Editor’s Note: This is the latest in a series of stories highlighting Sarnia's municipal election candidates.
Journal staff
Nine candidates are vying for four city/county 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:
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Margaret Bird
Tell us a little bit about you:
Published Author, Editor, Reviewer & Speaker. Lived and worked in 4 different countries. Diverse experience & expertise. Margaret Brings much to the table – teaching, research, industry, business, project management, creative & cultural arts, communications, community volunteer & mentor. Leads by example. Plus 4 years on current City Council, County Council & LAWSS Board of Directors. I run on my record and stand for the people!
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
Sarnia NEEDS a BRAND NEW CHAPTER and I want to be part of writing it!! I want to make a difference. I will fight to bring back our Democracy & FREEDOMS, and for full transparency and accountability. I will push for new firms and jobs. We need to prioritize correctly and stop hiring out-of-town consultants, so that we have the money to update the CITY infrastructure. I will ensure that all aspects of life & living are treated with equality. I listen to everyone and take action. I would be honoured to continue Representing & Serving this Community.
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Dave Boushy 
Tell us a little bit about you:
I am married with five children. I have a good municipal career as City and County Councillor. I served on most civic committees. In 1995 I was elected as MPP for Lambton-County. I served on most provincial government committees and was Vice Chair to some. I was presented with a Long Standing Service Award. I returned to Sarnia Council in 2004 and I am currently the City-County Councillor running in the 2022 Municipal election.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
My first priority for running again is to continue to keep the taxes down, it is a must to adjust the mill rate to hold tax increases in face of increasing assessments. Also watermains, storm sewers and sanitary sewers are a priority, keeping in mind not to have the same miss-happening in the south part of the city again.
My experience on Sarnia City and County Council and as MPP gives me the critical experience to bring our city positive forthright, steady and balanced leadership. We need economic growth, more quality jobs and job security. Teamwork will send a strong message that all of us can indeed work together to welcome new investments. We most pay more attention to environment and pollution, Tourism is also important. We must encourage and support both artistic and sporting facilities and programs.
I believe that people come first, I believe to be the voice of the people. Having served this community I believe the people in Sarnia have faith in what I do. I will continue to serve you with sincerity, honesty and integrity, I am faith driven. I welcome you to look at my record. Together we will continue to shine a bright light in our community.
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Andy Bruziewicz
Tell us a little bit about you:
Born August, 1953 in Pinczow, Poland. Studied Materials Engineering at the Academy of Metallurgy in Krakow. In Canada graduated from University of Western Ontario and Lambton College. Sarnia Resident since 1974. Former employee, Research Department, Imperial Oil Ltd.
Operated small business sidelines most of my life. Proficient gamer. Sarnia top ranked chess player for the past 47 years. Member, Port Huron Chess Club Hall of Fame. Active community volunteer. Practicing the Tikkun Olam mission as the guiding concept in everything I do.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I offer proven track record which combined demonstrated analytical and problem - solving skills will help building a better community. Having served on many diverse policy making bodies I have the experience necessary to bring to fruition my vision of Sarnia enjoying sustainable prosperity, barrier free, caring, living in harmony with the environment, where business opportunities and fair wages are abundant. This experience includes serving on the Corporate Board of Directors of Nordex Explosives, serving on Sarnia Council for 24 years, Ontario Municipal Water Association, Ontario Good Roads Association. I am a former Chair of St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, Lambton Area Water Supply System, and Sarnia Hydro.
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Bill Dennis
Facebook: www.facebook.com/IDeliver4SarniaLambton
Tell us a little bit about you:
Lifelong Sarnian, Father of sons, and Husband to Janice McMichael-Dennis. I have been honoured to serve on Council and other Committees for the last term. I am a strong leader and spend often 60 hours a week to make things happen. I took the extraordinary step of retiring from my successful career to focus all my efforts on Sarnia and even donated my municipal salary. I am a strong, high energy, dedicated, passionate Leader.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I am proud of my history of being a very active, effective common sense Councillor. I am always fully prepared and not afraid to speak up for what is right. Strong, bold, courageous leadership is what we need at a time like this. I have introduced in excess of 30 motions over my term striving for real change. On one motion alone, requesting an insurance tender, I saved almost a million dollars from the expected cost level. I now want to include County issues for an even greater impact.
My priorities:
- Infrastructure Improvements - Roads and sewers plus investments in parks/ sports/recreational assets.
- Strong Fiscal Accountability - Respecting the taxpayer with an emphasis on value for dollars.
- Facilitating Community Growth/ Economic Development - Focus on growing the tax base, economic development and tourism to grow jobs, benefit local labour and offer affordable housing.
- Being a Business-Friendly Community with Reduced Red Tape - Support local industries, businesses and employers and attract new ones.
- Ensuring a Safe and Healthy Community - Respecting first Responders, health care workers, and law enforcement while addressing crime, mental health and addiction.
- Creating / Protecting Stable, Safe Neighbourhoods - Protecting property values and maximizing quality of life.
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Al Duffy
Tell us a little bit about you:
Lived in Sarnia for 60+ years with many leadership roles. Working with Tourism Sarnia Lambton, City of Sarnia to produce the Tall Ships; Chair, Finance committee, Alzheimer Sarnia; Founder/head instructor St. Claire Tae Kwon Do for 30+ years. Teaching with the LKDSB and SCCSB for 40+ years. Creating the Hockey League and taking my players on trips around the world. Current Chair, Sarnia Lambton Workplace Development Board; committee member at large of TSL.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
My vision for the growth of Sarnia is to focus first on the present infrastucture that has been identified as falling behind by reports from city staff. As a home owner for over 40 years. I recognize the need too maintain your home or the enventual cost to replace is so much higher. This would also be true for the city which is home to so many. There is an old adage that states “If it is not growing it is dieing” We need to look outward as every other city in North America does when there is a need for more business and more housing. Having said that we must be prudent and well informed to make these very important decisions. As a teacher for so many years I have learned to seek out experts that I know in any field that require mores information to make an informed decision.
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Chrissy McRoberts
Tell us a little bit about you:
My name is Chrissy McRoberts. I was born and raised in Point Edward, graduated from SCITS and enlisted in the Canadian Military. I have an Associates degree and worked in hotel management for 21 years then created my business DOG EAT DOG in Mitton Village.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I've spent the last 3 1/2 years supporting and working with other local businesses to build Sarnia up as a destination city filled with a unique and unified culture.
I'm a City/County Councilor Candidate that's rooting for an open minded council that will work together to repair this city's core and morale.
Sarnia needs strong leadership that communicates with its constituents regarding the business side of the city, how the tax dollars are being spent and how we should work together to create a strong, vibrant community.
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Mike Stark
Website: Votestark4sarnia.ca
Tell us a little bit about you:
I have lived in Sarnia for some 64 years and am married to Cynthia. We recently celebrated our 48th wedding anniversary and have three adult children and four grandchildren. I have a Bachelor degree from Western University in Economics. My professional career started in the accounting division of a major provincial distribution company before moving back to Sarnia to assist with the family business, Stark's Jewellers Limited where I served as President and employed some 50 staff.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
I am running for re-election as a Sarnia City/County Councillor with the expressed intention of maintaining an experienced voice on Council. We as a society should demand a commitment of respect and civility at the City Council table. There should never be a tolerance for rude and bullying type tactics. Continued evidence of racist, misogynistic rhetoric during meetings and afterwards in social media are both inappropriate and embarrassing to the City of Sarnia. We must elect responsible representatives and insist upon better behaviour.
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Brian White
Website: www.votebrian.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/votebw
Instagram: @BrianWhite519
A little bit about you:
Two-time City Councillor, one-Time County Councillor. Retired Documentary Filmmaker.
DDP Yoga Instructor. Married, father of 2, including one adult child with disabilities at home. Born and raised in Sarnia, I’ve lived in various parts of the country. I currently serve on a number of city and county committees. I'm a former Board President for St Clair Child and Youth Services and remain active in the community and abroad in advocating for better services.
Why did you decide to run in this election, and what issues are most important to you?
Running is always a family decision. We decided it was in our best interest for me to serve one more term as a City and County Councillor to help see some critical work and projects move forward, while setting the table for the next generation of Council members to serve our community.
I'll continue to advocate for greater infrastructure spending to address the significant backlog. Mitton Village will remain a top priority as we see critical investment to address much needed housing and economic opportunities, while supporting the incredible community within the Village, itself. I'll continue to push for implementation of masterplans, such as the Waterfront, Active Transportation plans and the Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Most critically, I'll push for more collaboration to create local solutions to the affordable housing crisis. We simply cannot afford to wait for the Province or Feds. At the core of our social issues is the lack of supports for people as unique individuals. On-going dialogue with the Attorney General leaves me hopeful that we can soon address these matters in a way that respects the needs of the community at large, while addressing the individuals as human beings with very unique needs.
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Bill Anning: Did not respond.