Through that experience, I’ve seen first-hand how important proper planning, responsible development, infrastructure, and financial accountability are to a growing municipality. I believe Ward 3 has tremendous potential, but growth needs to be carefully planned, especially when it comes to drainage, flooding, roads, and protecting the rural character of our community. I’m not running because I think I have all the answers. I’m running because I believe my experience, practical approach to problem-solving, and willingness to listen can bring a valuable perspective to council. Ultimately, I want to help build a community where our families are proud to live, our businesses can thrive, and future generations have the same opportunities we enjoy today. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? I believe one of the most important issues facing the Town of Essex is our existing infrastructure and the need for proper planning and responsible development. Flooding and drainage have become major concerns for many residents. We need to take a closer look at our existing infrastructure, identify where improvements are needed, and develop a long-term plan to address these issues. This includes evaluating our stormwater management systems, municipal drains, roads, and other infrastructure to determine what upgrades are necessary. At the same time, we need to ensure that future development is properly planned and that our infrastructure has the capacity to support it. We cannot continue to grow without considering the impact that development may have on surrounding properties and existing residents. With my 16 years of experience in construction and development, I understand the importance of identifying potential problems early and planning for the long term. I support growth and development, but it needs to be done responsibly. We need to address the challenges we face today while making sure the decisions we make don’t create bigger problems for future generations. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? If elected, my top three priorities during my first term would be improving our existing infrastructure, ensuring responsible planning and development, and maintaining fiscal responsibility and accountability. 1. Improving infrastructure and addressing flooding Flooding and drainage issues are a major concern throughout the Town of Essex, particularly in Ward 3. I believe we need to start by taking a comprehensive look at our existing infrastructure to identify where deficiencies exist and what improvements are necessary. This includes reviewing municipal drains, stormwater management systems, road drainage, and the capacity of our existing infrastructure. Rather than simply reacting to problems as they arise, we need to develop a long-term strategy that prioritizes improvements based on their urgency, impact, and cost. We may not be able to fix every problem overnight, but we need to establish a clear plan and begin making meaningful progress. 2. Responsible planning and development I support growth and development throughout Essex, but it needs to be carefully planned. Before approving new developments, we need to ensure our existing infrastructure can accommodate the additional demands without negatively impacting surrounding properties or creating further drainage and flooding concerns. We also need to take a proactive approach to planning for future residential, commercial, and industrial growth. Communities like Harrow and Colchester have tremendous potential for economic development and tourism, but we need to balance those opportunities with preserving the rural character and quality of life that make our municipality a great place to live. My experience in construction, residential design, and project management has shown me how important it is to plan properly from the beginning rather than trying to correct costly mistakes later. 3. Fiscal responsibility and accountability Municipal budgets directly impact residents and businesses, and I believe council has a responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively. I would focus on prioritizing essential infrastructure and services, reviewing expenditures carefully, and ensuring major projects are properly budgeted, managed, and delivered. Having spent 16 years working in construction and project management, I understand the importance of controlling costs, managing timelines, and making informed decisions. Ultimately, my goal is to bring a practical, common-sense approach to council. I want to help address the issues residents are facing today while ensuring Essex is financially and strategically prepared for the future. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? What I bring to the table is 16 years of hands-on experience in the construction and development industry, working as both a project manager and residential designer throughout Essex County. Throughout my career, I’ve been involved in projects from the initial planning and design stages through municipal approvals, budgeting, construction, and completion. This has given me a practical understanding of how development works, the challenges that come with it, and the importance of making informed decisions early in the process. I’ve worked alongside engineers, planners, municipal staff, contractors, developers, and property owners. These experiences have given me an understanding of how municipal decisions affect not only individual projects but also the surrounding community. One of the biggest things I’ve learned throughout my career is that proper planning is essential. Whether it’s drainage, infrastructure capacity, development, or budgeting, decisions made today can have lasting impacts for decades. I believe it’s important to look at the bigger picture, ask the right questions, and consider the long-term consequences before making decisions. As a project manager, I’m responsible for managing budgets, coordinating multiple parties, resolving problems, and keeping projects moving forward. I’ve learned how to work with people who have different opinions and priorities while finding practical solutions that achieve a common goal. I’m also a husband, father, and resident of Ward 3. The decisions made by council affect my family and my community just as they affect everyone else. I have a personal interest in ensuring Essex continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I bring real-world experience, a strong understanding of construction and development, and a practical, common-sense approach to problem solving. I believe in doing the research, listening to residents, asking questions, and making decisions based on facts rather than assumptions. That’s the perspective and experience I would bring to the council table. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? One promise I am making is that I will work to ensure the Town of Essex takes a proactive approach to addressing our existing infrastructure, particularly the drainage and flooding issues affecting our communities. We need to move beyond simply reacting to problems as they arise. I want to see a comprehensive review of our existing infrastructure to identify deficiencies, determine what upgrades are necessary, and establish a long-term plan that prioritizes improvements based on urgency, impact, and available funding. I recognize that these issues cannot all be solved within four years, and I am not going to make unrealistic promises that every flooding concern will be eliminated. However, I believe residents deserve to see a clear plan, measurable progress, and accountability for the decisions being made. Four years from now, I want residents to be able to look back and see that we have identified the problems, established priorities, and made meaningful progress toward addressing them. Most importantly, I promise to be accessible, listen to residents, ask the difficult questions, and be transparent about the decisions I make. Whether people agree with me or not, they deserve to know that their concerns have been heard and that decisions are being made with the long-term interests of our community in mind. I believe accountability isn’t about promising everything will be fixed. It’s about being willing to stand behind your decisions and show what you’ve accomplished. Chris Vander Dolen Why are you running for Ward 3 councillor of Essex? I am running for councillor again because I don’t believe enough members of the current council are committed to keeping taxes under control for the citizens of Essex. Taxes in my ward have risen nearly 19 per cent in the last four years – nearly 400 per cent faster than the four years I was on council from 2018 to 2022. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the ward and how would you address it? Voters tell me taxes are their number one concern with local government. Essex is an excellent town that runs just fine. It faces no major problems or challenges other than a severe shortage of rental options. It just costs too much to live here, and tax increases are far outpacing the rate of inflation. The increases and their speed are not sustainable. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My top three priorities will be reining in the speed of tax increases, having more housing built – especially for seniors and young people – and improving infrastructure. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? Unlike the other candidates, I’m an expert in government. I spent 40 years as an award-winning reporter studying governments at all levels, analyzing their performance, and reporting back to voters what was happening. Don’t hire amateurs to do this job – hire people with the right kind of experience to get to work for taxpayers immediately. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I promise to do the best thing for the most number of taxpayers in the entire Town of Essex – not just the noisy pressure groups who often represent only themselves or a single street. Ward 4 Rodney Hammond – Incumbent CTV News is awaiting a response. Rachael Mills Why are you running for Essex Ward 4 councillor? For me, the call to do more and be more connected to my community came into focus with the beginning of COVID shutdowns. I planted seeds then that would grow into everything that has followed. I have diverse experience in healthcare, customer service, and connecting people to opportunity through recruitment. Through these experiences and skills, I would bring a grounded, people-first perspective to the decisions that will shape our everyday lives and our shared future. I’ve been building a strong foundation that I’m very proud of, and I’ve had the opportunity and honour of engaging with and supporting many wonderful people, groups, and initiatives since I first started exploring where and how I could contribute. I’ve connected with Harrow more deeply after buying our first home here through volunteering, particularly proud to join the Harrow & Colchester South Chamber of Commerce, supporting local events, engaging with council agendas and meetings, and actively listening to neighbours’ experiences and perspectives along the way. Harrow is a place worth investing in, with so much to offer its residents, businesses, and visitors. Living close to the things I want to support, contribute to, and be part of is one of my favourite parts of calling Harrow home. I’m actively listening and learning more with every opportunity, conversation, and agenda. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it Many of our challenges and opportunities are interconnected, but housing is one concern that touches the whole municipality. We have an important opportunity to guide thoughtful, sustainable growth that honours the character, needs, and resilience of our community, natural environment, and farmland, while serving current and future residents. This means responsible land use planning and collaboration across all levels of government, town departments, and council, backed by data and consultation. I want to plan in a way that welcomes new neighbours in and helps current neighbours stay rooted here in all of life’s stages. In Ward 4, alongside needing diverse and safe housing, flooding and drainage is the doorstep conversation. I will focus on sustainable infrastructure investments and flood mitigation. From individuals to the municipality to upper-level government and our developer partners, through our Asset Management Plan, Strategic Plan, evolving building standards and subsidies, a Flooding Roadmap, and advocacy for upper-level government partnership and funding for both growth areas and established neighbourhoods. I’d also like to see intentional management plans for our natural areas and natural infrastructure, exploring nature-based solutions alongside traditional technical approaches, like the Master Servicing Plan currently underway. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? First, I’m committed to community engagement, feedback, and relationship building. Creating spaces to call in all partners to the table, including perspectives from different age ranges, abilities, interests, groups, businesses, and life experiences. Second, I want to continuously build efficient pathways between residents, town staff, and myself, so I can more quickly help guide and support folks who come to me with questions, concerns, or interest in getting involved in a topic or initiative. Third, I’ll advocate for green space, natural heritage, and farmland not to be framed as competing priorities to growth in our community, but as a foundational part of every decision and plan. I’m looking forward to bringing that resilient planning lens to the work ahead, including the Flooding Roadmap, the Town’s Official Plan, and the Town’s next Strategic Plan. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? Community is built in layers. Some of it happens in chambers around agendas, bylaws, and decisions that shape how we live. Some of it happens outside, in the moments that remind us why any of it matters. That’s the kind of community I want to continue to help build, both at the table and beyond it. I believe we can address equity across the municipality through collaborative, demonstrated action, not just platform statements. I’m a neighbour already actively engaged in the layers of community. As a councillor, I’d be committed to showing up, asking questions, working collaboratively, finding sustainable solutions, and evolving with new information. While I didn’t decide the timeline for this election and didn’t gear up my whole life to be a “politician,” I did decide I could do more for my community and the place where I live, and I have been putting in the work and effort. We chose to buy our first home here in Harrow and I hope Harrow chooses me to show up with our voices and the energy, effort, and care this role needs and deserves. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I promise to show up prepared, ask questions, and ground every vote in evidence and meaningful community input with both a short and long-term lens. Being a good neighbour is what drew me to local politics in the first place, and that commitment won’t change once I’m at the table. Respectful, healthy conversation and debate can turn a concern or idea into a balanced decision resulting in real action and outcomes, and in four years, that’s exactly the kind of councillor I want you to be able to say I was. Deb Peters CTV News is awaiting a response. These responses have been edited grammatically only.
