Three running to be mayor of Fort Erie
Jardine, Passero, Redekop on ballot for town’s top elected post
The Review asked all the mayoral candidates for Fort Erie the same questions. A missing answer means the candidate declined to answer.
Candidates are listed alphabetically.
GEORGE JARDINE
Age:
Occupation: Retired businessman (Chippawa video store 15 years), also WHMIS safety instructor at GM
Family: Widower, three children, six grandchildren. Previous political experience: Ten years with the Niagara Green Party, doing research and at-large work.
Community work: Founding member of the Black Creek Community Association, which acquired former Black Creek school now used as a community-owned community centre and home to scouts, beavers and Fort Erie Navy League. Also member Black Creek/Stevensville Lions Club. Run and helped run numerous charity bingos, acquiring more than $100,000 in grants in that time. Greatest work was getting restrictions put on sewage lagoon in Willoughby Township, ordered by an OMB judge. Despite that, order has been
defied, leading to millions of litres of raw sewage being dumped into Niagara River.
Top issue: Pollution control and protecting the Niagara River. In my opinion another Walkerton is overdue, right here in Niagara. Why are you running?: Why should voters choose you?: I will fight tooth and nail for the people of Fort Erie and serve the people, not a business group that has controlled our town since 1983.
Contact info: lynxenigma@aol.com
STEPHEN PASSERO
Age: 39 Occupation: Customs brokerage rater Family: Partner, Carrie Gordon Previous political experience: Ward 1 councillor 2010-14, Ward 2 councillor 2015-present Community work: Member and past president of Fort Erie Lions Club; chamber of commerce past president and director; member and past president Ontario Shorewalk Assoc.; chair of the Adult Literacy Council; vice-president South Niagara
Big Brothers Big Sisters; lead organizer Canada Day fireworks; co-elf of the Santa Claus Parade; very proud to lead the team that reopened and continues to operate the Kinsmen Pool
Top issue: Moving our town forward. If we do what we’ve always done, we’ll get what we’ve always got. We deserve more, and I’ll fight every day to make it happen. Why are you running?: I want to lead a change in our community — and provide the leadership necessary to reach our true potential. With passion and perseverance we can accomplish great things. Why should voters choose you?: I will bring a fresh perspective to the mayor’s office and move confidently and boldly to chart a course where we kick open the door when opportunity knocks. Like many residents, I am tired of hearing ‘we could have had this, we almost had that.’ Contact info: sdpassero@gmail.com; 905-8719868; Twitter @PasseroFE; Facebook: Stephen Passero For Mayor
WAYNE H. REDEKOP
Age: 67 Occupation: Lawyer, with local firm Jones, Jamieson & Redekop since 1977
Family: Wife, Cathy, of 42 years; daughters Lindsay (Rob), Hilary (Riley) and Kylie (Brendan); grandsons Brody and Cullen. Previous political experience: Town council, 1991-94; Mayor, 1997-2006, 2014-18
Community work: Member, director of various non-profit organizations, including the Ridgeway Lions Club (since 1978), Head Injury Association of Fort Erie, fundraising committee for Crystal Ridge library, Mayor’s Task Force to Save our Hospital
(co-chair), Niagara Land Trust (first chair, 2009-11), D’Youville College (trustee 200915, chair, 2013-15), and many others. Top issue: Managing growth in Fort Erie. We need to work together to ensure we integrate new residential developments with our natural heritage to be unique; attract investment, businesses and people; provide affordable housing for seniors and families; meet the continuing needs of residents; improve services and keep taxes low. Why are you running?: I love my community. We’re building momentum toward creating something remarkable in Fort Erie. We have built a strong team of councillors and staff. Fort Erie still needs a strong leader, who understands the importance of teamwork. Why should voters choose
you?: I have the experience, proven record of success and leadership skills to ensure Fort Erie continues to prosper and grow, is the community of choice for young and old, meets the needs of residents and maintains the strategies to attract businesses, investment and people. I understand the complexities of budgets, municipal affairs, administrative processes and dealing with other levels of government. The residents can count on me. Contact info: Campaign office: 241 Garrison Rd., Fort Erie; 289-320-8774; wayne@wayneredekop.ca