Twelve names on Falls ballot for regional council
Three seats up for grabs
The Review asked all the candidates for Niagara regional council the same questions. A missing answer means the candidate declined to answer. One candidate, Clarke Bitter, did not respond.
ANNE ANGELONE Age: 61 Family: Married, mother and grandmother (and avid golfer) Occupation: Previous political experience: Community work: Sat on many boards. Top issue: Jobs, seniors, transportation, housing and honest, accountable government.
Why should voters choose you? A vote for Anne is a vote for real integrity, accountability, transparency and honesty. I can make a difference.
Contact info: 289-407-3258; annemangelone@gmail.com; www.anneangelone.ca
TIM HOUSSER Age: 58
Occupation: Community service counselor, Dignity Memorial
Family: Wife Heather, 5 children.
Previous political experience: VP student union Brock University
Community work: Director on Steve Ludzik Foundation for Parkinson for past 7 years. Ronald McDonald campaign for past 15 yrs. Worked on United Way campaign, coached St. Catharines Int A girls hockey past 12 yrs. Coached minor hockey 7 yrs. Helped at Soup Kitchen with my family for many years. Current assistant coach Brock University women's hockey OUAA Top issue: Why are you running? To ensure your money and mine is spent without disregard, that is it’s accountable. That we answer to what the community requires and make sure this area is prosperous for our kids and grandchildren. The need to look at how we can attract more business into the area. We have a great community, we need to keep it prosperous. Why should voters choose you: Honest, caring individual who will look after business like it’s my own dime. Will not waste funds, will make sure it’s the right decision that benefits all. Will do my homework, and work diligently for the public, be accountable and visible at the Region.
Contact info: Cell 905-358-1329. timthousser@bell.net, FB Tim Housser
DAVE EKE Age: 73
Occupation: Retired industrial engineer from GM St. Catharines, 34 years of service
Family: Married to Debbie for 45 years, 2 children, 5 grandchildren
Previous political experience: Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake (20102014); regional councillor representing NOTL (2000-06,2010-14); town councillor of NOTL (1991-1997).
Community Work: Board member/ chair Goodwill Industries, board member/chair Niagara Regional Housing, board member/chair NOTL Library Board, past president of NOTL Lions Club.
Top Issue: Restore trust, integrity, transparency and accountability at regional council. Why I am running: The need to achieve my top issue, as viewed by me and our citizens Why should voters choose you: My personal values of honesty and respect have been demonstrated during my previous political service.
Contact Info: 289-296-6848; email: dave@daveeke.com; website: daveekeforregion.com; Facebook: Dave Eke for Regional Council Niagara Falls
THERESA JOHNSON Age: 62 Occupation: Retired Family: I have a husband, three children, five grandchildren, and a caring extended family.
Previous political experience: I attended many city council meetings in Niagara Falls and they were all a political experience.
Community work: Girls’ soccer coach, Girl Guide leader at three levels, chair and member of school council, volunteer at Peterson’s community workshop in Chippawa. Waved the bear from the truck window for many Canada Day and Santa Claus parades where my father played the banjo or the glockenspiel.
Top issue: High-density affordable housing that is a pleasure to live in – such as Habitat 67 in Montreal – and an efficient, effective transportation system. Why are you running? I prefer action to words. It is easy to complain, it is more difficult to actually make change. After working in Hamilton for many years, I now have time to get back to being involved in my community. Why should voters choose you: I’m honest, accountable and willing to take on challenges. I want to be part of an effective regional council that politely and legally brings positive change to how we all live in Niagara. Contact info:
Theresatrees@lastmilenet.ca landline: 905-384-4528 Cell: 905-931-3605 BOB GALE Age: 64 Occupation: Retired from petroleum
business
Family: wife Vera, daughter Jessica (Ed) Friesen, son Bobby (Shanda) Gale, daughter Angela (Chad) Monrad. 5 grandchildren. Previous political experience: past 4 years as regional councillor
Community work: past board member of GNGH Foundation, Big Brothers/Sisters, Boys and Girls Club (past president and honourary member), Niagara Falls High School Advisory Committee, past charter member Niagara Falls Sunrise Rotary Club), past coach boys softball, chairman Bob Gale Rec Fund, member of former Stamford Masonic Lodge.
Top issue: accountability to make this a better place to live, and being responsible and accountable for my decisions and actions - and I am.
Why are you running? I’ve seen the good and bad of politics and there is much to be done to further the good items and change the bad. I’ve seen many elected people who can't make the hard, fair decisions and are only worried about image. Why should voters choose you: I can justify every decision I’ve made for the good of the citizens, but sometimes the full story is not presented or some choose to ignore it. I have saved the taxpayer over $500,000 per year on moves I have initiated.
Contact info: www.bobgale.ca; electbobgale@gmail.com, 905-3214253; www.bobgale.ca
JOHN MOROCCO Age: 63 Occupation: Recently retired after 40 years of public Service.
Family: Married with 2 daughters and 2 beautiful grandchildren
Previous Political Experience: As the city’s operations superintendent, one of my responsibilities was to prepare and present reports to city council and committees.
Also to regularly respond directly to council’s questions and requests.
Community Work: I have volunteered for community groups and events. Out of the Cold / Community Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, Rotary Ribfest for past 14 years.
Honoured recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship Award recognizing service above self. Why Are You Running: To restore ethical, accountable and fiscally responsible leadership. Taxpayers need to know and trust their money is being used efficiently and effectively to provide the necessary services and to create a region and city that are great places to live, work and invest. Why Should Voters Choose You: I have the proven experience, skills and abilities to provide the type of leadership required to set responsible priorities and produce accountable results. Contact info: Website: johnmorocco.ca; email johnmorocco@niagarafalls.ca; Phone 905-658-0274.
BARBARA RUTH GREENWOOD Age: 72 Occupation: Community relations
consultant
Family: Husband Bill; together we have 5 children
Previous Political Experience: Worked for federal and provincial members of Parliament for total of 6 years. Member regional council 2006-2014.
Community work: Volunteer, Project Share; director Boys and Girls Club of Niagara 17 years; past president and incoming president Rotary Club of Niagara Falls 12 years; past president Niagara Falls Curling Club; recipient Governor General’s Sovereign Medal for Volunteers in Canada: recipient Keystone Award Boys and Girls Club of Canada; volunteer Cancer Society and Kidney Foundation.
Top Issues: Political mismanagement of Niagara Region for past 4 years the multimillion-dollar financial fiasco with the Burgoyne Bridge, continued inconsistency with garbage pickup, and we need to assure seniors we’ll take care of their needs through long-term care.
Why are you running? To bring honesty, integrity and transparency back to Niagara Region so residents can trust the Region again. Why should voters choose you? I showed I cared for my community before I became a politician and will continue to work on behalf of the residents as their elected representative over the next 4 years.
Contact information: 905-988-2510; BarbaraGreenwood.ca; email: bbgreenwood@cogeco.ca; Facebook.
DIANNE MUNRO Age: Occupation: Psychotherapist Family: Married with 4 kids and 5 grandkids
Previous political experience: For
City of NF: Arts, Culture and Museum; Volunteer appreciation: chair of Street Musician subcommittee. Community Living Ontario ( former president), president of Probus Niagara Falls and Willoughby Historical.
Top issue: Returning Region to a functioning body which employs good governance and fiscal responsibility. Scandals and investigations have interfered with getting job done.
Why are you running? I have a strong background in developing governance standards. We need code of ethics, policy and procedures regarding expense accounts and clear goals for the Region. Why should voters choose you? Commitment to my community. Strong, independent and clear thinker who can research and analyze with a goal-setting focus. Familiar with homelessness, affordable housing, mental health issues, addiction and fiscal responsibility.
Contact info: Facebook. Dianne MUNRO for Regional Council, www.DianneMunro.com. Dbmunro@icloud.com; 905-295-9383. Mobile. 905-815-8687
PETER NICHOLSON Age: 35 Occupation: Lawyer. Also taught part-time at Niagara College.
Family: Married to Kyra Nicholson; rescue dog Lady; siblings Rob and Christine Nicholson; parents Rob and Arlene Nicholson. Previous political experience:
Volunteer on various federal, provincial political campaigns.
Community work: Lector and volunteer at St. Patrick parish. Member of the board of directors for the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Foundation for several years. Top issue: Support for seniors. I intend to be a strong advocate for seniors, their caregivers and programs and services they require. Why are you running? This is my first time running for public office. There have been several issues and challenges at the Region and I believe it could use a fresh perspective and fresh ideas. I will strive to keep taxes low, support seniors, and ensure we have reliable waste collection.
Why should voters choose you: I was born and raised in Niagara Falls and remain committed to representing the best interests of residents. I take pride in being known by others as someone who is accessible, dependable, honest, reliable and hard working. I will bring that same drive, focus and commitment to regional council and the people of Niagara.
Contact info: 289-687-0799; ElectNicholson@gmail.com; www.electpeternicholson.com CHRIS RIGAS Age: 44 yrs old Occupation: Self employed/restaurateur
Family: Married, 4 children Previous political experience: No political experience
Community work: I support and donate to many community groups and local charities such as Red Roof Retreat and Steve Ludzik Foundation.
Top issue: My top priority is putting regional government back in the hands of the people.
Why are you running? I am running because I have always had a passion for local politics and I believe the time is now to make a difference. Why should voters choose you? I believe voters should choose me because I am a strong voice and want to fix local government. I will be tenacious in my protection of the interests of the taxpayer and I will bring a next generation perspective to government.
Contact info: Chris e-mail: rig as 4 region@ gm ail. com Review
SELINA VOLPATTI Age: 77 Occupation: Retired Family: Four children six grandchildren. Previous political experience:
Twelve years at Niagara Falls city council, eight years Niagara Region council.
Community work: President, Schizophrenia Society of Ontario; director Schizophrenia Society of Canada; NF Hostel Committee; founding member, honorary director Project Share.
Top issues: Roads and infrastructure, including development of GO station; extension of Thorold Stone Road to Victoria Avenue; new Chippawa water treatment plant; fiscal responsibility, keeping taxes low; new affordable housing in Niagara Falls; transitional and supportive housing for those who need support with daily living; improved treatment and services for the mentally ill; strike a task force on governance in Niagara to come up with feasible options to present to the Province. We have way too many politicians for our population in Niagara. This is the time! Why are you running? To serve the residents of Niagara Falls and ensure the city gets its fair share of regional funding; be an active voice for Niagara Falls residents. Why should voters choose you:
Because I fight for Niagara Falls.
Contact info: 905-358-0333; selinavolpatti@gmail.com; http://SelinaVolpatti.com; Facebook: Volpatti’s Voice