Meet the people running for council in Lakeshore
25 people running for 8 seats
In the Town of Lakeshore, 25 people are running for 8 spots on council: 1 mayor, 1 deputy mayor and 6 councillors, one for each ward.
For the mayoral race, video-journalist Meg Roberts made 'player cards' for each candidate. She captured a photo of each candidate doing something familiar or fun to them, and asked them to answer three questions.
Reporter/editor Jonathan Pinto contacted candidates for the rest of council, asking them to submit a photo and respond to an email questionnaire.
Answers may have been edited for clarity or because they exceeded the character limit given.
Mayor | Deputy Mayor | Ward 1 | Ward 2 | Ward 3 | Ward 4 | Ward 5 | Ward 6
Mayor
The candidate for mayor has been acclaimed.
What is your top priority?
My top priority as Mayor would be to continue with our present infrastructure program and to increase the amount of new construction done especially in the areas of new sewer lines and road paving This would also include bringing in a hotel/motel to our municipality.
Which council decision made last term would you change?
I really can't think of one major decision that council made that I would go back and change.
What is your favourite activity in your municipality?
My favourite activity in Lakeshore is to go to the Atlas Tube Centre where there are so many activities being held for all ages. There is swimming, hockey, basketball, library, pickleball, walking path and a gymnasium to name but a few.
Deputy Mayor
There are 3 people running for deputy mayor.
Age: 46
Occupation: Chief Executive Officer - Community Support Centre of Essex County, Municipal Councillor - Town of Lakeshore
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
Proven track record with a history of sound decision-making. Solid understanding of the needs of residents. I stay informed; I advocate; I lead; I deliver. Skilled at planning, budgets, community consultation and business management.
What is the single biggest issue in your municipality?
Growth: Lakeshore is the fastest growing municipality, with growth comes the need for solid planning & financial responsibility. Planning needs to precede growth, development needs to be planned: community improvement plans, infrastructure, traffic studies, roadways & recreation.
Age: 59
Occupation: Current Deputy Mayor of Lakeshore and Member of Essex County Council / Celebrating 20 years in business as the Owner and Operator of Mr. Biggs Restaurant and Sports Bar in Belle River, ON
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
Invaluable experience is 21 years in municipal politics and serving 2 terms on Essex County Council. Participated on numerous committees and boards allowing me to understand the needs and direction of our community. Proven by the ongoing success and growth of Lakeshore.
What is the single biggest issue in your municipality?
With continuous growth expected in both residential and commercial lands, the Town of Lakeshore has to increase the investment in roads, sewers and essential services in order to maintain/attract growth.
Age: 47
Occupation: Sales Manager
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
As a sales manager for one of the largest pipe companies in the world, I work with major engineers and cities all over Ontario. I see what we're missing in Lakeshore and we're falling behind. We have untapped opportunities and no vision to execute them! It's time for change!
What is the single biggest issue in your municipality?
Business leaders and Lakeshore residents are not happy. Why are businesses taking months to open? Too much red tape! Restricting bylaws! It has to stop. We need more shops and restaurants, especially at our beaches and lakefront. Open Lakeshore for business!
Ward 1
There are 2 people running in Ward 1.
Age: 40
Occupation: Business Owner: Maden Industrial Ltd., Lakeshore Paint and Supply, Fairlane Machine Tools, and Cash Crop Farmer
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
I believe that while owning and managing several businesses for nearly 20 years, I have not only helped to create new jobs in Lakeshore's Ward 1, I have also developed a number of relationships with my customers and fellow ratepayers to get a solid feel as to what is needed.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
I believe that Lakeshore needs more taxpayers not more taxes. We should freeze development fees for new commercial and industrial development and continue to grow Lakeshore's tourism market in Essex County and beyond.
Age: 35
Occupation: Councillor for Ward 1 in the Town of Lakeshore / Lawyer / 'Competition Gardener'
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
Aside from my nearly 4 years of experience as the current Ward 1 Councillor and my work as a former employee and intern with the Town of Lakeshore, I believe my experience as a 'problem-solver' / lawyer makes me well suited to continue serving the residents of Lakeshore.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Lakeshore's biggest issue is funding services aside from raising property taxes. Lakeshore's finances are strong, but the cost to provide services is increasing, as are demands. Lakeshore needs more support from higher levels of government to offset the cost of providing services.
Ward 2
There are 3 people running in Ward 2.
Age: 67
Occupation: Business Development in Marketing and Communications
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
A successful career of over 25 years in various sectors with a proven track record of 11 years in economic development. A clear view of operations in municipal government. A collaborative leadership style. Decisions made with integrity and experience. Change = New Opportunities
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Lakeshore is one of the fastest growing municipalities and faces the challenges that surround ensuring infrastructure investment keeps pace with the Town's development. More development is forecasted. Ensuring levels of service are in sync with growth is a priority.
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
36 years Windsor Essex Catholic School Board Maintenance Dept / 6 years Maidstone Councillor / 11 years Lakeshore Councillor / Former President Belle River Minor Hockey
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Issues that face the residents in Ward 2 are Master Plans and Secondary Plans for Wallace Woods that will include reconstruction of West Puce Rd. For the remaining land in River Ridge that will encompass road patterns in the Emeryville Hamlet along with open meetings.
Age: 40
Occupation: HR Manager at AlphaKOR Group Inc. and Chief Reimaginer at Second Milled Furniture Co.
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
In addition to an 18-year background in HR and business management, I have considerable experience with board governance, and volunteer for numerous causes including animal rights, education, economic development, and arts and heritage preservation in the Town of Lakeshore.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Discussions with ward residents indicate that timely communication concerning implementation of development plans is of significant concern. Easy access to information, by-law enforcement, and timelines for sidewalk and road construction have also been raised as issues.
Ward 3
There are 4 people running in Ward 3.
Age: 50
Occupation: President of an Electrical Controls Company
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
Over 27 years of problem solving manufacturing and corporation's engineering issues has enabled me to understand the value of thoroughly considering all aspects before spending and the discipline to finish what has been started before initiating something new.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
A number of projects that have either not been completed or have not been completed properly.
Age: 59
Occupation: Elementary School Teacher
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
I teach the youth of Lakeshore and as such I interact with both youth and adults on a daily basis. As a councillor I believe this is a phenomenal asset to bring to the table. Further, I am well organized and bring a youthful enthusiasm to all committees with which I am involved.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
After talking with many people in my ward the single biggest issue I am asked about is County Road 22. They want to know why a roundabout is going in at the bridge and why isn't there a light at Rourke Line to help with the flow of traffic.
Age: 25
Occupation: Language Assessor (& Lead Director of The Youth Council Coalition of Canada)
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
Kelsey spent almost 8 years as a Town of Lakeshore Youth Councillor. She owned a successful business at Lakeview Park - West Beach while attending university. Now, she continues to volunteer in the community and advocates for youth democratic participation across Ontario.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Residents are looking for more opportunities to build a better future for Lakeshore as a whole with consultation from residents and businesses. We know that we all want more - more places to shop and play, to build a business and a home - and it starts with more communication.
Age: 44
Occupation: Member of Local 494 Carpenters Union
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
My most relevant experience for this position comes from my family. Being a dad of 8 and husband of 20 yrs has taught me so many valuable lessons that I think will translate into being able to work with all local council members towards common goals to improve our community.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
I think the single biggest issue in Ward 3 is all the vacant land that has sat for years and no new developers or businesses have moved onto. I feel we need to attract new businesses that compliment the growing needs of our community.
Ward 4
There are 6 people running in Ward 4.
Age: (Not answered)
Occupation: Retired - Lakeshore Parks & Recreation management dept/Facility Supervisor
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
Lifetime resident of Ward 4, with 31 yrs of municipal experience and knowledge of Lakeshore. Attended all council meetings since Nov 2017 and budget deliberation meetings to make sure I am well informed.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Develop a community improvement plan for strong economic development, affordable senior housing, small businesses and job creation, resulting in a vibrant and sustainable community that residents are proud to work in, play in and visit.
Age: 52
Occupation: Lawyer (Manager of Bezaire & Associates)
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
I have degrees in English (BA); Law (LLB), and I just finished my Masters in Business Administration (MBA); I was Ward 4 Councillor for Lakeshore from 2010-14; I have practiced law for 25 years; I am a skilled negotiator and understand contract and statutory language.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Responsible tax rate management; improvement of services (park and trail improvements); roads and sewers; development of the pier and marina.
Age: 65
Occupation: Canadian Certified Addictions Councillor
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
As a former councillor and Catholic school board trustee, I have the experience to help people maneuver through the bureaucracy of town hall. I know the issues to move Lakeshore forward into the future. I'm very community minded.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
The issues I'm hearing from residents is more business enterprises in the town of Belle River, speeding along Notre Dame Street, flooding and fix the roads.
Age: 57
Occupation: Certified Financial Planner
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
Fiscally responsible with over 30 years in banking. Community oriented with board of directors Community Centre, Food Pantry Chair. I am inspired, committed, experienced and I listen.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Business development is key to keeping our residents anchored to the community. I'm committed to working collectively for the betterment of individuals, our community and Lakeshore.
Age: 56
Occupation: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Canada (FCA)
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
My experience is 25+ yrs representing & advising Local 444 members on various matters relevant to them & their workplace. 30+ yrs volunteer activism throughout Essex County. My life's passion has been advocating for people.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Voters in Ward 4 are telling me that fixing the roads is our number one issue: the collapsing of East Ruscom River Rd, ensuring Surf Club Drive is safe for school bus use, fix County Road 31 and add a walking path.
Age: 49
Occupation: Teacher/Business Owner
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
4th-generation business owner in the town of Belle River, I know how important it is for businesses to thrive in our community, for our resident's needs to be met. I bring a strong business acumen and tireless work ethic. I am the person you call when you want a job done well.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Although I appreciate the hard work and dedication of our Committee of Adjustments, I feel that too many decisions are being made without Council's input. I would encourage small businesses to provide much need amenities and work on providing affordable housing.
Ward 5
There are 5 people running in Ward 5.
Dan Diemer
Candidate did not reply to CBC questionnaire
Age: 54
Occupation: Retired
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
Rolf Keller has a BA degree in Economics & a BComm degree in Business Administration, both from the University of Windsor. He volunteers on Lakeshore's Community Services Advisory Committee, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Heritage Committee & the Canada Day Committee.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
The Town of Lakeshore perpetually has the lowest municipal tax rate in Essex County. Residents appreciate that fact and it increases residential & business growth. I would like to keep that trend going, ensuring that taxpayers' money is spent wisely & that it represents everyone.
Age: 49
Occupation: CNC Machinist
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
On various boards within the community, whether Libro - Owner Rep Board, Woodslee Community Centre or Cemetery Manager at St. John's. Addressing all concerns within the community. With my passion for serving people and fresh perspective would be an asset for Lakeshore council.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
A major challenge facing Ward 5 is having the views of citizens properly addressed, whether it's roads, culverts, new development or recreational areas. With the continuous growth of our community it is important to examine all concerns with passion and the importance they deserve.
Wayne Rose
Candidate did not reply to CBC questionnaire
Age: 66
Occupation: Lawyer and Chair of the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal and the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board for the Province of Ontario. Both positions are part time.
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
I live and work in Ward 5. I am a 4th generation Town of Lakeshore Ward 5 resident (former Township of Maidstone). I served on the former Township of Maidstone municipal council for 16 years, 9 of those years as Reeve (Mayor).
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
I believe Ward 5 has been neglected for too long. Improved roads are needed throughout the ward. Sidewalks and bike paths are desperately needed in many of our urban areas. Belle River Road is a prime example. We need our fair share of Lakeshore tax dollars.
Ward 6
The candidate for Ward 6 has been acclaimed.
Age: 75
Occupation: Retired Office Administrator/Finance / Councillor Ward 6 Town of Lakeshore (Acclaimed) / Chair – Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
19 Years – Municipal Councillor (Tilbury West Township/Town of Lakeshore). 10 Years – Chair Committee of Adjustments – Town of Lakeshore
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
We need a larger road budget. To save money, we have neglected the importance of good road maintenance throughout this municipality and especially in our smaller communities and rural areas.
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