We have had a couple of submissions for candidate questions so I’m posting the replies so far here. Please send your questions to mhbpna@gmail.com.
Our first questions are: #1. Do you live in Ward 10? If so, for how long have you lived here? and #2. How much experience do you have in city of Kitchener politics, especially at the city council level?
The responses are posted in the order they were received for this set.
Thanks to the candidates who are running and who responded to our questions. It takes a lot of work to put yourself out there to run in an election so kudos to everyone. I hope we can post more questions and answers.
Please note we’ve put on the Blog calendar the date for when the candidates debate will be replayed on Rogers cable.
Daniel Glenn-Graham:
#1. Do you live in Ward 10? If so, for how long have you lived here? I have loved living 16 years in Ward 10 in a historically designated home around Centre in the Square.
#2. How much experience do you have in city of Kitchener politics, especially at the city council level?
I have experience as a delegation to council on a number of occassions, and I have sat on the Growth Management Committee and the Increase Voter Turnout Committee. I have not sat on City Council, but I was on the Exective of Student Council at the University of Toronto and have been Chair of numerous boards.
Terry Marr:
#1. Do you live in Ward 10? If so, for how long have you lived here?
Yes I live in Ward 10 at 34 Simeon Street. I have lived at this address for two years but have lived in another area of the ward (Margaret & Queen) for 6 years when I was growing up. When I was a child I spent many, many fun days at Breithaupt Centre!
#2. How much experience do you have in city of Kitchener politics, especially at the city council level?
I have 24 years of municipal experience as a city employee. I initially began working for the city in a unionized position and was then promoted to management.
During my time at the City of Kitchener I dealt with all levels of staff (including council) and many committees, volunteers, etc.
I feel that my municipal experience allows me to be off and “running” from day one, if elected. I will not need to learn who is who, background on projects, initiatives, etc. I also know how departments (and projects) intertwine.
As management I also had to oversee a budget and go through the budget process each year. One of the things I am most proud of is the fact that a project I was responsible for (conversion of the offset print shop to a digital shop) saved the city $170,000 in the first year and more than $70,000 each subsequent year.
As an employee I felt I was serving the city and helping (in a small way) to make it a “better” place. I would feel the same, if elected as Ward 10 councillor.
I have also worked with the city in a volunteer capacity when I served on two Kitchener neighbourhood associations (Victoria Park and Pinegrove) and as president of the Highland Park Tennis Club.
Denis Pellerin:
#1. Do you live in Ward 10? If so, for how long have you lived here?
Yes I have lived at my current residence, 100 Louisa Street for 24 years.
#2. How much experience do you have in city of Kitchener politics, especially at the city council level?
My background with Municipal programmes dates back to 2002. I have been on various City Advisory Committees and today I sit on the Downtown Advisory Committee and the Safe and Health Advisory Committee. I have worked with youths on various programs, and one named ASAP ( Available Space Arts Project) where I was one of the founders and treasurer. I have had the privilege of serving on the Oktoberfest Advisory Committee and I was also at the forefront of a new initiative named “Paint the Town Wunderbar. I am one of the foundering members of the NMA (Neighbourhood Mobilization Alliance) designed to improve the quality of life in the Mount Hope-Breithaupt Park community and to keep it safe. I continue to participate on this project.
My work history is that of business to business. I was the National Sales Manager for GE Carboloy after which I spent sixteen years with a chocolate firm as their National Sales Manager.
Currently I am in the real estate business associated with Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty.
Gary Ferguson
#1. Do you live in Ward 10? If so, for how long have you lived here?
Yes 30 year resident of Ward 10. I live and operate a business in the ward.
#2. How much experience do you have in city of Kitchener politics, especially at the city council level?
I would draw on my exprience as a former Trustee on the Public School Board for nine years. I have dealt with city hall on numerous planning and housing issues.
