Meet the Port Dalhousie candidates
N. CARLOS GARCIA
Age: 72 Occupation: Strategic planning consultant and city councillor Family: Widowed
Previous political experience: Current councillor for Port Dalhousie Ward (2014 to date)
Community work: Work with community organizations including: BWC, Port Dalhousie Lions, Port Dalhousie Conservancy, Kiwanis and Grantham Optimist, as well as local charities.
Top issue: Ensuring new developments in Port Dalhousie do not overwhelm traffic, parking and supporting infrastructure. Port must remain accessible to all. Port Dalhousie is for everyone.
Why are you running? To continue my work for our residents, leveraging my extensive business experience and education, to address key issues such as: taxes, new businesses, arts, culture and heritage.
Why should voters choose you? Because of my background and experience and my total commitment to Port Dalhousie Ward and St. Catharines. My desire is to help and I have no political aspirations beyond council.
Contact: Phone: 905-937-7012; Email: GarciaPortDalhousie@gmail.com; Facebook: N. Carlos Garcia
JEFF MACKIE
Age: 40
Occupation: Small business owner
Family: Married eight years to Katie, three children; Madelyn, Emily, George
Previous political experience: None
Community work: Founding board member and past president of Port Dalhousie Beautification and Works Committee, previous board member of Port Dalhousie Business Association, previous member of Port Dalhousie Renaissance Committee
Top issue: Growing our community for future generations.
Why are you running? To bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to our ward.
Why should voters choose you? I have an undying passion for our community. I grew up here and we have chosen to raise our family here. I will continue to put in every effort to ensure we have a vibrant community for years to come.
Contact: Phone: 905-401-1721; Email: jeff@jeffmackie.ca; Website: www.jeffmackie.ca; Facebook: @VoteMackiePort; Instagram: @VoteMackiePort; Twitter: @VoteMackiePort
WOLFGANG GUEMBEL
Age: 39
Occupation: Teacher and business owner
Family: Wife Barb, son OskerKarl (3½), daughter Kensington (2)
Previous political experience: Chair of Port Dalhousie Business Association since 2015
Community work: Coach masters swimming, financial contributor and volunteer for Community Care, Hospice Niagara, Niagara Children’s Centre and founder of Christmas Wish (TheChristmasWish.ca)
Top issue: Running the corporation of the City of St. Catharines like a successful, sustainable, market-leading business. Creating a city that offers career jobs and ideal conditions for raising a family or caring for elderly.
Why are you running? To change the face of local politics to engage the 70 per cent of eligible voters who did not cast their vote. City politics should be more accessible, easier to understand, and easier to participate in. We should all care and all be engaged. If you wear a poppy in November you should be inspired to vote in October.
Why should voters choose you? I am a husband, father, and business owner who is raising his family and creating jobs and opportunities in a city that I love. I can work with anyone to face challenges and I like to be objective and forward thinking.
Contact: Twitter:@WolfofLockStreet; Website: WolfofLockStreet.ca; Email: wolf@lockstreet.ca
BRUCE WILLIAMSON
Age: 58
Occupation: Teacher, Laura Secord Secondary School, after working in private sector as an account representative.
Family: Happily married to my first and only spouse, Melody, we are proud parents to three young men and we are home owners in Port Dalhousie Ward
Previous political experience: Incumbent city councillor
Community work: I have been involved with many charitable events; past coach Grantham Optimist softball, Port Weller soccer, Kiwanis hockey, secondary school rowing, soccer, volleyball and hockey. Supporter of music, arts, and cultural activities, including as representative on the Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial Committee.
Top issue: Trust and integrity. I have served with a clean record, do not accept campaign money from vested interests and was an early, leading voice pushing for answers about the operations of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. I consistently fight for full public disclosure of information.
Why are you running? I am running because I believe it is possible, by serving effectively as a local representative, to make a positive difference in our quality of life. I am determined to continue to strive towards making us a more livable community.
Why should voters choose you? I have proven to be an honest, thoughtful and independent voice for the people of Port Dalhousie Ward. I promote responsible use of your tax dollars and stand up for the north end.
Contact: Phone: 905-934-2787; Email: cbrucewilliamson@gmail.com; Facebook and Website: vote4williamson.com