The Journal has invited the 40 men and women running for Sarnia council to say a few words about themselves. Eight are to be elected: four in the city only, and four to also serve on Lambton County council. This week we present, in alphabetical order, the first eight city-only candidates. Peter Athanasopoulos did not participate.
Steve Blair
I was born and raised in Sarnia. I am married to my wife Laurie and have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.
I worked with my mother and father running a sports store for 25 years, before moving on to run one myself for another 10. I currently work in the oil and gas sector managing unionized employees.
As for community involvement, I spent a couple of decades coaching minor and high school hockey. There is no greater feeling than to meet one of your former players and seeing them succeed in life.
That being said I have a strong bond to the downtown core. I even served on the downtown BIA until dismantled. I firmly believe a strong downtown makes for a stronger city.
I am a fiscal conservative, and with no disrespect to current or former councils I feel we can do better. I believe my business background will be able to bring a fresh set of eyes to the issues our city is facing.
Also, having spent so many years in retail, having interacted with thousands of people of different stripes, I feel I can help council become more cohesive and effective and interact with the community positively.
Terry Burrell
I've served on Council 20 years
And I've had lots of fun
Helping folks as best I can
20 years of distance run
Serving the people of Sarnia
Has been a privilege you see
And now I'd like to tell you
Why you should vote for me
I've been Chair of the Area Water Plant
To help to keep you clean
Shower alone, or with a friend
We won't say what we have seen
I'm Vice Chair of BPAC
We join with the USA
We are improving the St Clair River
Day by day by day
With the Friends of the St Clair River
A local NGO
We start a pond or fix a marsh
And help the fishies grow.
Fifteen years on the Board of Conservation
The droughts, the floods, the streams
We plant the trees and guard the freeze
And implement the dreams
I'm an Accountant that's saved Sarnia millions
But that's just part of my day
If you want to know more about me
Please visit Terry Burrell dot CA (terryburrell.ca)
Janet Chynces
My name is Janet Chynces, a Sarnia native, who has spent her entire life in this great city.
I am an entrepreneur, creating one of Sarnia's first Internet service providers and IT consultancies back in the early ‘90s, servicing clients such as the City of Sarnia, Sarnia Police, and the LKDSB.
I have over 20 years of management experience in industries such as Information Technology (IT) and large non-profits. Part of the accommodation review committee for the St. Christopher/St. Patrick High School and for the south end elementary schools, as well as numerous other positions.
I teach First Aid/CPR offering Red Cross training to businesses and individuals across southwestern Ontario.
With industry partners expanding, we need to have the infrastructure to support them and the people they bring to our great city.
Let’s clean up the streets and enable community partners to combat youth homelessness and illicit drug use. Clean up all the needles in parks and sidewalks.
Let’s advance the city through technology and make Sarnia a connected/smart city that fosters technology and innovation.
Let’s put Sarnia on the map for all the right reasons. For more information, please visit: www.janetchynces.ca or Facebook and Twitter: @JanetForSarnia
Nathan Colquhoun
My education in social services, accomplishments in business, handling multi-million dollar budgets, and experiences as a multi-charity director have given me significant insight into organizational leadership and strategic planning.
I am a strong supporter of unions and workers’ rights, public services to boost the quality of life for everyone, and scientific research to implement policy.
I lean towards people before profits, listening before speaking, unions before corporations, quality before quantity, honesty before inflated promises, respect before power, and local interests before global aims.
I welcome criticism, speak frankly, and enjoy the process of debate.
I am a founder of theStory, Storyboard Solutions, Refined Fool Brewing Company, Burger Rebellion, Mexico, Festival of Good Things and Run of Exploding Colour. I have been deeply involved with Artwalk, Habitat for Humanity and Lambton Circles.
My platforms are centered around being entrepreneur friendly, election reform (redistributing the roles of the mayor to the rest of the council, and the mayor being determined by councillor with most votes), ongoing waterfront development, contractor responsibility and accountability, new and innovative organizational directives, developing brownfield sites and developing sporting amenities and local events.
More can be read about my platform on my website www.nathancolquhoun.com
Eric Dalziel
EXPERIENCE
Schooling – Lambton College, Canadian Institute of Management (CIM)
BA Human Resource Management
Maintenance Superintendent NOVA Chemicals 20 years
Shutdown Turnaround Manager- $27.5M
Major Maintenance Operations and Expense Projects - averaging $10M/yr. 15 yrs.
Service and Labour contracting experience through NOVA Purchase Department
Lambton Seniors – Home Handyman, Caregiver Relief for Dementia client
Canadian Blood Services
SMAA Hockey Coach
PLATFORM (not in priority order)
City budget 2019 due Nov .2018, Zero Debt Plan, less than inflation budget increase
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Planning, early review of “Parks Recreation and Cultural Master Plan” is due Q1 2019
Jackson Pool ready for service spring 2019, repair plans phased in
Infrastructure priorities: understand scope and costs
Underground sewer pipe –
Plan to replace lead leaching pipes
Road repair, bridges and culverts
Shoreline and waterway projects
Repair/mend relationships at City Hall: 1. Mayor – City Management/Staff - City Council and 2. City Management/Staff to citizens of Sarnia, significantly improve in citizen communications
SCITS future and development, Heritage Assessment leading to assist Mitton Village growth
Detox Centre - safe secure facility, needle control centre and addictions and mental health
Garbage - rubbish and recycle plan 4 years out
Critique Centennial Park Project
Bill Dennis
I am a husband, stepfather and professional real estate broker in Sarnia. I am married to Janice McMichael-Dennis and I am proud stepdad to Dylan and Austin.
I have been a professional relator for 25 years and, as such, I have been a lifelong promoter of, and ambassador for, Sarnia.
I am also an active financial trader (self-taught) with a keen understanding of financial markets and investments. No, I am not a typical politician, I am a fresh voice with a strong love for people, politics and progress.
I have deep community roots right from my late Grandfather, who served as MPP, to my wife’s late Grandfather, who started the Celebration of Lights.
I have a firm and strong belief system which forms the basis for my platform including:
* Strong Fiscal Accountability- Respecting the taxpayer with an emphasis on value for money
* Facilitating Economic Development is Absolutely Essential- Jobs Jobs Jobs!
* Being a Business-Friendly Community is Mandatory
* Ensuring a Safe Community - all our First Responders are critical success factors
* Respecting Local Labour is Key
Overall, my plan rests on these five tenets to put the citizens of Sarnia First and Foremost, I want to be YOUR voice.
Melody Gibson
I’m running for city council to bring a new, fresh voice and shape the future of our community for our families, and for those that will enjoy it long after we are gone.
Sarnia is a special place to live, work and raise a family. I have the experience, problem-solving skills, and vision to help give our city a bright future.
My platform is based on wanting to see improvement in what we have, and what we can build and expand on.
As a volunteer and activist for our youth and community, I’ve brought people together to find solutions and get things done. On city council, I will be an advocate for our entire city, demanding transparency and results.
If elected, I want to hear from you. I am new to the political arena, but not to leadership roles.
I listen with an open mind and analyze the facts, before reaching a decision. I’m a quick study – and fully committed to the best outcome.
With your support, I will implement fiscal policies that continue to enhance our Sarnia experience. I would truly appreciate your vote and thank you, in advance, for the privilege of representing you.
Dan Harding
Married to Janice Humber and we have 5 kids, 10 grandkids and growing. Life time resident of Sarnia-Lambton. I graduated from LCCVI and Fanshawe college in heat/airconditioning mechanic.
Today I work for our family run business, Brite Linen/Proclean, employing over 30 people servicing hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, chemical valley and contractors.
My co-workers would tell you I’m a team player always smiling with positive energy.
I don't hold big titles behind my name. I'm alot like you folks this is why I make a great choice.
Hard work pays off and having respect for others is very important to me. Growth, Addiction, Mental health are on top of my list.
We need to move forward by taking down walls and firing CAO Margaret Misek-Evans.
Mayor Mike quoted on September 6/13: "City manager is the only employee of city council and that relationship is critical importance to moving the city forward. With a good manager you can achieve incredible things for the community."
On behalf of the Jackson family and residents of Sarnia, for your lack of accountability, YOUR FIRED!!!!!!