Question 1

Why are you running for Mayor?

Accepted Answer

I believe Haldimand County deserves strong, transparent leadership focused on getting results, instead of political drama. As a local entrepreneur, employer, and business owner, I've spent my career solving problems, managing budgets, creating jobs, and making difficult decisions. I want to bring that same practical, accountable approach to municipal government and help build a stronger future for Haldimand.

Question 2

Why are you running for Mayor instead of Council first?

Accepted Answer

Leadership isn't measured by how long you've been in politics - it's measured by your ability to lead people, solve problems, and make responsible decisions.I've spent years leading businesses, managing employees, working with budgets, negotiating contracts, and delivering projects. Those are leadership skills that directly translate to the role of Mayor.I respect the work of Council and will work collaboratively with every member, but I'm running because I believe I can provide the leadership our County needs.

Question 3

Where do you live?

Accepted Answer

I lived in Haldimand County for the majority of my life, including over 40 years in Dunnville. In 2025, my fiancée and I moved just outside the County to Simcoe, after struggling to find suitable housing in Haldimand.My businesses remain in Haldimand, I work here nearly every day, employ local people, serve local customers, and remain fully invested in our community. My commitment to Haldimand has never changed.

Question 4

Can you legally run for Mayor if you don't live in Haldimand County?

Accepted Answer

Yes.Ontario's Municipal Elections Act allows candidates to run if they are owners or tenants of land in the municipality, or meet the other eligibility requirements set out in the Act.I meet all legal requirements to run for Mayor.

Question 5

What is your position on the Empire Homes / Nanticoke MZO?

Accepted Answer

I have consistently stated that I am not personally in favour of the MZO.However, the decision ultimately rests with the Province, not the Mayor or Council.If the Province approves the project, I will focus on ensuring Haldimand residents receive the greatest possible benefit through strong negotiations for infrastructure, roads, water, wastewater capacity, employment opportunities, community amenities, and protections for existing residents.Leadership means preparing for every outcome—not simply debating the outcome you prefer.

Question 6

What are your thoughts on Strong Mayor Powers?

Accepted Answer

I believe leadership should come through collaboration, not authority.Strong Mayor Powers should be used carefully, responsibly, and only when absolutely necessary. My goal is to build consensus with Council whenever possible.The Mayor should lead by earning trust, not by relying on extraordinary powers.

Question 7

You currently have contracts with Haldimand County. Isn't that a conflict?

Accepted Answer

No.Municipal contracts are awarded through established procurement processes with clear rules and oversight.If elected Mayor, I will fully comply with Ontario's Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. Any matter involving my businesses would be declared, and I would remove myself from discussions and voting where required.Public trust comes first.

Question 8

How can residents trust that you'll be transparent?

Accepted Answer

Transparency isn't just a campaign promise, it's how I believe government should operate.Residents deserve to know why decisions are being made, how tax dollars are being spent, and what progress is being achieved.I believe in open communication, accountability, and making information easier, not harder, for residents to access.

Question 9

What are your top priorities?

Accepted Answer

My STAR Platform focuses on four key principles:Strong Leadership – Bringing professionalism, collaboration, and decisive leadership to County Hall.Transparent Government – Open decision-making, accountability, and accessible government.Accountable & Affordable – Respecting every tax dollar while improving municipal services.Responsible Growth – Planning infrastructure first, attracting investment, and building a stronger future for generations to come.

Question 10

What experience prepares you to be Mayor?

Accepted Answer

I've built and managed successful businesses, created local jobs, worked with municipal regulations, managed employees, balanced budgets, negotiated contracts, and invested in Haldimand for years.I understand both the challenges residents face and the realities local businesses encounter.My experience has taught me how to make decisions, solve problems, and deliver results.

Question 11

What makes you different from the other candidates?

Accepted Answer

I'm not running to become another politician.I'm running to provide practical leadership, improve transparency, strengthen relationships with other levels of government, support responsible growth, and restore confidence in local government.I believe it's time to focus less on politics, and more on people.

Question 12

Will you raise taxes?

Accepted Answer

No Mayor can honestly promise there will never be tax increases.Property taxes are affected by inflation, provincial legislation, infrastructure needs, emergency services, policing, and many other factors.My commitment is to carefully review spending, improve efficiencies, pursue provincial and federal funding wherever possible, and ensure every tax dollar delivers maximum value for residents.

Question 13

Do you support data centres in Haldimand County?

Accepted Answer

If a proposal for a data centre came forward, I would want all of the facts before making a decision. That includes understanding the benefits, challenges, infrastructure requirements, environmental impacts, economic opportunities, and any potential costs to our community.I don't believe decisions of this magnitude should be based on emotion, headlines, or personal opinions alone. They should be based on facts and informed discussion. Residents also deserve the opportunity to review the information and have meaningful input before decisions are made.

Question 14

How will you attract more industry and jobs?

Accepted Answer

It starts with strong leadership and a clear direction.We need to showcase Haldimand County as a municipality that is open, prepared, and ready to do business. That means building strong relationships with investors, reducing unnecessary barriers where we can, and ensuring we have fully serviced, employment-ready lands available for new businesses looking to invest in our community.Investment doesn't happen by accident - it happens when communities are prepared.

Question 15

What are your views on agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Agriculture is one of Haldimand County's greatest strengths and one of our largest economic drivers.It has helped shape our communities for generations, and I believe we need to continue supporting and encouraging our farming community wherever possible. Protecting agricultural land, supporting innovation, and recognizing the important role agriculture plays in our local economy will always be a priority.

Question 16

What is your plan for roads, water, and sewer infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

Infrastructure is the foundation for responsible growth.My priority is to build stronger working relationships with our provincial and federal governments, as well as our neighbouring municipalities, so Haldimand County is at the table when new funding opportunities become available.That means having infrastructure projects planned, designed, and ready to go, not starting from scratch after funding is announced. By aligning our priorities with provincial and federal infrastructure programs for roads, water, wastewater, housing, and employment lands, we can maximize grant opportunities and reduce the amount that has to come from local taxpayers.Being prepared today saves taxpayers money tomorrow.

Question 17

How will you work with the Provincial and Federal governments?

Accepted Answer

Strong relationships matter.As Mayor, I will work to strengthen Haldimand County's relationships with the Province, the Federal Government, neighbouring municipalities, Indigenous communities, and industry partners.I want Haldimand to be recognized as a municipality that is collaborative, professional, and ready to move projects forward. By maintaining those relationships and ensuring we have well-planned projects ready to proceed, we put ourselves in the best position to secure funding and investment that benefits our residents.

Question 18

How will you support small businesses?

Accepted Answer

As a small business owner myself, I understand the challenges because I've lived them.I've experienced the frustrations, the red tape, the rising costs, and the day-to-day realities of running a business. That perspective gives me a practical understanding of where Haldimand County can improve the processes that are within municipal control.Small businesses create local jobs, invest in our communities, and support countless local organizations. They deserve a municipal government that works with them, not against them.

Question 19

Why should younger families vote for you?

Accepted Answer

I have a young family myself, so I understand many of the same challenges young families are facing today.Affordability, housing, reliable infrastructure, safe communities, recreation opportunities, and building a strong local economy aren't just political issues to me - they're part of everyday life.I'm running because I want to help build a Haldimand County that provides opportunities not only for our generation, but for our children and future generations as well.

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