Editor’s Note: This is the latest in a series of stories highlighting Sarnia’s municipal election candidates.
Journal staff
Twenty-five candidates are vying for four city-only seats on Sarnia council. The Journal asked each candidate to tell us a bit about who they are, and why they’re running. Here are their responses:
Adam Beck
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AdamBeckForSarniaCityCouncil
Tell us a little bit about you
I have lived in Sarnia my entire life (38 years). I attended Lambton College and completed the Instrumentation program. I am raising a small family with two daughters. I’m a proud union member of the pipefitters local UA 663. I’ve helped start up and complete numerous industrial construction projects across Canada. I was an elected member for the UA 663 financial committee. Also, I’m a part-time trainer at the union hall.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I decided to run for city council because as a long time resident, I have noticed that there are areas that need improvement. My main goal is to help provide more programs for children and to make the programs more affordable for families so that children do not get left behind. My career experience gives me the ability to read blueprints, get estimates and understand infrastructure, which I feel would be a huge asset for the city. I’d also like to provide more transparency for all projects and undertakings that are going on within the city. At the end of the day, my main goal is to help everyone in the community to create a better and more inclusive place to live.
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Sarah Bilagot Armstrong
Facebook: www.facebook.com/solutionsforsarnia
Instagram: @solutionsforsarnia
Tell us a little bit about you
Mother, wife, social worker, business owner and “Sarnia Lifer.” Passionate advocate valuing integrity, community, and diligence. 15+ years in the field of Social Work provided key opportunities to lead, volunteer, and be a voice for change. Innovative thinking, collaborative problem solving, and creative partnerships are my proven pathway to get it done. I whole-heartedly believe supporting youth and families ensure continued success, growth, and viable solutions for Sarnia.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
Born and raised in Sarnia by my mom, I watch her overcoming obstacles with plain hard work and sacrifice. We lived in Sherwood, which you may know, is prone to flooding. Our "flood count" is in double digits with everything from tree roots to city sewer systems being the cause. We have had no insurance coverage due to the "amount of risk" our household posed. It's hard to get ahead when this is an ongoing financial, emotional and health issue. August 4th, 2022. Now grown, I am my mothers emergency services. I get the call when her basement is, yet again, under a foot of water. Not only this but my business in Coronation park also had water. I have always been passionate about advocacy and helping, even planning to run for city council eventually. This was my wake up call. Representation needs to reflect those regular families, just like us. Generations of Sarnians silently struggled with a system that passed the buck regarding aging/failing infrastructure. We can do better. We have many assets in research, education, trade, industry, recreation and tourism. I love my home town and want it to thrive like I know it can and should.
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Neil Bowen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nattie.bowen.7
Instagram: @bowenforsarniacouncil
Tell us a little bit about you
I was born in 1954 at London, Ontario and attended school in London where I also worked at McDonald’s for 10 years.I studied at Western University and Fleming College before graduating from Conestoga’s journalism program. After graduation I worked as a reporter at newspapers in Golden and Quesnel, B.C. After returning to Ontario I was a reporter at the Sarnia Observer for 33 years covering municipal councils, courts, schools and community events until retirement in 2018. Lori and I recently celebrated our 44th anniversary.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I want to add my sound judgement to city council decisions. Sound judgement comes from listening and learning the facts before decisions are made. Listen, Learn, Decide. Reliance on those three words will form my consistent commitment to a structurally sound, financially sound, and socially sound city. If elected that commitment will determine my vote on every issue coming before the nine-member city council.
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Terry Burrell 
Tell us a little bit about you
Terry Burrell has served 24 years on Sarnia Council. He operates a business as a Chartered Professional Accountant on Christina Street. Terry and his wife JoAnne have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. Terry is on the St Clair Conservation Authority that protects and improves our natural environment. As a member of Friends of the St Clair River and BPAC, Terry continues to work to improve our River. Terry sings in the Sacred Heart Church Choir.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
As a Chartered Professional Accountant and City Councillor, I have a proven record of getting things done and keeping the costs down. No one gets things done by themselves as Council needs to work as a team. Council must prepare for Economic Opportunities in the Valley and the rising need of affordable housing. We have to look after our citizens and the environment. I believe that everyone should be treated the same regardless of their personal, social or financial situation. We do have to provide extra help for those in need. I have leadership experience. I have been President of the St Vincent de Paul Society Sarnia/Lambton Council, I was a founding Director of the Inn of the Good Shepherd Soup Kitchen and I was a Director of Big Brothers. I think that the City has reasonable plans to accommodate growth as it happens. We do need to prepare for changes in the environment that are affecting water and sewer capacity. The City has been building an Asset Management Plan that seems to be working. Once we can get past some of the big cost items like Sewer Separation and Shoreline Protection we will hopefully have more money to address local roads and other infrastructure
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Lo-Anne Chan
Website: www.loannechan.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/loannechan.sarnia
Instagram: @loannechan.sarnia
Tell us a little bit about you
I moved to Sarnia in 2012 after graduating from University of Western Ontario with a BA in Criminology, minor in Psychology and certificat de Français pratique. After apprenticing with several small business owners, I opened my own business in 2021 to expand the availability of Asian cuisine in Sarnia, and to educate about the Canadian immigrant experience while being at home for my children.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
Sarnia's population has become increasingly diverse in the 10 years that I have lived here. We have yet to see the makeup of our leadership reflect a larger range of people who make up our community. Every person deserves the same level of respect and dignity regardless of culture, race, economic status, gender, sexuality, citizenship status, etc. Diversity doesn't have to be scary - when we listen to others' perspectives and celebrate our differences, we can create a stronger community. I want to be proactive in making that shift by amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups of people who make up our community. It is often said that Sarnia's population is stagnant and aging because "our young people keep leaving for opportunities elsewhere.” I think that it is about more than just jobs - it's about a lifestyle. Efficient bus routes and indoor recreation complexes would give us places to go and an accessible method to get there. Road reconstruction should include dedicated bike lanes, road narrowing where necessary (to discourage speeding), and safe sidewalks. We need to make Sarnia not just a pretty place that people want to visit, but a safe place that people want to call home.
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Kip Cuthbert - did not respond
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Shirley Davidson
Tell us a little bit about you
I do my best with whatever I have, wherever I am causing no harm. Common sense with responsible decision making is a must-have! A citizen of Sarnia. No stranger to local politics, attending all “in person” city council meetings the past five years. A delegate April 2018 re: “Paper Ballot” vote 2018 city election. Forty years a bookkeeper. Also retail management/customer service. My daughter, grandson, two brothers and families are my joy.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I have decided to run for City Councillor re: the upcoming Election 2022. I believe that I can effectively represent the Citizens of Sarnia with Common Sense and Responsible Decision Making. I will always listen and be diligent regarding the concerns and questions of the citizens of this community. Financial Accountability with Prioritized Spending is a "Must Have". Include for Future Generations, a future of Hope. I am a "Problem Solver". I will always do my best with whatever I have, wherever I am, and cause No Harm. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you, the Citizens of Sarnia.
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Brooke Daye 
Website: brookedaye.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/SeriousForSarnia/
Tell us a little bit about you
Bachelor of Arts/Community Service - Cape Breton University
MBA at the National Sun Yat Sen University 2014
- Vice President Of Business Development - LVMH 2015
- Chief Operating Officer - Absolute Lifestyle Corp 2017
- Director of Corporate Operations - Anytime Fitness China 2020
- President - Anytime Fitness Taiwan 2022
- Founder - FIT24
I have conceived, fundraised and operated multi million dollar companies in the world's most competitive markets. I am an executive by trade, and I will be Serious for Sarnia.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I love the city and want to give it the same energy and determination I did in my private career. I will work tirelessly to promote, persuade and advocate for us all. Sarnia's population has contracted since the turn of the century - while Canada has grown by roughly 30%. We are shrinking, and with that so is our tax base. This reality puts stress on services and offers our residents a less than fulfilling life experience. Drugs and crime as well as mental health have become serious concerns for our residents and I want to be part of the team that provides the solution(s) for hard hit families. With my background, I am well positioned to help lead Sarnia forward to a safer, more prosperous and inclusive city. I've conceived, fundraised, structured and operated multi million dollar brands in different tax/legal and cultural environments and it is with this real and formative preparation that I am confident I can get us to a better place. I am a serious executive by trade, and I will be Serious for Sarnia.
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Robert "Bob" Dickieson
website: www.votebob.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084736277423
Tell us a little bit about you
Born and raised in Munich, Germany. Robert studied business administration before immigrating to Nova Scotia to focus on his love for animals. He attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, followed by the Atlantic Veterinary College where he obtained his Doctorate in Veterinarian Medicine. In 2015, Robert and his wife Ellan moved to Sarnia. They have two young children. Robert is actively participating in municipal politics since 2019 as a citizen with focus on traffic safety.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
Politics always interested me and I started to be political active in university. I stay up-to-date with the German politics as well as Canadian politics. My path in life took me to different places, urban and rural in Germany and Canada (NS, PEI, ON). I see great potential in Sarnia and I hope that I can bring new ideas and proven concepts to the table. I want to help to lead Sarnia to a better and prosperous future. My vision for Sarnia is an inclusive urban design for people aged 1 to 100. I propose to end urban sprawl and grow with a strong focus on our urban core. The zoning and land-use bylaws must be changed to allow for densification with a mix of residential and commercial use. Underutilized city property needs to be developed to its highest use. This urban infill growth creates more dwelling units and vibrant neighbourhoods. We must address the problem of our crippling critical infrastructure in a strategic, systemic and pro-active manner. Simply paving a road will not fix the crumbling infrastructure beneath. We must prioritize the worst underground infrastructure first and we need to think long-term and take the complete system into consideration.
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Anne Marie Gillis 
Website: www.amsarnia.ca
Tell us a little bit about you:
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. I am a volunteer, musician, and a former politician, holding public office for 18 years, as a school board trustee, City Councillor and Chair of the Police Services Board, for the City of Sarnia. I was a city County Councillor (representing Sarnia) and Deputy Warden for Lambton County. I am an Honour Graduate of Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology, Health Sciences, and a Registered Nurse, Retired.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I have remained an observer of the current Council and have been dismayed by what I have seen. The Exit of Staff has been alarming, and the hostility of Council Members to each other as well those who they pay to train and educate them, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/sarnia-kojo-institute-1.6362324”, is truly an embarrassment. As a resident and advocate for the city of Sarnia, I could not sit back! City Councillors reflect the community they serve. Their Constituents expect them to work together to improve their community. A Collaborative respectful Council can achieve “Anything” As your Councillor I will: “Bring Back Civility” “I Will Always Have Your Back” Anne Marie’s Priorities: -Grey Infrastructure: Develop a real Action Plan to reduce the backlog, Using debt Strategically. -Green Infrastructure: Re-invigorate our Parks and expand our Trail Systems -Mental Illness and our Aging Demographic: Ensure that safety nets are in place for all who need them -The Opioid Crises: Building on what is already in place and adopt New Strategies. My Leadership Experience and Responsibilities' have given me the knowledge base to know what it takes to make our city the best it can be.
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Adam Kilner
Website: www.adamkilner.ca/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AdamKilnerPolitics
Tell us a little bit about you:
Adam Kilner is a United Church minister, musician, pet-lover, and community volunteer. He is a squash instructor and player, a Big Brother, and board member of Community Legal Assistance Sarnia, Children’s Aid, Victoria University at UToronto, and more. In 2015 he received a Distinguished Alumni Award from St. Paul’s University College at the University of Waterloo for his commitment to youth and social justice. Adam campaigned in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” It is a privilege to serve one’s community and to advocate for initiatives that will bear fruit for the common good.
Critical to Adam’s campaign are 6 things:
- Adam as a collaborative member of a team,
- Fiscal responsibility,
- A municipal affordable housing strategy,
- Development of community hubs,
- Infrastructure as positive investment, and
- Promoting Sarnia as an inclusive community Adam is invested in this community, is connected to our organizations and businesses, is passionate about our community, and is ready to serve you.
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Susan Theresa MacFarlane
Facebook: www.facebook.com/notaxincreaseswithsusanmacfarlaneforsarnia
Tell us a little bit about you
I’m married with two daughters and have lived in Sarnia for 25 years. Early in my career I worked as an environmental consultant. Recently, I managed the water treatment plant here in Sarnia. I have a bachelors, masters and doctorate in environmental engineering from the universities of Guelph and Toronto. I served as a board of director for the Ontario Municipal Water Association and more recently I am Western Region Councillor for Professional Engineers Ontario.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
While working at the water treatment plant, I came to understand that Sarnia suffers from chronic underinvestment in its assets. I saw other communities of similar size spending millions a year to replace old watermains while Sarnia struggled to do the same. Prior to 2018, I investigated where Sarnia’s tax dollars were going. I believe Sarnia is overpaying Lambton County by at least $10 Million each year and this limits our ability to properly maintain our infrastructure. I am confident that we can work more efficiently with the county, without job losses or service cuts, to get that money back. My past consulting work combined with my contract negotiating experience will be an asset to accomplish this. If elected, I would propose a “City/County Dollar Saving” Task Force be established immediately consisting of city staff, county staff and politicians. The goal will be to look at alternate methods to deliver services that will eventually allow Sarnia to pay $10 Million less to the county. I am also passionate about helping the most vulnerable in our community. My work as a founding member of Tampon Tuesday Sarnia-Lambton, that advocates for providing menstrual products to those in need, was rewarding.
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Tammy Mathieson
Website: www.tammymathieson.com
Facebook Campaign page: www.facebook.com/Tammy-Mathieson-for-Sarnia-City-Counsellor-Conseill%C3%A8re-109852435175228/
Instagram: @tammymathieson4sarnia
Tell us a little bit about you
I've been a Sarnian for over 40 years now and I love this city! I've lived in Sherwood Village, on Indian road and currently in Bright's Grove. I truly enjoy and appreciate every section of our city. I went to school here. I've been a teacher in Sarnia for 20 years. I've volunteered for many organizations. I've been involved politically with my teachers union for years. I am enjoying life in our community with my young child and husband.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
Why run? I love our city and want to be a voice for change that helps improve the lives of our citizens. I am proud to be from here and want a city everyone else is proud to be from as well. I'm a strong woman, devoted mother and a hard worker that gets things done. I am not afraid to have challenging discussions and I speak my mind with respect and common courtesy. It is important to me that Sarnia is a place where everyone feels heard and represented. A place where there are many activities for all citizens to do, of all ages, that are free and fun. A place where we invest without putting crazy costs on our citizens. Taking advantage of our amazing waterfront! Maintaining, improving and showing off our incredible shops, beaches, restaurants and businesses to promote what makes Sarnia a great place to live, play and do business! We need to invest in our infrastructure. It is time to deal with the flooding issues & invest more in our roads and older buildings. We also need to continue developing our parks and bike trails all while respecting the tax dollar. We must make smart but practical investments.
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Mike McCann
Tell us a little bit about you:
I graduated from Lambton College and through hard work and commitment I ascended the levels of management. Resident of Sarnia for 55years. I am married ,have grown children and grandchildren all living in Sarnia.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I decided to run for council to be actively involved in City growth initiatives. Increase in growth and revenue to address City concerns Example but not limited too:(infrastructure and homeless). Believe skills of listening, question for clarity, research and debate in a professional manner are great council assets which I possess.
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John Parker
Tell us a bit about you
Age 85. Born and raised in Sarnia, left to work on the ships before graduating from Ryerson and embarking on a 40-year career in the paint manufacturing business. Returned to Sarnia after retirement, and ran unsuccessfully in the 2018 municipal election.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
To stop the waste of taxpayer money and try to correct some of the goofy things this government has gone up with.
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Michelle Parks
Website: michelleparksforsarnia.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelleparksforsarnia
Instagram: @MichelleParksForSarnia
Tell us a little bit about you
I am a lifelong resident of Sarnia and am married and have two grown children. I am a graduate of both Lambton and Humber College specializing in the Tourism Sector and Real Estate. I served 12 years as a School Board Trustee and am experienced in board governance, Roberts Rules and Diversity and Equity Training.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I have a proven track record of respecting others, getting things done and will commit to being your voice at City Hall. I was the recipient of the S.A.S.C.S.L 2020 International Women’s Day Award and was named to the 2022 Mayors Honour List. I am the Founding member of Tampon Tuesday Sarnia and led the initiative to ensure that menstrual products were free, available and accessible in all local schools and city owned buildings. I am a co-founder of Save Jackson Pool and SMALL, a group fighting to bring Tiny Homes to Sarnia Lambton. I am involved with many local boards and committees including Bluewater Health Foundation, Talk for Tamara, WES For Youth Online and The Sarnia Lambton Suicide Prevention Committee. I sat on the 2022 Election Committee ensuring paper ballot voting and internet voting is available this coming election.
Goals: Implement a vibrant waterfront master plan and rebuild the tourism sector; prioritize renewing and upgrading investment in roads, sewers, parks and bike trails; I am committed to ensuring the flooding areas are a priority in the 2023 budget; Creating a climate for jobs and prioritize creating more job opportunities for young people ;Respecting your tax dollar with reasonable restraints.
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Georgette Parsons
Tell us a little bit about you
I was born and raised in Sarnia, graduated Lambton College with a nursing degree, now retired. Married to Gary, 43 years; daughter Jessica resides in Guelph. I am bilingual, French & English. I've been on several boards, over 30 years with the Sexual Assault Survivors' Centre, most of it as board President. Still involved on the board at SASC, Humane Society, Anti-Human Trafficking, Eradication of Puppy Mills, IODE and formerly with Women's Interval Home.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I'm hoping to make a larger difference in the community. I believe I can contribute to council with my years of experience on boards of governance. I've had years of training in Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity via the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres. I know to listen and gather information from all sides to make decisions and compromise as needed. Important issues include Sarnia's infrastructure; sewer repairs to mitigate flooding problems. Our roads are in sad condition and funds need to be focused on what we currently have, not what we will have. Homelessness - we need affordable housing now. I'd love to see a Tiny Home pilot project. New builds should include affordable homes/apartment units to maintain/grow population. We need to continue to diversify our industry base and attract small/medium size businesses. More support needed for locally owned businesses; they live here and contribute to our tax base and employment. I'd love to see Lambton College build residences for students, freeing up housing needs for those who are homeless or in need of affordable accommodations. The Women's Interval Home currently struggles to find safe housing for women and children and this causes a bottleneck there, leaving others unable to access safety and support.
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Trevor Pettit
Tell us a little bit about you
I am a retired professional with over 40 years of experience in business, government and government relations. I have extensive experience in government and have played leadership roles. My background includes an executive director position, elected as an MPP, my own government relations and consulting company and senior executive positions in sales. My partner Christine and I love the outdoors, painting and golfing. I also operate my food vending business THAT HOT DOG Guy on a seasonal basis.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
My Vision for Growth for Sarnia is one that pays attention to the environmental sustainability with every decision that is made. A plan that includes brownfield development and inner-city expansion wherever possible. A city with a waterfront, and Sarnia is blessed with two jewels must focus on making those features the focal point of the entire city through housing, commercial and cultural development. A strong push for affordable housing is crucial. Sarnia has reached a critical crossroad with its infrastructure. Years of neglect have left the roads, sidewalks and sewer systems in horrible shape. Implementation of a renewal plan is vital and time is of the essence. I believe we need a consensus on council to get the ball rolling and I would like to lead a team of councillors to put the pressure on the upper two layers of government to release funding to help us out.
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Briana Reid
Tell us a little bit about you
Hi, I’m Briana Reid and I’d like to ask for your vote in my bid for election to the Sarnia City Council.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
While I would be new to City Council, I am not new to community service and advocacy! As a member of the Sarnia Transit Accessibility Advisory Committee, I was able to raise concerns from all members of our community, abled and differently abled, to make our transit system more accessible to all our citizens. I presented a proposal to the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan City Council to create a similar committee there. I enjoyed the experience of being a leader with the Boy Scouts of Canada and received awards for my work there. I believe in the power of our youth to change our world for the better.
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Dylan Stelpstra
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DylanNDP
Tell us a little bit about you
I was born and raised in Sarnia. I married my best friend, Shawna, here in town and we are excited in the anticipation of our first born in November. I'm a social worker who has been working in child welfare for 10 years. I'm vice-president of my local union. I recently ran for MPP for Sarnia-Lambton in the provincial election and enjoyed meeting and listening to this community in their hopes, wishes, and struggles.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I'm running because Sarnia is an amazing city to live in and it's time to take the next step towards becoming a family and youth friendly city with a thriving community that is supported by the city. I want Sarnia to be a community that people are excited to come back to if they've left, talk about when they are gone, and miss when they can't be here. This starts with councillors that listen to our community and advocate for it. We need to have a council that is easily accessible to the whole community. Sarnia is a beautiful city that has the potential to be vibrant. My vision is one of our city being more inviting and accessible. A city where people don't have to worry about leaving infrastructure concerns to their children. A city that is inviting to those outside our community. A city where local business thrives. I will implement this vision by listening to those most affected, to those that have the most knowledge, and to those who have the most experience. We have so much potential in this city that we need to tap into, but we must seek it out and push for it.
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Andrew Stokley
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stokleyforsarnia
Tell us a little bit about you
Life revolves around my dogs, two daughters, and girlfriend Stacey. I graduated from The Goodman School of Business (Brock University) with a Bachelor of Business degree. I was chair of the Business Faculty and VP of Finance for the Undergraduate Business Association. I’ve operated a small business; I own affordable rental properties and worked for two Fortune 500 companies in sales and consulting. I’m currently employed with a broker/importer, negotiating contracts with distributors and restaurants.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
Sarnia requires young, fresh leadership with purposeful action. Sarnia must attract and retain families by making the city more affordable, safe, and exciting for all citizens. This can be accomplished through the expansion of civilian-led, community-based, well-being and prevention-focused strategy. We must ensure agency funds are available for an equitable Sarnia as well as mental health initiatives, drug rehabilitation and homelessness with minimal barriers. Sarnia must expedite the sewer separation program in areas affected by flooding. Sarnia must invest in the future of all infrastructure projects and levy larger penalties for delays, so they are completed on time. Sarnia cannot cut corners on the waterfront development masterplan. This will be the “gem” our city is built on for generations. Sarnia needs to maximize grant money, use tax dollars wisely to make it spectacular. Sarnia can adjust bylaws to incorporate new builds, infill, allowing stacked townhouses or multiple residential units on lots to lower the cost of homes. I will work diligently and collaboratively to uncover a common vision to move Sarnia forward, focused on specific, measurable, and achievable results and execute on the strategic plans that will be or have been initiated. I will work hard for every Sarnia citizen!
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Marie Timperley
Tell us a little bit about you
This is my third time running in the municipal election. I am a longtime resident so I am familiar with the minuses and pluses of Sarnia. I work for Commissionaires Great Lakes in Security and have worked the frontlines since the pandemic started. I would be an asset in decision making and to address your concerns. I served on the Sarnia Advisory Board and the Sarnia Election Committee where we were able to ensure paper ballots were reinstated.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I have many concerns I would like draw attention to when I am elected. Our roads and sewers are still in dire straits and now with all the homes that are getting flooded repeatedly in some of the areas of Sarnia. Let’s FIX the problem! Affordable housing-this is another major problem. Due to the extensive numbers of international students as well as contract workers coming from all over Canada to work in Chemical Valley. We have not the proper accommodations to house them. Our own locals cannot find places to live. Homelessness and the severity of the drugs and deaths from overdoses there is not enough done to clean up the city and our system has failed us. Lack of service for yard debris pick up during the summer. Should be picked up at least by weekly. Vision for Growth - I feel our young people are our help! We need to have a ‘future’ to offer them with more trades and decent jobs. If not they will leave Sarnia for better opportunities elsewhere. Infrastructure - big concern! Stop spending where not necessary to start with. This is a topic all by itself.
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George Vandenberg - Did not respond
Marie Williams - Did not respond
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David Ross Wood 
Tell us a little bit about you
Born in Chatham Ontario Graduated Niagara College – Mechanical Engineering Technology Post Graduation Courses: ITP (Information Technology professional) Small Business Management – Sheridan College Dale Carnegie Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Licensed Instructor Various counseling courses Work Experience: Xerox of Canada – Technical Representative Clyde Mast Group – National Service Manager Nezron Office Products – founder - sold businesses Started 6 small to mid sized business sold 3, closed three and paid off all accounts.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I’ve been retired for 10+ years. Back in February when asked by a close friend to run for council I laughed. His question started me thinking and paying closer attention to our city’s current and longer term issues. I am certain that, given my background, experience and training, I can make a significant difference for the City of Sarnia. A difference in the decision making processes, a difference in the image of Sarnia city council, and an increased technical understanding at the city council level. I take this opportunity to be a positive influence in our chosen community very seriously.