Meet the St. Catharines Region candidates
PETER GILL
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired police inspector, public safety consultant
Family: Married to Sandie 46 years, two children and five grandchildren
Previous political experience: None
Community work: Began as lieut en antg Governor of Key Club International in high school. As a young police officer assisted in establishing a drug rehabilitation home in Niagara. Past president St. Catharines Sea Cadets and past chair St. Catharines Air Cadets. Coached girls soccer and Henley rowing course volunteer. Organized fundraiser in support of Ed Smith’s legal fees as a result of NPCA lawsuit.
Top issue: My top issue is the challenges facing seniors, their families and support facilities as the number of seniors continues to increase in Niagara.
Why are you running?: I am running due to the inaction of the present council in dealing with the myriad of problems it faced over the past four years.
Why should voters pick you?: I am nonpartisan and will vote based on what is best for Niagara taxpayers not the wishes of a political party or special interest group.
How will your restore integrity to regional council?: I will ensure that regional council maintains a high level of integrity by publicly and openly challenging any action by council that I feel lacks integrity.
What is your opinion on the CAO hiring and contract extension?: I have always maintained the same position on the CAO hiring and contract extension. Council of the whole should have requested the chair to step down and should have directed that the CAO, Tamming and D’Ambroise be placed on administrative leave while the ombudsman investigates.
Contact info: Email: inspectorsgroupcan@aol.com; website: electgillregion.ca, Facebook: Peter Gill — electgillregion
BRIAN HEIT
Age: 68
Occupation: I enjoyed over 40 plus years in business. Skilled in sales and marketing my most recent position prior to retirement was as general manager for a wireless communication company.
Family: Married to Marcy for 46 years, daughters Alexis and Kallie, son-in-law Greg Penney and grandson Hudson
Previous political experience: Proud and honoured to have been elected at both the city and regional levels. Currently completing my fourth term as a regional councillor serving on all standing committees. Fifteen years as a city councillor including five years as a deputy mayor with a consistent focus in the areas of finance and budgeting at both levels.
Community work: Volunteer for Community Care, past board member of the chamber of commerce, Niagara Grape and Wine Festival, St. Catharines Transit, Niagara Symphony, Downtown Association, and former minor all-star league coach. Recipient of both city and provincial volunteer recognition awards.
Top issue: 1) Restoring integrity to regional council; 2) Holding the line on tax increases; 3) foster economic initiatives to attract good-paying jobs; 4) Waste collection; 5) Aging infrastructure
Why are you running?: I am running for re-election because St. Catharines residents will benefit from an experienced, independent and effective representative. An honest, dedicated politician who is willing to speak out is essential at the Region.
Why should voters choose you?: I have a proven track record of voting the right way and keeping tax increases under inflation. I advocate consistently for open, fair and transparent government. I act with honesty and integrity. I will continue to defend democracy for all citizens of Niagara.
How will you restore integrity to regional council?: I am willing to right what is wrong, examine all questionable recent hires. Staff need to be qualified and deserve trusted leadership. I will make the tough decisions to restore the public’s trust, to create a Region that operates in the best interests of all taxpayers.
What is your opinion on the CAO hiring issue and the CAO contract extension?: I have consistently expressed concerns over this hiring issue and am on record as voting against the CAO’s hire. I am opposed to Chair Caslin’s attempt to rewrite and extend the CAO’s contract and will seek all avenues to have this action reversed.
Contact info: Phone: 905-9358377,; email: bheit@cogeco.ca; website: www.brianheit.ca; Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Brian Heit For Regional Council
LAURA IP
Age: 42
Occupation: Developer of volunteer programs; freelance research, writing, administration Family: Two children Previous political experience: Represented St. George’s ward on St. Catharines city council; worked in municipal government
Community work: 25 years of community work, including Quest CHC, Niagara Workforce Planning Board, Niagara Poverty Reduc- tion Network, Underdogs Boxing Club
Top issue: Develop a Niagara poverty reduction strategy to ensure resources are appropriately allocated, including transit, affordable housing, the infrastructure gap and economic development.
Why are you running?: I’ve never campaigned on integrity before, because it should be a given. This term of council has proven that to not be the case. I felt I needed to do something to help reset the Region.
Why should voters choose you?: Having worked in municipal government and having been a city councillor, I fully understand how municipal government works. I know how to work with people to get things done.
How will you restore integrity to regional council?: During the campaign and if elected, I have committed to regular meetings with the citizens of Niagara. I think open communication is the first step in restoring integrity and accountability.
What is your opinion on the CAO hiring issue and the CAO contract extension?: The CAO’s contract must be declared null and void with respect to the extension and potential payouts. He was not honest during the hiring process, so he must immediately be removed.
Contact info: Website: lauraip.ca; email: laura@lauraip.ca; Laura Ip for Regional Council on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
DEBBIE MacGREGOR
Age: 55
Occupation: Customer service representative 36 years with Burtnik Printing Inc.
Family: Daughter Islay, mother Margaret and Brother-Callum
Previous political experience: 2014-18 regional council
Community work: Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association, Niagara Rankin Run, Wise Guys Charity, Port Dalhousie Beautification Works
Top issue: Public trust has been eroded significantly over the past four years. My immediate priority is to restore the confidence and trust of the citizens of Niagara region and represent their interests.
Why are you running?: I want to look for workable, economic solutions to the crisis in homelessness and affordable housing and sustainable employment, attracting industries compatible with the identity of our region with respect to our unique position within the greenbelt.
Why should voters choose you?: I promise to continue to vote with my heart as I have this past four years while listening to what the citizens wanted and expected.
How will you restore integrity to regional council?: Integrity is an individual “quality.” Regional council needs a completely impartial, arm’s-length integrity commissioner charged with reviewing the existing code of conduct, tightening up the rules and continue to review expense claim policies while keeping them public to ensure tighter controls over claims.
What is your opinion on the CAO hiring issue and the CAO contract extension?: I did not support the hiring of the CAO. The contract extension is still being investigated.
Contact info: Phone: 905-6876848; email: debbiemacgregor4council@gmail.com
MARY MARGARET MURPHY
Age: 56
Family: I’m a single parent. I have one son, Sean, who is 27.
Previous political experience: This is my first time running for regional council
Community work: Past board member Credit Counselling of Regional Niagara; Rotarian – past board member, volunteer coordinator for Rotary Rib Fest; past president Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation community relations committee; Hospice Niagara GNCC; Niagara Immigrant Connection Initiative Hope Award committee member; Pathstone Mental Health Niagara Nutrition Breakfast Gala committee member
Top issue: There are so many issues that need to be addressed; however one of the top priorities is finding a way to fund a safe injection site.
Why are you running?: I chose to run because I want to bring leadership and integrity back to regional council.
Why should voters choose you?: I’ve been a business leader in the community. I’m someone that is not afraid to tackle difficult issues and stand up for what is right.
How will you restore integrity back to regional council?: We will need to work hard to re-establish trust. Key in getting integrity back is communication, showing respect for those opinions that come before council. I will communicate with honesty, civility and be accountable to the citizens of Niagara.
What is your opinion on the CAO hiring issue and the CAO contract extension?: This was one of the reasons why I decided to run for regional council. Once the election is over and we have the report back from the Ombudsman I believe we need to consult with legal to determine the best course of action.
Contact: Email: makingmunicipalitiesmatter@gmail.com
TIM RIGBY
Age: 78
Occupation: Retired and active regional councillor
Family: Wife 55 year, Gini; daughters, Susan, Moni, son Tim (deceased); 10 grandchildren
Previous political experience: Mayor of St. Catharines three terms, regional council three terms.
Community work: Henely Regatta, breakfast program at our church. Former Rotary Club member, Niagara Symphony board, Gyro Club
Top issue: The lack of respect, integrity and honesty within the leadership of council.
While are you running?: While I could step away, and let
others share the load, I want to be part of the future and to serve our citizens, staff and fellow councillors.
Why should voters choose you?: My knowledge and experience is needed now more than ever.
How will you restore integrity to regional council?: To start with selecting the correct council to serve as our chair
What is your opinion on the CAO hiring issue and the CAO contract extension?: The CAO hiring was improper and immoral. The CAO contract extension should be nullified right now.
Contact info: Phone: 905-3594185; email 905-328-8508; website TimRigby.ca
FRANK RUPCIC
Age: 60
Occupation: General manager, Venture Niagara Community Futures Development Corp.
Family: Partner Diane; wonderful daughter Brooke and sonin-law Ian and two grandchildren; the other equally wonderful daughter Carly and son-inlaw Logan. My mom Barbara is extremely important in all of our lives.
Previous political experience: I am a first-time candidate. I have volunteered on a few political campaigns over the years.
Community work: I am the past-chair of Western Ontario Community Futures Development Corporations of Ontario; director of Community Futures Ontario; a former director of the Niagara Workforce Planning Board; and I have been part of numerous ad hoc committees throughout Niagara over the years.
Top issue: Improving Niagara’s economy and competitiveness. We need stronger economic development initiatives and more specifically the creation and maintenance of good-paying jobs in Niagara. My career has given me great experience working with business start-ups and expanding companies. I want to share this at the regional council and at program delivery levels.
Why are you running?: I have gained much experience through my career and personal life and I have meaningful contributions to make to St. Catharines and Niagara. This timing is coincidental with what has probably been the most contentious term of regional council since its inception. I believe that my judgment, decision-making ability and regard for others may help to improve regional governance going forward.
Why should voters choose you?: I have a well-regarded work ethic that is often noted by my peers and I want to carry this through to council. I encourage new ideas in terms of hearing them out and bringing solutions forward. We need new ways of doing things. I am fair-minded with the decisions I make on a daily basis and I have the ability to cut through BS to get results.
How will you restore integrity to regional council?: I have a good reputation for making well thought out decisions and taking appropriate actions as needed. I will collaborate with members who are doing the right things and respectfully challenge fellow councillors if I think something is not appropriate or fair.
What is your opinion on the CAO hiring issue and the CAO contract extension?: Niagara has passed the point of no return for the chair, CAO and other staff involved in this process. Neither one has any credibility or possibility of redemption in the eyes of the public in Niagara and beyond. Whatever efforts are being made to market Niagara as a good place to live or do business have been undermined by the CAO related events.
Contact info: Phone: 905-3240201; email: frankrupcic@gmail.com; website: www.frankrupcic.ca; Twitter: @frankrupcic; Facebook: Vote Frank Rupcic
EMILY BETH SPANTON
Age: 38
Occupation: Addictions counsellor; writer/photographer
Previous political experience: I have been actively involved in the call for accountability at the NPCA, including researching and writing the petition on which former MPP Cindy Forster’s motion to Queen’s Park, for the auditor general, was based.
Community work: I donate my time to various antipoverty and harm-reduction initiatives; my environmental ad- vocacy includes being a leader in the fight to save Thundering Waters — home to multiple provincially significant wetlands and species-at-risk.
Top issue: I would love to say the social indicators of health, and our failings, but there are serious issues of accountability and transparency at the Niagara Region and its boards, including the NPCA, that must first be addressed.
Why are you running?: Former regional councillor Eleanor Lancaster told me, if you aren’t at the table, you’re probably on the menu; I’m taking our seat at the table and getting the people off the menu.
Why should voters choose you?: My knowledge and experience in front-line social services, political grassroots movements and community advocacy have all proven my tenacity; it’s time we work together to move Niagara forward.
How will you restore integrity to regional council?: We don’t need to reinvent the wheel, many municipalities have whistleblower protection bylaws; additionally, I would immediately implement all recommendations contained within the Auditor General report on the NPCA and the forthcoming Ombudsman’s report on the integrity of the CAO hiring process.
What is your opinion on the CAO hiring issue and the CAO contract extension?: I have been a vocal opponent of the CAO since his days on the NPCA board and advocated against his hiring by the Region due to questions surrounding his tenure at the NPCA; as CAO of the NPCA, Carmen sued a citizen, Ed Smith, for defamation; under Carmen, the Region needed an Ombudsman’s report to explain press freedom; Carmen needs to go.
Contact info: Website: Emilybeth.ca; email: emily@emilybeth.ca; Facbook: @emilybethStC; Twitter: @ whatdoesntkillu
LEN STACK
Occupation: Retired educator/ administrator
Family: Married to my beautiful wife, Mary Stack, and we have two adult children, Aaron and Desirae
Previous political experience: Served two terms (2007-10) (2011-14) as a St. Catharines city councillor for Port Dalhousie Ward 6
Community work: Volunteer work with St. Davids Lions Club
Top issue: I have numerous “top” issues but my No. 1 issue is health care/ mental illness/ addiction
Why are you running?: I am running because I love the St. Catharines community and I believe the residents deserve better representation. The community, at large, has lost confidence in our regional government’s ability to lead with honesty and integrity.
Why should voters choose you?: I am knowledgeable, personable and accountable and I believe my role as a regional representative is one of service to the citizens of St. Catharines. I support complete transparency and I will work to the best of my ability to win back the confidence of our citizens by hearing them, responding to them, engaging them and making decisions that reflect the best interests of the citizens of St. Catharines and the Niagara region as a whole.
How will you restore integrity to regional council?: By always communicating in an honest, sincere and transparent manner. We are here to serve and that task cannot be achieved unless we demonstrate integrity in everything we do. We must work at being more invitational to the general public and constantly remind ourselves that we are in positions of service to them.
What is your opinion on the CAO hiring issue and the CAO contract extension?: The hiring of the CAO was illegitimate from the beginning and the candidate selection was a shock to me. After learning of the many things that happened surrounding the CAO hiring and the blatant disregard for the fellow council members by the chair, I had hoped that both individuals would eventually take the high road, admit their wrongdoing and resign from their positions, leaving the council with some degree of trust and integrity.
BOB SZAJKOWSKI
Age: 57
Occupation: Political aid Family: Been married 36 years have four kids, five grandchildren ages one to 13
Previous political experience: I am a former cabinet minister’s assistant who had special responsibilities to look after senior citizens
Community work: Organized community meetings for the needs of residence both locally and provincially. Donated time to
humanitarian issues.
Top issue: Health and well-being is a must; we have to have better seniors care, protect the environment and grow the region with good infrastructure.
Why are you running?: To better the lives of everyone who lives in the region.
From better health care to better roadways to safer water to ensure that kids are eating healthier meals at school to ensuring that their dental needs are met.
Why should voters choose you?: Change is needed to regional council. I worked Monday to Saturday running the day by day operations of a consistency office dealing with the issues at hand.
How will you restore integrity to regional council?: Doing the right thing for taxpayers must be considered, looking at things a few times before implementation.
What is your opinion on the CAO hiring issue and the CAO contract extension?: The contract for the CAO is flawed and the contract extension is even worse for the people of Niagra.
Contact info: Phone: 905-667-4479
BRUCE TIMMS
Age: 65
Occupation: Professional engineer, house inspector, sole proprietor
Family: Divorced, daughter Gaelan Martin-Timms
Previous political experience: Regional councillor, first elected in 1991, chair of Greater Niagara Circle Route steering committee, former chair of public health committee, founding board member Niagara Regional Housing, former chair Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, chair of corporate labour relations strategy subcommittee
Community work: Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore, twotime Paul Harris Fellow, St. Johns Anglican Church volunteer, former Jaycee, JCI
Top issue: Restructure the Niagara Region council; elect the chair at large by the people of Niagara and replace the regional councillors with double-duty city councillors who sit at both city and regional council, reducing number of St.Catharines politicians by 30 per cent and creating a strong bond of understanding and co-operation between city council and regional council.
Why are you running?: Unfinished business, restructuring the Region, the Region needs to come together as one team, 12 players (municipalities), each respecting the unique strength of the others. A winning team that can achieve prosperity and social justice for the people of Niagara region.
Why should voters choose you?: experience, an understanding of communities across the region, a commitment to give this position my full attention, to continue to work at keeping taxes below inflation, building infrastructure for transportation, focus on prosperity and the social justice that follows prosperity.
How will you restore integrity to regional council?: Elect new leadership.
What is your opinion on the CAO hiring issue and the CAO contract extension?: The process was seriously compromised and the contract extension should not stand because it is beyond the authority of the chair.
Contact information: Phone: 905-9346816; email: Brucetimms@yahoo.com