Wainfleet mayoral candidates
The Tribune asked all six Wainfleet mayoral candidates the same questions about the upcoming municipal elections. Ken Martin was the only candidate who did not reply.
Richard Dykstra
Age: 48
Occupation: Farmer, small business owner, employed at Ben Berg Farm and industrial in Wainfleet
Family: Wife Nancy of 25 years, four children, Meghan, Ryan,
Wesley, Hannah
Previous political experience: Honoured to have the opportunity to participate in our township last eight years, two terms as alderman
Community work: Wainfleet minor hockey board, minor hockey coach and manager, Wainfleet agriculture society member, Wainfleet fall fair volunteer and member of Forks Road East United Church.
Top issue: Lack of funding for our infrastructure. We need to see the regional tax dollars collected and invested back into our community as well as continuing to work with provincial governments funding strategies.
Why are you running?: Lifelong resident who genuinely cares for our community. I want to be Wainfleet’s voice, a leader that can offer experience, knowledge of what’s required.
Why should voters choose you?: I will work hard for my community as the mayor of Wainfleet and at the regional level. I am a proven leader and I have a plan for Wainfleet.
Contact information: Phone: 905 899-2157; email: rndx6@live.ca; Facebook — Richard Dykstra for Mayor of Wainfleet
Kevin Gibson
Age: 60 Occupation: Retired RCMP officer, charity auctioneer
Family: Wife of 36 years and two daughters
Previous political experience: None Community work: Cancer society, CNIB, Habitat for Humanity, coach, church boards
Top issue: Managing growth but keep country lifestyle.
Why are you running?: Skills and energy and vision to better the township.
Why should voters choose you?: Big picture, long-term vision, extensive management experience.
Contact information: Phone: 289-332-0096; just Google Kevin for Wainfleet mayor
Ted Hessels
Age: 57 Occupation: Self-employed dairy and crop farmer
Family: Married to Yvonne, four children, two grandchildren
Previous political experience: 12 years as alderman
Community work: Volunteered at the Wainfleet Fall Fair for many years, volunteer firefighter for 33 years
Top issue: Controlled and sustainable development, marijuana grow-op regulations, fire hall builds, road and bridges infrastructure repairs and maintenance.
Why are you running?: I have the passion and worked my way up to this position, I feel that I can have stronger influence on the decisions that involve Wainfleet’s best interest.
Why should voters choose you?: I am open and transparent, a problem solver, dedicated to this community and have 12 years’ experience in municipal affairs.
Contact information: Phone: 905-658-1311; email: tedhessels@gmail.com; Facebook: tedhessels4mayor
Alfred Kiers
Age: 59 Occupation: Self-employed
Family: Married to Ann for 38 years, five children and 18 grandchildren
Previous political experience: Since 1989 have been on various EDA boards, ran in many federal, provincial, and one municipal election
Community work: Presently on the Wainfleet fire and emergency committee
Top issue: Fire hall upgrades, to develop and keep our rural flavour.
Why are you running?: Wainfleet is a great place to live and I look forward to keeping it that way.
We need sustainable growth to help the tax base and build our economy.
Why should voters choose you?: Residents can have full confidence that I will be there for them, selling our business will give me more time to devote to being their mayor.
Contact information: Email: alfkiers@gmail.com
Andrew Douglas Watts
Age: 76 Occupation: Retired, but relief captain for the Port Colborne pilot
boat
Family: Wife Alicia
Previous political experience: None
Community work: POCOMAR volunteer search and rescur unit, Wainfleet water/sewer group, Wainfleet Ratepayer’s Association
Top issue: Be part of a new council committed to taking full responsibility as Wainfleet’s planning authority.
Why are you running?: There is too much influence from both the Region and a development lobby in deciding what should be built in our township in total disregard for the concerns of many Wainfleet residents.
Why should voters choose you?: Integrity, accountability, transparency. A willingness to work with a new council and staff to promote policies that best serve the interests of the Wainfleet residents.
Contact information: Phone: 289-821-1422; email: awtts05@gmail.com; Facebook: Vote Andrew Watts For Mayor