Meet the people running for council in Tecumseh
12 people running for 7 seats
In the Town of Tecumseh, 12 people are running for 7 spots on council: 1 mayor, 1 deputy mayor and 5 councillors, one per 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
Mayor
The candidate for mayor has been acclaimed.
What is your top priority?
The number one priority for the next term is the Multi-Use Sportsplex expansion.
Which council decision made last term would you change?
Nothing.
What is your favourite activity in your municipality?
Teaching local government to the youth - grades 5 and 10 as well as serving the residents of Tecumseh.
Deputy Mayor
There are 3 people running for deputy mayor.
Age: 52
Occupation: Elementary School Principal
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
Elected in 1994. 20 years as a municipal councillor and most recent 4 years Deputy Mayor for Town of Tecumseh. Board Member Police Service Board, Health Unit. County of Essex Councillor 4 years. Past Chair ERCA.
What is the single biggest issue in your municipality?
Basement flooding and mitigating infrastructure strategies. Received $3 million in grant funding for storm drainage master plan. Need to lobby the province to make insurance companies accountable and protect our homes.
Age: 53
Occupation: Business Owner, Consultant and Entrepreneur
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
I grew up in Tecumseh and I love my town. I've been in a family business since the 70's at Blackie's Corner; I'm a business consultant; and I understand the needs of Tecumseh. I'm a natural leader using common sense and accountability and will listen to the people of Tecumseh.
What is the single biggest issue in your municipality?
A municipality's first priority is always infrastructure. For Tecumseh, we need to continue to update aging sewers and roads. The downtown core is the heart of Tecumseh and hasn't been updated in almost 40 years and sewer upgrades need to be addressed to prevent flooding.
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
Rita has 15 years on Council elected to Ward 1; a lifetime resident of Tecumseh; 40 years in business; represented both Tecumseh and the Region on several committees and boards. She is leading with experience, committed to community.
What is the single biggest issue in your municipality?
Flooding (climate change) is top of mind in Tecumseh. What are the infrastructure changes needed to accommodate new development and still prevent flooding in the urban area, while supporting drainage in our rural area? Mitigation now and for future growth.
Ward 1
The candidate in ward 1 has been acclaimed.
Age: 37
Occupation: Civil Engineer
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
I have firsthand working experience in the services that the Town delivers including roads, sewers and traffic and winter control. I can apply those skills and that knowledge to benefit my constituents though customer service and effective oversight.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Basement flooding mitigation remains the top priority for Ward 1 residents. I look forward to supporting continued infrastructure investments that will optimize our sewer network and reduce the risk of flooding as much as possible.
Ward 2
The candidate in ward 2 has been acclaimed.
Candidate submitted profile after original publication date
Email | Website
Age: (not answered)
Occupation: Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Windsor in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering, also the Editor for the International Journal of Crashworthiness
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
I represented Ward 2 as Councillor for the past term. Sitting on various university level, provincial, and federal committees have also provided experiences to assist in the role of councillor.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
It is critical to serve our residents with prompt responses to their concerns/suggestions. Enhancing infrastructure to mitigate home flooding, and traffic safety remain high priorities. I am focused on the governing of our Town to benefit our future and respect our history.
Ward 3
There are 2 people running in ward 3.
Age: 45
Occupation: I currently work at Magna-Integram Windsor Seating.
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
I currently serve on two advisory committees which allow me to contribute a "resident" perspective. As an avid follower of politics at all levels, I also have experience in campaigns at the federal level. I care deeply about helping people and being of service to my community.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
The biggest issue facing my ward, and municipality, is the correlation between taxation, maintaining quality services and responsible growth/development for our town. The effects of this interrelationship of issues is both, immediate and lasting. The importance is paramount.
Age: 54
Occupation: Retired police sergeant. 30 years: 12 years as St. Clair Beach police and 18 years as OPP - Tecumseh detachment
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
Policed citizens of Tecumseh for 30 yrs, past 12 yrs was the detachment manager for the OPP, job included liaison with town council. Attended council meeting monthly. Well versed in conflict resolution. Worked directly with town administration, council and citizens.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
As a police sergeant I have proven skills in problem solving and finding efficiencies. As a ward 3 councillor I will use my extensive knowledge of the area and the citizens to ensure costs remain low and efficient services for the community.
Ward 4
There are 3 people running in ward 4.
Age: 39
Occupation: Sales Professional
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
I'm currently elected and I have represented the residents of Tecumseh for the past 4 years. I have a University of Windsor Business Administration Degree and 16 years of Sales and Negotiation experience, which best qualify me to serve the residents of Ward 4.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Flooding and drainage are the main concern I'm hearing at the door. I fully support our continued investment in our storm and sanitary systems to ensure the town does everything it can to reduce the risk of flooding and keep your basement dry.
Age: 32
Occupation: Director of sales and marketing
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
I work in a local family owned and operated business, understand the needs of our neighbourhood as I have been a lifelong resident of Tecumseh, worked at Queen's Park as Senior Advisor to Official Opposition advocating for our region.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Investing in flood protection and infrastructure to support our growing population, building on our parks to benefit our residents and their families.
Age: 32
Occupation: Registered Cardiovascular Technologist with Windsor Regional Hospital
What is your most relevant experience for this position?
With a career working in business management and health care, I have learned how imperative it is to listen to the concerns of the people and act swiftly and diligently. I will always put the residents of Ward 4 first, and I will always represent them with respect and honour.
What is the single biggest issue in your ward/municipality?
Ward 4 has been neglected for far too long. Our roads have been crumbling for quite some time, and residents still feel not enough has been done to fix the flooding issues that devastated so many homes. We need a leader who will listen to residents and stop the lavish spending.
Ward 5
The candidate in ward 5 has been acclaimed.
Tania Jobin
Candidate did not reply to CBC questionnaire
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