Wanting to get to know LaSalle’s municipal election candidates better? CTV asked them questions to give you some more insight into their platforms. Mayor Shaun Dass CTV News is awaiting a response. Crystal Meloche - Incumbent Why are you running for Mayor of LaSalle? I’m running for re-election because I love this community, I believe in where we’re going, and I’m not finished with the work we started. I’ve had the privilege of serving LaSalle residents for 16 years, including the last four as mayor. Throughout that time, I’ve watched our town grow and change, and I’ve worked hard to make sure that growth is thoughtful, responsible, and reflects what makes LaSalle such a special place to call home. Over the past four years, we’ve made significant progress. We’ve secured major infrastructure funding, advanced important road and stormwater projects, continued investing in our parks and recreational facilities, and brought our waterfront vision to life through LaSalle Landing. We’ve also worked to protect the services residents value, including our local police and fire services, while navigating increasing costs and the pressures that come with a growing community. But there is still more to do. I want to see our waterfront become a true destination, our neighbourhoods better connected through trails and pathways, our infrastructure strengthened to support future growth, and our community continue to offer the quality of life that brought so many of us here in the first place. Being mayor has never been about a title for me. It’s about showing up, listening, making difficult decisions when necessary and always putting LaSalle first. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish next. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town, and how would you address it? I believe the biggest challenge facing LaSalle is managing growth while keeping our community affordable and protecting the quality-of-life residents expect. LaSalle is growing, and that brings tremendous opportunity, but it also brings pressure on our roads, stormwater systems, public safety services, parks, and municipal finances. At the same time, municipalities are dealing with significant increases in construction costs, inflation, contractual obligations and the cost of delivering everyday services. We cannot ignore those pressures, but we also cannot afford to stop investing in the infrastructure our community needs. I believe we need to be proactive rather than reactive. That means making decisions based on long-term infrastructure needs, ensuring new development contributes its fair share toward growth-related costs, and prioritizing investments before problems become more expensive to address. It also means regularly reviewing how we deliver services, identifying efficiencies and making sure residents are receiving value for their tax dollars. Fiscal responsibility isn’t simply about spending less. It’s about spending wisely, planning ahead and protecting the services and quality of life our residents expect. Growth itself is not the problem. The challenge is making sure our infrastructure, services and financial planning keep pace with it. My commitment is to continue managing that growth responsibly while protecting the character, safety, and quality of life that make LaSalle home. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your next term? My first priority is maintaining fiscal responsibility while protecting the services residents value. I understand the financial pressures families and businesses are facing, and every tax dollar needs to deliver value. But we cannot turn a blind eye to the infrastructure and services our growing community needs. Residents chose LaSalle for a reason, and I want to protect the services that make our Town special. We’ve secured more than $25 million in outside funding this term, helping reduce the burden on local taxpayers. Relationships matter, and I’ve spent four years building them and advocating for LaSalle. I’ll continue pursuing government funding while establishing a formal sponsorship and donation program to attract private contributions toward community projects and amenities. My second priority is unlocking the full potential of our waterfront. LaSalle deserves a waterfront destination just as much as any other community. For years, residents have wanted to see our waterfront developed, and we’ve made significant public investments through LaSalle Landing. Now it’s time to build on that momentum and attract private investment. I want to advance the Front Road Secondary Plan and Environmental Assessment, establish the right zoning and explore a Community Improvement Plan to encourage new restaurants, shops, residential development, and businesses. These investments will attract new residents and visitors while strengthening our local economy. We also have a financially responsible plan for our town-owned lands, including the festival and event lawn, a potential transient marina, additional parking and opportunities for the Benoit House. I’ll continue pursuing grants, partnerships and private investment so these projects don’t fall entirely on taxpayers. My third priority is managing growth while protecting what makes LaSalle special. Growth brings opportunity, but it must be balanced, thoughtfully planned, and supported by the infrastructure our community needs. That means ensuring roads, stormwater systems and municipal services keep pace with development, while respecting the character of our established neighbourhoods. Projects like the 2027 Malden Road reconstruction and Howard-Bouffard stormwater improvements are essential, but so is protecting our natural environment. My vision includes connecting our neighbourhoods through trails and pathways so residents can walk or cycle to schools, parks, work and local businesses. Through my Growing LaSalle: Canopy 2060 initiative, I want to establish a long-term urban forest strategy with measurable canopy targets, stronger tree protection and replacement policies, and expanded community planting initiatives. We can welcome new residents and development while protecting the parks, trails, forests and natural spaces that make LaSalle home. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I believe what sets me apart is the combination of experience, knowledge, relationships and a proven record of getting things done. I’ve had the privilege of serving LaSalle for 16 years, as a Councillor, Deputy Mayor, and now Mayor. But my experience goes well beyond town council. Through my leadership roles with Essex Power, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) and the LaSalle Police Services Board, along with my recent election to the Small Urban Caucus, I’ve gained valuable experience in energy, economic development, tourism, public safety and municipal advocacy. My experience also includes budgets, financial oversight, organizational governance and leadership outside of Town Hall. I understand the importance of managing finances, working with teams, making difficult decisions and being accountable for results. But I also bring something that takes years to develop: An in-depth understanding of LaSalle’s municipal finances, infrastructure, services, planning processes and the history behind the decisions that have shaped our town. I bring both broader leadership experience and firsthand municipal knowledge, and I believe that combination is important when making decisions that will affect our community for generations. These roles have also allowed me to build relationships at the local, regional, and provincial levels. Whether it’s advocating for funding, attracting investment, or advancing infrastructure projects, having those connections and knowing how to work with other levels of government makes a difference. But there’s another part of who I am that I believe is just as important. I’ve always been part of this community, and I’ve always made myself available to the people who call it home. Whether it’s attending local events, volunteering, supporting community organizations, meeting residents for coffee or responding to concerns, being present and accessible isn’t something I started doing because there’s an election. It’s who I’ve always been. I believe leadership means showing up, listening, having difficult conversations and being accountable for the decisions you make. Residents may not always agree with every decision, but they deserve someone who will take the time to explain it and hear their concerns. I respect anyone willing to put their name forward to serve LaSalle. What I bring is both broader leadership experience and firsthand municipal knowledge, established relationships, and a genuine connection to this community that goes far beyond elected office. LaSalle isn’t just the community I represent. It’s my home, and its future matters deeply to me. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is that I will continue to put responsible growth and infrastructure investment at the centre of every major decision we make. Over the next four years, I want residents to see real, measurable progress on the projects that matter to their everyday lives. That includes advancing major stormwater improvements, seeing the reconstruction of Malden Road move forward, continuing to expand and connect our trail network, and building on the investments we’ve already made at LaSalle Landing. I also commit to continuing to pursue funding from other levels of government so that we are not placing the full cost of these investments on local taxpayers. I know that residents are concerned about affordability, and I share those concerns. Every budget involves difficult choices, but I will continue working to balance the services and infrastructure our community needs with the financial realities facing families and businesses. Four years from now, I want residents to look around LaSalle and see the progress for themselves. Better infrastructure, stronger connections between our neighbourhoods, continued development of our waterfront and a community that has grown without losing what makes it special. That is the commitment I’m making, and I welcome being held accountable for it. Michael Macri Why are you running for mayor of LaSalle? LaSalle is our home. My wife and I have lived here for 25 years, raised our family here, and watched our community grow. I am running because I believe LaSalle is at an important point in its history. We are growing rapidly, taxes are increasing, our infrastructure needs attention and too many residents simply don’t feel heard. I have spent 30 years in business working with large budgets, complex organizations and teams around the world. I believe that experience can bring a different perspective to Town Hall. Most importantly, I believe leadership starts with listening, respecting people and being accountable for results. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? Managing growth responsibly. Growth itself isn’t the problem. Poorly planned growth is. And this mismanagement feeds into our Property Tax issues. New development impacts our roads, sewers, infrastructure, policing, traffic, neighbourhoods, and ultimately our property taxes. We need to understand those impacts before decisions are made, not after. As mayor, I would require a Growth Fiscal Impact Assessment for major developments, so council and residents understand the capital costs, ongoing operating costs, developer contributions, government funding, new tax revenue, and the potential impact on existing taxpayers. Growth needs to pay its appropriate share of growth. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? First, stabilize property taxes. I will introduce Zero-Based Budgeting and challenge town spending line by line, beginning with my $2 million reduction to controllable spending without cutting essential services. Second, grow our economy. I will create a dedicated Economic Development Team focused on attracting knowledge-based businesses and advanced light industry that create high-value jobs and strengthen our commercial tax base. Third, manage growth and infrastructure responsibly. We need to prioritize our existing infrastructure needs while ensuring new development considers traffic, public safety, neighbourhood character, infrastructure, and the financial impact on taxpayers. Public safety is job one. Infrastructure isn’t optional. And taxpayers deserve to know what things cost. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? Experience and approach. I have spent 30 years in business managing people, budgets and complex organizations. My career was built around analytics, financial accountability and making decisions based on facts. I am also running a completely independent grassroots campaign. I don’t accept donations from individuals, businesses, developers, unions or special interest groups. And I have tried throughout this campaign to be very specific about what I would actually do as mayor. Words are easy. Plans require work. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? Economic development. LaSalle relies far too heavily on residential taxpayers. We need to broaden our commercial tax base. I am promising to create a dedicated Economic Development Team focused on attracting knowledge-based businesses and advanced light industry to LaSalle, while supporting the businesses already here. This may be the most difficult commitment in my plan. Economic development takes time and there are no guarantees. But difficult isn’t an excuse for not trying. As Yoda said: Do or do not. There is no try. Four years from now, hold me accountable. Did we build the team? Did we attract new businesses and investment? Did we create high-value jobs? Did we begin to reduce our reliance on residential taxpayers? Those are measurable outcomes. Judge me on the results. Deputy Mayor Michael Akpata – Incumbent Why are you running for Deputy Mayor of LaSalle? I’m running for deputy mayor because I want to keep contributing to my municipality. I have served my country in combat as a Canadian soldier; this reinforced my desire to serve my community and to make it better. I believe that this community has given my family and I so much including peace, safety and a place to grow that I’d like to do my best to share this with as many people as possible. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? Sustainability and costs are the most important issue. Simply put, the costs associated with the town are increasing as the external pressure put upon the budget continues. We will have to decide how we can maintain forward momentum with our projects yet ensure that we don’t price our residents out of the community. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? It will ensure that we are on track to provide the services expected and mandated. This will ensure that dollars in are spent in the bast manner to provide the expected services in a cost-effective manner to meet the expectations of the community. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I differ from the other candidates as I have actual municipal experience. This allows me to understand the legislative, budgetary, and municipal process without pause. I have leadership experience. I have had the privilege to lead Canadian soldiers in combat, and console them upon their return home. I understand how to make difficult decisions, work to achieve consensus in uncomfortable situations, and ensure that the best possible decision is made in a time effective manner. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I can promise that I will work to earn their respect, do my best for them every day and leave the town better than I found it. Any other promise I will not make because it can’t be kept. This position eventually will end, and I need to keep my integrity intact. Simon Jacques Why are you running for Deputy Mayor of LaSalle? LaSalle thrives because of high-achieving people. As a trained economist and coming as a portfolio manager, I expect an infrastructure and a business plan that matches this profile. I am running to inject rigorous free-market discipline into town hall, dismantle top-heavy administrative bloat, and ensure public funds are managed with strict mathematical precision. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? The most critical issue is the massive administrative bloat and uncontrolled spending holding our town back. We have too many chiefs sitting on the third floor of the Civic Centre and not enough people operating heavy machinery, digging holes, and doing the real job. Our bureaucracy increased +15 per cent annually while real population growth was a mere +1.48 per cent per year since 2005. Put simply, internal administration grew nearly 60 times faster in total percentage terms than the actual community it was created to serve. I have inherited a bureaucratic empire, the one of Joe Milicia — and I watched him monumentally fail the LaSalle Landings; it was not Crystal, it was Joe. To address this: • Targeted restructuring: The HR and Strategy and Engagement departments are prime low-hanging fruits in our restructuring plan. • Pre-emptive tax cuts: Simply freezing budget spending growth is not enough; we will pre-emptively deliver a $2.5 million tax cut to prevent them from inflating their salaries. • County and police realignment: At the county level, why LaSalle taxpayers send $2.5 million more to Essex County every year than the services they receive per capita (across social services, roads, housing, libraries, and infrastructure/planning). We will demand a deal to offload $2.5 million from our LaSalle Police Service (via dispatch contracts and equivalent service value) back to Essex County — where LaSalle taxpayers currently send $2.5 million more than the services received per capita — or I will maneuver directly with the Ministry to get us out of the Essex County Council. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? 1. Aggressive administrative restructuring: Trimming the bloated third floor, eliminating redundant departments like Strategy and Engagement, and running the town with private-sector efficiency. 2. Sovereign transit & fiscal optimization: Exiting the failing Transit Windsor model to operate our own efficient transit framework and capturing provincial gas taxes directly. 3. Smart revenue and public safety enhancement: Implementing the exclusive LA car sticker to direct $400,000 to the LaSalle Police Service, giving Chief Pearce the buffer to manage policing cost variances at his discretion. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? You should view me as an external Bain & Co. or McKinsey consultant hired to act as your Deputy Mayor. I bring strict economic modeling with a capitalist pro-growth agenda. Furthermore, when it comes to vital funding initiatives like the Vollmer expansion, fundraising requires specialized execution — an art mastered by only two individuals in our community: Anita Spagnuolo (from the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation) and me (at the Windsor Committee CIBC RFTC at the Canadian Cancer Society). What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? Financial innovation will be my signature to this town: I promise that the Vollmer expansion will be doubly successful through self-funding user-pay models, backed by a municipal tax-credit framework that allows us to fundraise a significant portion of our campaign financing with a net-zero impact on our property tax bills. Tory McKay Why are you running for Deputy Mayor of LaSalle? I’m running for Deputy Mayor of LaSalle because I care deeply about our community and believe residents deserve leadership that listens, acts responsibly, and respects every tax dollar. With nearly 20 years of business experience managing budgets and reserve funds, I understand the importance of financial accountability. I want to bring that experience to both LaSalle council and Essex County council, advocating responsible spending, transparency, and fair decisions. My priority is simple. Take care of our needs before our wants, protect taxpayers, and build a stronger LaSalle for families, seniors, and future generations. I’m not running for a title. I’m running to serve my neighbours, earn their trust, and deliver leadership that puts residents first. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? The most important issue facing town is affordability. The rising tax burden on families and seniors. Taxes were the number one concern I heard going door to door, and it’s easy to see why. Costs keep climbing while household budgets don’t. Seniors on fixed incomes tell me they fear being taxed out of homes they’ve lived in for decades. Young families wonder if they can afford to stay. A town that taxes out its own people is heading in the wrong direction. I’d address it three ways. First, real fiscal discipline at the budget table. Take care of needs before wants, eliminate wasteful spending, and scrutinize every line the way I have for 20 years as a business owner and board treasurer. Every dollar is a taxpayer’s dollar, and it should be protected like one. Second, insist on transparent and fair tendering for all town work, so residents know contracts are awarded on merit and value, not connections. Third, grow our tax base the right way. LaSalle is projected to grow by 40 per cent. Strategic development broadens the tax base, which lets us invest more in roads, parks, and infrastructure without overburdening families. Growth done right means lower pressure on taxes and stronger services, not the other way around. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? First, hold the line on taxes through genuine fiscal responsibility. I’d bring a business owner’s eye to every budget. Needs before wants, waste eliminated, transparent and fair tendering on all contracts. Taxpayers deserve a steward who protects every dollar, and that’s exactly what I will do with my business acumen. Second, fix our infrastructure and roads properly, with long term investment instead of short-term patches. Residents named taxes, infrastructure, parks, and road maintenance as their top concerns in the town’s own 2024 survey, and my door knocking confirmed it. We need to prioritize the fundamentals. Safe roads, reliable utilities, and major projects delivered on time and on budget. Let’s get the fundaments right first. Third, manage growth while protecting what makes LaSalle home. With roughly 40 per cent population growth projected, we need strategic development that broadens the tax base and strengths services, while preserving our green spaces and small-town character. Growth should strengthen, not strain, this town. Underpinning all three is how I’d lead. Listening, acting, and reporting back. You’ll always know where I stand, and every decision I make will be measured against one question. Does this serve the taxpayers of LaSalle? How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I differ in background, in focus, and in how I’d lead. My background is 20 years as an owner operator of a highly successful management company. Managing large budgets and reserve funds with precision. I’m the only candidate whose entire campaign is built on taxpayer stewardship, and the only one who can say fiscal discipline isn’t a promise, it’s my record. My opponents bring their own experience. One is the incumbent, the other comes from commodities. But neither is running on the idea that council’s first job is protecting your wallet. My focus is different too. I’ve put a detailed platform in front of voters. Hold the line on taxes, fix infrastructure with long-term investment instead of short-term patches, and manage growth so it strengthens services without losing our small-town character. I’ve spelled out where I stand in plain language, on my website and in regular videos from our parks and trails, because you deserve to know exactly what you’re voting for. And I’d lead differently. I’m not a career politician. I’m your neighbour, a mother, grandmother, Rotary member, and long-time volunteer. My style is leadership that listens, acts, and reports back. I’ve spent this campaign knocking on doors and hearing residents directly, and that’s how I’d govern. Accessible, transparent, and accountable to taxpayers first. Councillor Jason Belanger Why are you running for councillor in LaSalle? I’ve lived in LaSalle for over 30 years, and I want to help keep it the warm and charming bedroom community we’ve all come to love. Last year, I sent council a costed budget proposal. I’d like to help make those decisions, not just comment on them. At the door, I hear a lot of different views, but most people want the same things: A well-run town, taxes they can afford, and a council that listens. Many tell me they don’t feel heard, and they’re tired of being told we don’t understand. We do understand. Our priorities are different, that’s all. Every resident deserves to be heard, whether they agree with council or not. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? Affordability. The town’s portion of our property taxes has gone up about 21 per cent over the last four budgets. Growth has also slowed. Building permits are down by about a third since 2021, and the town’s own mid-year report says tax revenue will fall short this year “due to lower than forecasted growth.” When growth doesn’t happen as projected, existing ratepayers end up paying for what was planned around it. That’s why large discretionary projects can’t be built on forecasts. We have to slow down and take care of what we already own and hold off on new projects until we know what they’ll cost to build and to run, and the growth to pay for them has actually arrived. We also have to lower our debt. LaSalle has the highest tax-supported debt per resident in Essex County, and over the past 10 years, six to seven cents of every tax dollar in most years has gone to debt payments. When the Vollmer debt is paid off in 2028, about $840,000 a year frees up. I would support putting that toward fixing what we already own, not toward new debt. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? In the town’s own resident survey, lower taxes were the top priority residents named. At the door, many also tell me they don’t feel heard. My three priorities: 1. Keeping taxes in check by matching our spending to the growth we actually get. 2. Ensuring the 2019 Vollmer Master Plan is revived, so the fields and parking we already have come first. 3. A council that listens, with better communication and transparency, including a budget residents can understand line by line. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I’ll leave it to voters to compare. I spent 30 years as a police officer, and for the last 10 of them I worked full-time on projects. I retired five years ago, and I still do that work on contract. I’m a pragmatic, data-driven decision maker, and to me, data includes what residents tell me. I’ve shared some of my work with the public, so people can see how I reach my positions and check the numbers for themselves. I’ve also made a firm commitment: I won’t support a single dollar for a major discretionary capital project, not even for design, without a full, detailed business case first. That’s the approach I’d bring to council. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? If elected, I won’t vote in favour of a major discretionary capital project unless its business case meets the standards residents have given me. It must show the need, the alternatives, what it will cost to build and to run, what revenue it will bring in, how it will be paid for if grants or growth don’t come through, and what it means for your tax bill. Those standards are theirs, and a councillor’s job is to represent them. If a business case doesn’t meet them, I’ll vote no and say why. Terry Burns - Incumbent CTV News is awaiting a response. Mark Carrick - Incumbent Why are you running for councillor in LaSalle? I’m running for re-election in the Town of LaSalle. Bringing two decades of accumulated experience to municipal leadership is a powerful asset. In local government, institutional memory, deep familiarity with community stakeholders, and a proven track record of navigating complex policy and infrastructure challenges are invaluable for keeping LaSalle moving forward on a steady course. To ensure LaSalle remains one of the safest and best places to live in the country. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? Balancing the budget around needs versus wants is one the most critical responsibilities of council. To ensure tax dollars are spent evenly and effectively. Municipal government certainly has the most immediate, tangible impact on our day-to-day lives. When you turn on the tap, drive to work, or rely on emergency services, you are experiencing the direct results of local municipal planning and fiscal choices. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? Balancing Taxes, managing the towns growth and infrastructure needs. We need to stay on track and be mindful of the ever-increasing demands on our residents. We have to keep in mind our residents’ ability to pay by managing our resources responsibly. This is done through the town budget process each fiscal year. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? See question one’s answer. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise to you for the next four years remains the same as always. Standing up for local control: I am committed to preserving our independent LaSalle Police Service, and keeping dedicated, community-focused policing in LaSalle. I remain dedicated to improving LaSalle’s infrastructure-upgrading sidewalks, streetlights, trails, and urban tree canopy, while maintaining our high standard of municipal services and maintaining fiscal responsibility. Brad Krewench CTV News is awaiting a response. David Lucier Why are you running for councillor in LaSalle? I am running for Lasalle Town Council, because every resident deserves a voice, regardless of their financial circumstances or background. I want to advocate for affordability, socio-economic diversity and inclusion, while ensuring tax dollars are spent responsibly. My goal is to help build a transparent, accessible and welcoming community where everyone belongs. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? I believe affordability is one of the most important issues facing LaSalle. As our community grows, we must ensure that rising property taxes and the cost of living do not place an unreasonable burden on residents. I would advocate for transparent budgeting, responsible spending, exploring efficiencies, and prioritizing essential services. While ensuring LaSalle remains accessible and affordable for everyone. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My top three priorities would be affordability and responsible financial management. Strong infrastructure and essential services. Responsible growth and community development. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? My socio-economic diversity gives me a distinct perspective on affordability and inclusion in LaSalle. I understand that residents experience rising property taxes and the cost of living differently and I would work to ensure that no one is left behind. As our community grows, I would advocate for transparent budgeting, responsible spending, practical efficiencies, and prioritizing essential services. While ensuring LaSalle remains accessible, inclusive and affordable for everyone. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I promise to listen to residents, ask tough questions, and ensure every tax dollar is spent responsibly for the next four years. I will put the interests of LaSalle residents first, remain accessible to the community, and make decisions based on what is best for our residents, not whether it is easiest. Collin Mason Why are you running for councillor in LaSalle? I’m running because LaSalle is my home, and I care about the decisions that affect our everyday lives here. I’m a resident, a taxpayer, a husband, and a parent. Like my neighbours, I balance household expenses, I think about my family’s future and want the confidence that the money we contribute is being used responsibly. The cost of living is obviously personal because wanting to provide for your family and enjoy your community and plan ahead is important and essential. Conversations I’ve had during this campaign with neighbours, and the community have reinforced the concerns we all share and it shows how those pressures can affect each household, including my own. That is part of what motivated me to look more closely at town budgets, council reports, and proposed projects. I wanted to understand the choices that were being made, what they would cost over time and where practical ideas were being contributed. I believe residents deserve clear answers to those same questions with transparency. My experience as a nurse has taught me to listen carefully, respect different circumstances, and follow through when someone needs help. My management background has taught me to work within available resources, solve problems and take responsibility for decisions. Almost two decades with the OPP Auxiliary strengthened my commitment to community service and working alongside others. I value our neighbourhoods, parks, recreation opportunities, and the services that help make LaSalle a place people choose to live. I want us to look after what we have and make thoughtful decisions about what comes next, with a clear understanding of the costs and benefits. I’m also running because residents should feel comfortable speaking to the people who represent them. Whether someone has a concern about their street, a question about spending, or an idea for our community, they deserve to be heard and taken seriously. I know council decisions require working with others. I would bring preparation, questions, and a willingness to listen, while staying honest about what one councillor can accomplish. My family and I share in LaSalle’s future. I want to help protect what makes life here worthwhile and ensure residents have a voice in the decisions that shape it. That means being available, explaining my decisions, and remembering who I really represent throughout the term, our community. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? For me, the biggest issue is keeping property taxes affordable. My family pays those bills too, and I know an increase means having less available for other household needs. If elected, I will make responsible spending a priority in every budget discussion. I will examine spending proposals, ask where savings are possible, and push for a thorough review of existing costs. I will look at purchasing, consulting expenses, and the timing of projects, with the goal of reducing pressure on taxpayers while protecting the services we depend on. Before supporting a major project, I will ask for its full cost, including borrowing, staffing, and maintenance. I will compare alternatives and consider whether improving what we already have could meet the need more affordably. I will also push to get better use and value from facilities residents have already paid for. I will work with staff and fellow elected members to put those ideas into practice. I will explain my budget decisions and the effect they could have on residents’ bills. My goal is to keep municipal tax increases as low as responsibly possible. I will not support savings that simply leave us with bigger repair bills later. I will approach these decisions remembering that every dollar comes from someone’s household. Before asking residents for more, I will expect us to demonstrate that we are using their money responsibly. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My first priority is responsible spending. I will examine budgets and major proposals carefully, ask for alternatives and support a review of existing spending and services. I want residents to understand what their money provides and why additional spending is necessary. I will also look for ways to get more value from the facilities and resources we already have. My second priority is looking after our infrastructure and making thoughtful decisions about growth. I will give attention to roads, drainage, and safe walking connections because they affect daily life. When considering new development, I will ask whether services can support it, what costs come with it and how neighbouring properties will be affected. I will support opportunities for housing and local businesses that are properly planned, with residents heard before decisions are made. My third priority is open communication and resident advocacy. I will make time for people, bring their concerns forward and follow up. I will explain significant decisions in plain language, including the costs, alternatives, and reasons for my vote. These priorities reflect what I want for my own family. We want our neighbourhood looked after, our money respected and an opportunity to speak about decisions that affect us. I will work with others to make progress on these priorities and be honest with residents about what is moving forward and what still needs work. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? What I bring is experience caring for people, I actually and authentically care, and serving the community. Nursing, entrepreneurship, management, and almost two decades as an Auxiliary Constable, have shaped how I approach responsibility and community connections. I am also a resident, taxpayer, and parent who lives with the decisions made here in Lasalle. As a nurse, I have learned to listen before assuming I understand someone’s situation. A concern that seems straightforward may involve circumstances that are not immediately obvious, and I will bring that patience to residents who approach me and I will take the time to understand what they need. My management and entrepreneurial experience have taught me to ask practical questions about costs, staffing, priorities, and results. A worthwhile idea still needs a realistic plan. I will look at how proposals would work, what they would require over time and whether there are better ways to meet the need. I respect that other candidates bring their own strengths. What people can expect from me is preparation, honest answers, and a willingness to work with others. I will ask difficult questions respectfully and remain open to information that changes my understanding. I want people to feel comfortable talking to me, including when we disagree. They should know where I stand and why. My responsibility will be to consider the facts, listen to the people affected and make decisions I can explain openly to the community I represent. And I am not afraid to say no. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is to stay accessible and follow through when residents bring me a concern. I want people to feel just as comfortable contacting me after the election as they do during the campaign. If you take the time to explain a problem, I will take the time to understand it, seek answers and get back to you. Where action is needed, I will bring the issue forward through the appropriate process and keep you informed about what happens next. I will also be honest when I cannot support a request or when a decision does not go the way someone hoped. I will explain my position and explore whether there are other options. People deserve an answer they can understand, even when it is disappointing. For me, listening includes being willing to reconsider something when a resident raises information or a perspective I had not considered. Those conversations should help shape my work. In four years, I want residents to judge me on their experience. Was I available? Did I respond? Did I bring their concerns forward and explain what happened? I cannot guarantee every outcome, but I can take responsibility for my effort, my decisions and my follow through. I am asking for people’s trust, and I will work to earn it throughout the term. Chris Matis CTV News is awaiting a response. Robert Moore CTV News is awaiting a response. Kate Paddon Why are you running for LaSalle council? LaSalle has been my home for nearly 20 years, and I want to have a meaningful role in shaping what comes next. We’re growing and the decisions council makes over the next four years will have a lasting impact on our taxes, infrastructure, neighbourhoods, and quality of life. I think this is an important time to have people at the table who are willing to ask questions, look at the bigger picture, and think beyond the next budget cycle. I bring more than 25 years of experience in the creative industry, where a big part of my job is taking an idea or a challenge and figuring out how to make it work. That requires creative thinking, collaboration and balancing the vision with real-world considerations like budgets, timelines and resources. I also believe residents should understand not just what council decides, but why. I’m running to bring that combination of creative thinking, practical problem-solving, and open communication to the council table. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? I think our biggest challenge is managing growth while keeping LaSalle affordable and maintaining the quality-of-life people value. Growth touches almost everything: Roads, traffic, water and sewer infrastructure, parks, emergency services, our natural environment, and ultimately the municipal budget. We need to make sure the infrastructure and services are there to support new development without losing sight of established neighbourhoods or the natural spaces that make LaSalle special. For me, that means looking at both the immediate need and the long-term impact of our decisions. Are we maintaining what we already have? Can our infrastructure support the growth we’re planning? What will a project cost to operate 10 years from now? Are we taking advantage of provincial and federal funding opportunities? That last point also means having projects properly planned and ready to go. When funding becomes available, municipalities with shovel-ready projects are in a much better position to take advantage of it. Growth is coming. Our job is to make sure we manage it well rather than simply react to it. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? First is responsible growth and infrastructure. As LaSalle grows, our roads, water and sewer systems, traffic management, and other services need to keep pace. Responsible growth also means protecting important natural spaces, considering environmental impacts and making sure our community becomes more accessible and inclusive as it grows. Established neighbourhoods shouldn’t be overlooked while we build new ones. Second is communication and engagement. LaSalle already does a good job of publishing council agendas and supporting information well in advance. I want to build on that by making complex issues easier to understand and creating more opportunities for two-way conversation. We also need to make sure engagement is accessible to people who may not attend council meetings or participate through traditional channels. Third is fiscal responsibility and affordability. That doesn’t simply mean cutting spending. It means maintaining what we already own, understanding the long-term costs of new projects, and making thoughtful choices about where taxpayers’ money goes. My basic test is pretty simple: Do we need it? Do we need it now? And are we getting the best value? How do you differ from your fellow candidates? There are a lot of people running who want good things for LaSalle, and I don’t think I need to criticize another candidate to explain what I would bring to council. I’m naturally curious. I ask a lot of questions, I like to understand how things work, and I’m not afraid to say, “I need more information before I can answer that.” I’m also willing to change my mind when the facts give me a good reason to. My creative background influences how I approach problems too. I’m used to looking at a challenge from different angles and finding a way to move an idea from “wouldn’t it be great if...” to something that can actually be accomplished within a budget, timeline, and set of constraints. I also enjoy working with people who don’t necessarily think the same way I do. Council is seven voices around one table, and we’re not always going to agree. I think being able to disagree respectfully, listen and still find a way forward is incredibly important. I’d bring an independent voice, curiosity, creativity, and a very practical streak to that table. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I promise I’ll do my homework. It’s not the flashiest campaign promise, but I think it’s one of the most important commitments a councillor can make. Before I vote, I’ll read the information, ask questions, listen to residents and consider both the immediate and long-term consequences of the decision. And once I’ve made that decision, I’ll be prepared to explain why. I’m not going to promise that everyone will agree with every vote I make. They won’t. And I don’t want to promise an outcome that depends on six other members of council voting the same way I do. What I can control is how seriously I take the responsibility residents have given me. So, four years from now, hold me accountable for showing up prepared, asking the questions that need to be asked, listening even when we disagree, and making decisions based on the best information available. That’s a promise I know I can keep. Jeff Renaud - Incumbent CTV News is awaiting a response. Anita Riccio-Spagnuolo - Incumbent Why are you running for councillor in LaSalle? I am seeking re-election because I love the Town of LaSalle, I believe we have more work to do and would love to see items come to fruition. I believe in bringing a positive insight in my role for the betterment of our town. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? I believe the most important issue is our taxes. I have spoken to an abundance of residents and that is the main concern I hear. I understand the frustration of rising taxes, but I also have conversations with residents who don’t want to cut services to sustain lower taxes either. The way the economy is with higher grocery costs, gas prices, bills and inflation, I understand why residents want some relief from their municipality. How I would address it is to see where some cuts can be made, if any, if we could focus on generating revenue for the town when it comes to sponsorships, etc. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My priorities would be to focus on the following: - Sponsorship programs within the town - Continue with safety and traffic features throughout the town - Continue to keep LaSalle as one of the safest communities - Advance development on Front Road How do you differ from your fellow candidates? Not sure how I differ from other candidates, but one thing I can say is that I wholeheartedly am there for the right reasons for the residents, to advance our town, and to remain positive, forward thinking, respectful, and responsible. I am there to make positive decisions for the betterment of 37,000 residents. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? One promise I can make is to be accountable, accessible, responsive, listen, honest, and bring forward any concerns residents may have. I will continue to lead with integrity and an open heart. Mike Seguin - Incumbent CTV News is awaiting a response. Ivana White Why are you running for councillor in LaSalle? I’m running for LaSalle Town Council because I care deeply about our community and its future. After 30 years of running my own business, International Art Designs, in LaSalle, I know the importance of hard work, listening to people, making responsible financial decisions, and making every dollar count. I want to bring fresh eyes, a business perspective, and common sense to council. I believe residents deserve to be heard, their hard-earned tax dollars respected, and their concerns taken seriously. LaSalle is our home, and I want to help keep it a community we can all be proud of, today and for generations to come. I’m not running to be a politician. I’m running to be a voice for the people of LaSalle. What do you believe is the most important issue facing your ward and how would you address it? I believe one of the biggest issues facing LaSalle is rising property taxes and the feeling among residents that their voices are not being heard. After years of running my own business in LaSalle, I understand how hard people work for their money. Every dollar matters, especially for families and seniors trying to keep up with the rising cost of living. I believe we need to take a closer look at where our tax dollars are going, find savings wherever possible without compromising essential services, and make decisions based on need, value, and affordability. But just as importantly, I believe residents deserve a voice in how their money is spent. Before making major spending decisions, we need to listen to the people who will be paying for them. I want to bring fresh eyes, common sense, and financial accountability to council. LaSalle belongs to its residents, and I believe council should never forget who they work for. Your concerns matter. Your voice matters. And your hard-earned money matters. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? If elected, my top three priorities will be focused on what matters most to the people of LaSalle. Running my own business, I know the value of a dollar. Families and seniors are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and I believe every tax dollar should be spent wisely. I will take a close look at spending, question unnecessary expenses, and work toward keeping taxes as affordable as possible without sacrificing essential services. One concern I hear repeatedly is that residents feel their voices aren’t being heard. I want to change that. I believe council should listen before making major decisions, especially when spending residents’ hard-earned money. You may not always get the answer you hope for, but you deserve to be listened to, respected, and given an honest explanation. I would also like to use social media to keep residents informed, encourage open communication, and give people more opportunities to share their concerns and ideas. I believe we need to take care of what we already have before committing to expensive new projects. Roads, drainage, infrastructure, public safety, and supporting our local businesses should remain priorities. Growth is important, but it must be responsible, affordable, and benefit the people who call LaSalle home. My promise is simple: I will bring fresh new ideas, 30 years of business experience, and common sense to the council table. I’m not running to make promises I can’t keep. I’m running to work hard, ask the tough questions, and be a voice for you. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? What sets me apart is the 30 years of real-life business experience I bring to the table. Running a retail business is not easy. I’ve faced the challenges of 9/11, the 2008 recession, COVID, and the growing competition from online retailers like Amazon. Through it all, I learned to adapt, make tough financial decisions, watch every dollar, and work hard to earn my customers’ trust. But the most important lesson I’ve learned is that people want to be heard. My business was built on customer service, listening to people’s needs, respecting their budgets, and finding solutions that worked for them. I believe those same values belong at the council table. I’m not saying I have all the answers, but I’m not afraid to ask questions, look closely at the numbers, or speak up when something doesn’t make sense. LaSalle has supported me and my business, now it’s my turn to give back to the community that has given me so much. I want to bring new ideas, practical experience, a caring heart, and good old-fashioned common sense to council. I’m not running for a title. I’m running to make a difference. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My one promise is that I will never forget who I work for — the residents of LaSalle. I promise to listen to your concerns, ask the tough questions, and make decisions based on what is best for our community, not what is easiest or most popular. I may not always be able to give everyone the answer they want, but I promise to be honest, approachable, and accountable. I will treat your hard-earned tax dollars with the same care and respect I would my own. In business, I’ve learned that trust isn’t something you ask for — it’s something you earn through your actions. Four years from now, I want residents to be able to say, “Ivana listened, she spoke up, and she never forgot who she was there to represent.” These responses have been edited grammatically only.
