Meet the Candidates – Municipal Election 2018

BScene reached out to all Brantford and Brant County Mayoral candidates when an election questionnaire. The following are the responses we received. 

Brant County

On October 22nd, people are called to vote for their local municipal governments, so we wanted to get to know the candidates. For these elections, we limited the questionnaire to the Mayoral candidates to conserve space. But please get to know your local Ward candidates and those running for the School Board positions. As we’re all about positive and local, we asked the Mayoral candidates a few questions to shed some light on their community spirits.

Here are the answers from 3 of the 4 Brant Mayoral candidates. Unfortunately, we did not hear back from Don Cardy.

We hope that their answers help you to make your decision on October 22nd. Please take some time to get to know all of the candidates and to go vote as our local government can have a large impact on our day to day lives. For more information about the elections please visit: www.brant.ca/elections

David Bailey

Office Location: 13 Main St South St. George
Contact Info: 519 448 3370 519 732-8773
Social Media/Web: David Bailey for BRANT County Mayor – dabbjet@on.aibn.com

How are you involved in our community?

I have chaired many groups and boards including the Police Services Board for the third term, the Brant Community Foundation, the South Dumfries Trade and Tourism Board, many not for profits in both the City and County (Brantwood, Animal Aid Foundation) and many other things.

What are your favourite local event(s)?

I love Applefest! I have chaired this event for over 5 years. I also enjoy the Paris and Burford Fairs.

What inspired you to run for elections?

The life style we enjoy – people can’t believe that we live everyday surrounded by such beauty, enjoying nature and home spun goodness at every turn.

How do you want to make our community better?

I want the people of the County to be happy again. I want people to enjoy the life and life style they signed up for in moving to the county as well as maintaining the lifestyle of the pioneer residences that have 5 generations of history invested in only place they have ever known. To promote all the good things that the different towns, villages and side roads have to offer. Listen to the people and try with all I have to help make them be happy again, because the count have been happy in the past and I believe along the way people have dropped the ball – not on purpose I’m sure, but the ball has been dropped just the same.

Why should people vote in the elections?

PEOPLE should vote because its time for CHANGE. The tone of politics in the world and the province seems to have given people permission to behave badly and with disrespect. We need to vote because we have to let people know that the residents of the County of Brant are not interested in this behavior, it’s not what we are all about. We want to be seen by the world as very lucky people – because we are. The County of Brant has it all now and its future will only get better when we vote and make sure the right people are in place to drive the good news story of the County of Brant forward.

Ron Eddy

71 Kitchen School Rd., Paris
519.442.2040

How are you involved in our community?

Involvement in our community, Brant County as mayor.  This means that I attend all County Committee meetings as mayor.  I am a voting member and all County advisory committees for information input and support.  Attendee of all county events and public functions also included for support. I also attend as many city events and functions as time will permit.  This includes joint City/County joint committee meetings.

What are your favourite local events?

Favourite local events include auction sales throughout the County as well as bazaars, fundraisers and entertainment events.

In your opinion, what makes our community #BRANTastic? 

The County of Brant is Brantastic because of its beautiful well kept gardens and homes its outstanding parks, rinks, ponds and streams, thousands of acres of Carolinion forest and thriving farm, horticultural and gardens cross our location in the wooded Grand River Valley with a heritage river including rapid, slow moving areas through the County from the North to the South East is extremely alluring.  Beautiful.

What inspired you to run for elections?

Because I love living in Brant County I wanted to participate in its governance to improve its attraction, conveniences and accessibility for all citizens.

How do you want to make our community better?

Hospital Care and public transportation must be provided.  Better Health Care is imperative for our citizens. Expansion of nature gas supply is essential to lives, to cost of energy, our roads and bridges must be expanded and improved to improve transportation.

Our remaining farm land and aquifer must be strongly defended.

Brant, Ontario and Canada are democratic governmental entities.  Voting by citizens will maintain and guarantee these democracies!

Remember the Willett Hospital must and will be saved.

Shawn Pratt

Office Location:  5 Grand River St N
Contact Info:  519-761-2988

How are you involved in our community?

Our family runs a local 24 hour taxi and shuttle service to Brantford since 2007.  Grand River Cab Inc. has given over $100,000.00 to The County of Brant’s Subsidized Transportation Program for seniors and people with disabilities operated by the County, since 2014.

What are your favourite local event(s)?

Santa Claus parade, Spring time in Paris, Burford Fair, St George Apple Fest

In your opinion, what makes our community #BRANTastic?

Two great rivers, sprawling farm lands, and peaceful settings.

What inspired you to run for elections?

The strong support I have received in previous [Mayoral campaigns].  The strong belief that I am the best man for the future that lies ahead for our County.  My passion is to remain a County resident and not become a City of Brantford resident.  I believe Brantford has a future goal of including the County, so they can become larger than Hamilton, within the next 4 years so they can receive larger government funding.   When I am elected Mayor, my vote will never be in favour of amalgamation or any further land transfers, Brantford is large enough.

How do you want to make our community better?

Our County has an aging population base, as well as a growing young family base, so I believe we need sidewalks for all, safer and cleaner streets, slower speed limits, more activities for all age groups, a real senior centre for all the aged, and certainly more affordable housing.

Why should people vote in the elections?

When 7 out of 10 people do not vote as in previous elections, that means 7 out of 10 people do not believe their vote matters, but it really means that apathy re-elects the people who have their foot half way in the door to stay elected.  Many voters in the past 3 elections have voted for change, but there have been too many candidates, and the incumbents have won with small popular votes from the decided voters.  Change is still needed even more so than ever before.

The most important part of my platform is council reform.  The County was created 19 years ago … giving 6 rural Councillors from Wards 1, 4 & 5 fewer citizens to represent but ultimately the most power in deciding what is best for the County of Brant.  The remaining 4 councillors from Paris, Wards 2 and 3 are the forgotten 4 with more citizens to represent and little to no power.  When the forgotten 4 vote their votes usually are never the deciding votes because 4+1(Mayor)=5.

My council reform is quite easy, give us 2 more councillors for Paris, or take two away from the Rural County to make it fair for all.  Then with an equal number of representatives the Mayors vote will finally matter on issues that councillors cannot agree on, and it will make a functional government.  I believe that the County voters need to stand up for council reform and I am asking for the 7 out of 10 citizens to stop being apathetic and join in with the 3 out of 10 that for the last 12 years have voted for change, and I need your vote to give Shawn Pratt a strong mandate for council reform.  This will indicate to any and all elected officials that this is the direction the County of Brant citizens want.

City of Brantford

On October 22^nd, people are called to vote for their local municipal governments, so we wanted to get to know the candidates. For these elections, we limited the questionnaire to the Mayoral candidates to conserve space. But please get to know your local Ward candidates and those running for the School Board positions. As we’re all about positive and local, we asked the Mayoral candidates a few questions to shed some light on their community spirits.

Here are the answers from 3 of the 7 Brantford Mayoral candidates. Unfortunately, we did not hear back from the following candidates: Barbara Berardi, Chris Friel, or Dave Wrobel and Wayne Maw declined the opportunity.

We hope that their answers help you to make your decision on October 22^nd. Please take some time to get to know all of the candidates and to go vote as our local government can have a large impact on our day to day lives. For more information about the elections please visit: www.brantford.ca/election

Kevin Davis

Office Location: No office
Contact Info: 519-751-8577
Kevin@DavisForMayor.ca
Social Media/Web:
Facebook: Kevin Davis
Website: davisformayor.ca

How are you involved in our community?

I have been involved in a wide range of community activities and organizations including:

• Member of Brantford city council representing Ward 2 (1985-91)
• President, Brantford Boys’ and Girls’ Club
• Chairman, John Noble Home long-term care facility.
• Chairman, Brantford Economic Development Board
• Director, Brantford YM-YWCA Housing Corporation
• President, Brantford Chamber of Commerce
• President, Brantford Aquatic Club
• President, Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise
• Member, Mohawk College Board of Governors
• Chair, United Way Campaign
• Founding member and president, Brantford Collaborative Law Group

What are your favourite local event(s)?

• Lion’s Park Canada Day (my Rotary club operates the beer tent)!
• International Villages Festival
• Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award dinner
• Military Museum Open House

In your opinion, what makes our community #BRANTastic?

What makes our community Brantastic is:

• When faced with challenging circumstances community members are able to set aside their differences and work together to build a better future. No better example of that is how the community rallied through the early 90’s to overcome the devastating impact of the closing of Massey’s and White Farm.
• Strong sense of community pride, spirit and service.
• Legions of volunteers who are committed to helping others and making the community better.
• Excellent community for raising a family or growing a business.

What inspired you to run for elections?

My grandparents had a big influence on me.  They were active volunteers and taught me the importance of contributing to your community.

When I came to Brantford as a young lawyer, I had several mentors who got me involved with community groups. One Dick Waterous who believed there is no higher level of service than through politics so I served on city council.

After decades of council and community experience, I want to go the next step and lead city council as mayor.

How do you want to make our community better?

Brantford is a great place to live, raise a family and grow a business.  All of my adult life I have worked hard with community groups and people from all walks of life to make Brantford the best it can be.

However, I’m hearing a lot of concerns about the state of our roads, high taxes, inadequate infrastructure, the health system, mental health services, the downtown and other issues.

Residents want a mayor who will work co-operatively with others to get things done.

We need to be smart about the way we spend money, build a strong foundation for future growth and work to keep Brantford an affordable place to live.

Why should people vote in the elections?

All elections are important, but in a municipal election you are choosing the people who run the services you use every day and keep you safe and healthy.

You can help decide the future of our city by electing a mayor and councillors who will keep taxes in line, fix our decaying infrastructure and develop sound plans for future growth.

You only get this chance once every four years, so take advantage of it.

Michael Issa

Office Location: 91 Blackburn Drive
Contact Info: 226-400-1435/416-708-9575
Social Media/Web: www.ilovebrantford.ca

How are you involved in our community?

I have championed the local diversity committee. I was involved with the Toronto District Catholic School Board and was a candidate for Ward 7. Focussed on ‘building a better nation through education’.

What are your favourite local event(s)?

Sanderson Centre and Harmony Square social functions.

In your opinion, what makes our community #BRANTastic?

A very diversified community living in a harmonious and friendly atmosphere.

What inspired you to run for elections?

I know the potential of Brantford, the town of Alexander Graham Bell, Wayne Gretzky and many others, should be put on a map rather than simply a name on a water tank.

With a long experience in the business world, I know what it takes to find solutions, navigate the complicated governmental agencies, and get things done.

Why should people vote in the elections?

Citizens should exercise their democratic right. Make sure the right person is elected to the right job.

John Turmel   

Address: 50 Brant Ave.
519-753-5122
johnturmel@yahoo.com
SmartestManOnEarth.Ca or SmartestMan.Ca for short
Index of videos: SmartestMan.Ca/kotp
BLOG: groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/alt.fan.john-turmel
facebook.com/john.turmel

How are you involved in the community?

Accordion concerts at hospitals and retirement homes.

Provide discount coupons for savings.

What are favourite local events?

Canada Day

What makes Brantford #BRANTastic?

Little crime.

What inspired you to run?

Bus tickets and LETS timebanking can fund everything.

How do you want to make our community better?

BUS BUCKS

Pay youth with $2 Bus tickets to ride buses or pay taxes.

Student base is $12BB/hour.

Youtube “Bus Bucks” for videos of Brantford kids wanting to

shovel your snow 8 years ago.

Pay adults who want to pay taxes or ride buses too.

Pay skilled workers more Bus Bucks per hour.

LETS TIMEBANK

Install a LETS timebank allowing parents to double-duty

babysit each others’ kids and pay with Hours IOUs. Others

can take accept them too.

CORRECT TRAFFIC LIGHTS

“No Right on Red” from Brant N. onto St. Paul E. while St.

Paul W. has advanced to turn onto Brant S. feels wasteful.

Unmatched “advanced” or “extended” lights will be corrected.

END FLUORIDATION

Studies have shown “fluoride” is poison. It could explain

why you didn’t vote to give your kids jobs shovelling our

snow for City Bus Tickets years ago?

GOLD NUGGET NETWORK DISCOUNT COUPONS

Over 200 Brantford stores

GoldNuggetNetwork.Com/brantford.pdf give a few bucks off for

a generic Gold Nugget Magic Money coupon which I distribute

to churches and businesses and Brant News.

2017 Magic Money Report GoldNuggetNetwork.Com/br2017.pdf

ACCORDION CONCERTS

Amber Lea, Riverview, John Nobel monthly

Why should people vote in the elections?

It gives you the right to complain for better.