Meet the Fort Erie candidates
Nine seek council seats in Wards 1, 2, 3 — others wards will be profiled later
The Review asked all the candidates for Fort Erie town council the same questions. A missing answer means the candidate declined to answer.
One candidate, John Mollicone in Ward 2, declined to participate.
Candidates in Wards 4, 5 and 6 will be published later this week. A full list of Fort Erie candidates in Wards 1-6 is posted online at NiagaraFallsReview.ca.
WARD 1 DALE HIRONS Age: Occupation: Employed at Fleet Canada for past 13 years, previously worked at Magellan Aerospace for 28 years.
Family: Married to Peggy, son John and daughter Laura, five grandchildren. Previous political experience: Was member and president of Rose Seaton school PTA, responsible for bring in school breakfast program.
Community work: Wrote a book on bullying, “Death to Bullying,” and have a bullying program and Facebook page Bully Free Forever plus website www.bullyfreeforever.ca. Operated a youth centre providing safe, secure environment for children. Sat on the Bridgeburg Neighbourhood Improvement Plan committee. Assisted Brock University on two youth studies.
Top issue: Top 3 issues – affordable seniors’ housing, affordable housing generally, and downtown revitalization to bring in more jobs.
Why are you running? To be a voice for seniors who need subsidized housing; push council for affordable rent-geared-to-income; create a splash pad at Bowen Road Park. Why should voters choose
you? I will work with council to make these issues a priority, because they affect our most vulnerable residents.
Contact info: 289-668-7200, dale.hirons@gmail.com, facebook-Elect Dale Hirons in Ward-1
GEORGE PETER MCDERMOTT Age: 65 Occupation: Customs broker Family: Married to wife Julie, two children. Previous political experience: Four years as town councillor; chaired planning and devel- opment, and strategic planning prosperous community committees; vice-chair and representative on various boards; provincial liaison to Mayor’s Hospital Task Force. Community work: Top issue: One of the main issues in Ward 1 is to continue urban renewal by reconstructing older roads and replacing aged pipes and sewers. I have delivered $11 million in infrastructure funding over the past four years and that needs to continue. The business district is part of the revitalization plan as well, including streetscaping on Jarvis Street. Why are you running? Why should voters choose
you: I believe voters should choose me because I always put them first. When they need me, I am there for them, my success rate at solving their problems is very good. I have three Facebook pages that give me immediate access to the taxpayer and they with me. Contact info: Home phone 905-871-0356; work phone - 905262-5121.
WARD 2 NICK DUBANOW Age: 35 Occupation: Office manager at Crescent Flooring.
Family: Married to Lauren Walpole, with two children. Previous political experience: Campaign volunteer
Community work: Current board member Fort Erie Community Gaming Development Corp. and Fort Erie Library. Member Waterfront Strategy Focus Group. Past member/treasurer Fort Erie Kinsmen. Kinsmen Pool volunteer.
Top issue: Keeping families in Fort Erie - opportunity and amenities for our children, and adequate affordable housing for our parents and grandparents.
Why are you running? My hope is that with good decisions and planning at Town Hall, we give our children a reason to stay in Fort Erie and that parents and grandparents can enjoy that future with them.
Why should voters choose you: Along with my volunteer experience, I am committed to policies that keep families together in Fort Erie e.g. the Industrial Lands Strategy, the Housing and Homeless Action Plan, and continued investment in infrastructure. Contact info: website PastPresentAndFuture.ca, email nick@pastpresentandfuture.ca, Facebook @electnickdubanow.
MARLO TOPPAZZINI Age:34 Occupation: I manage our family owned and operated electrical contracting company in Fort Erie Family: I have a large family who all live locally; I work daily with my dad, uncles, brother and cousins. Previous political experience: I’ve worked on campaign teams at the municipal and provincial level. I also have a BA in Political Studies from Queen’s and an MA in Public Policy from McMaster.
Community work: I ensure our company participates in local fundraising initiatives like the CB5k, the Rankin Cancer Run and the FE Corporate Challenge.
Top issue: Fort Erie has made great strides and we must press forward by encouraging economic growth, making sure that we are a desirable landing spot for young families and seniors alike.
Why are you running? When I moved home after grad school, I decided I wanted to settle in my hometown and do my part to make it better. I love Fort Erie and believe I can make a difference. Why should voters choose you: I believe I’m uniquely positioned to leverage my academic background, business experience and genuine affection for the town I grew up in to be an effective councillor for Ward 2.
Contact info: Facebook.com/ElectMarlo; 905-651-4509; email: toppazzini.ward2@gmail.com
WARD 3 DEAN DEMIZIO Age: 55 Occupation: Dean Demizio
Insurance Agency Ltd.
Family: Wife Peggy, daughter Chloe (21), son - Gabriel (17). Previous political experience: Liberal candidate in recent provincial election. Ran for federal Liberal nomination in 2015. Ran for mayor of Fort Erie in
2014.
Community work: Currently vice-president of board for Community Living Fort Erie, past chair - Lakeshore Catholic HS Parent Council, past president Greater Fort Erie Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Erie Soccer Club, board member - Fort Erie Multicultural Centre
Top issue: Jobs - attracting employers that pay more than minimum wage. Its difficult to support a family on $14/hour.
Why are you running? I have always been involved in the community in which I live and run my business. I am committed to making Fort Erie the best it can be. Why should voters choose
you: I have a long history of involvement. Whether on a volunteer or philanthropic level or at a political level. I have a proven track record of delivering when I am involved in something and I see Fort Erie becoming greater than ever. Contact info: 905-871-7066 work, email votedeandemizio@gmail.com
TRACEY CALDER ROSETTANI Age: Proud to have turned 50 this year. Occupation: I work part-time (one day a week) for local chiropractor.
Family: Married to husband David, we have no children of our own. Previous political experience: First time running for office
Community work: Current VP and four-year member of Fort Erie Active Transportation advisory committee reporting to Fort Erie council; secretary and active volunteer at Italo-Canadian Club of Fort Erie; entering my fifth year as a Leader with the 1st Ridgeway Sparks and Brownies.
Top issue: We need good residential and commercial growth; we need to bring down the town’s current four per cent debt load and stop the subsidies. Why are you running? I care about my community and want nothing more than to see it thrive and prosper. I know I will make a good council member! Why should voters choose you: I not only come to the table with a lot of skills, a lot of will and a lot of time but most important I want to be a town councillor and simply do the best job I can. I am not using this position as a stepping stone for a higher position, nor am I running because I need a job. I am running simply because I care and want to continue living in a great town and see Fort Erie thrive. Contact info: Phone 905-6515544 or email tec@cogeco.ca.
SCOTT WINGER Age: 26 Occupation: Full-time customer service specialist Family: Parents, two sisters Previous Political Experience: None Community Work: None recently due to scholastic career Top Issue: Responsible and well thought-out spending within our community.
Why are you running? I am running in order to provide my community with representation that I believe it deserves. I believe that I can offer a fresh and welcomed perspective to town council and truly be a passionate voice for our community.
Contact info: scottwingerforward3@gmail.com; www.winwithwinger.com; 289321-1334; On Facebook: Scott Winger for Fort Erie Ward 3 Councillor
KIMBERLY ZANKO Age: 42 Occupation: National account executive Family: I am married with children. Previous political experience: Current Ward 3 councillor. Community work: For the
past four years on council and committees I have also been a co-chair for Party on the Patio, which fundraises for the Fort Erie Centre for Arts. Previously I sat as past president, president , vice president and director for Fort Erie Chamber of Commerce.
Top issue: If I have to pick our top issue, I believe it is our roads and infrastructure. We need to focus on infrastructure improvements.
Why are you running? Because I love our town and see Fort Erie as a diamond in the rough. For the past four years we have made improvements, but our work together is not done. Why should voters choose you: My experience ensures I am able to hit the ground running and get back to work. I am passionate, dedicated and committed to my community and residents. Contact info: 289-320-7967, kimberlyzanko@live.ca Face Book: Kimberly Zanko, Your Councillor for Fort Erie, Ward 3