Meet the candidates for Windsor Ward 7 byelection

The Ward 7 seat opened up after councillor Irek Kusmierczyk won the Windsor-Tecumseh MP seat. The by-election is scheduled for Oct. 5. Twelve people filed the necessary paperwork to run as candidates by the 2 p.m. deadline Friday.

Igor Dzaic

Age: 30

Occupation: Administrator, Student

What is your most relevant experience for this position? Administrator (9+ years), W & I data clerk (I used to audit international freight bills), deputy returning officer, 2019 (federal election), tabulating deputy returning officer, 2018 (provincial election), information assistant, 2014 (municipal election), Bachelor of Economics (few classes left), B.A. Political Science, with Border management and International Trade (FITT/CITP), Occupational Health and Safety (Certifications), police foundations diploma.

What is the single biggest issue in your ward? A lack of updated infrastructure. My top priority is fixing the roads, and the sewers. Ward 7 is at risk for flooding in several areas, and residents cannot afford another flooded basement.

How did the pandemic change the way you campaigned? My campaign strategy has shifted since the COVID-19 pandemic began. I began focusing far more on online content, and I began calling many more Ward 7 residents to personally speak with them. It is my job to figure out how to make sure Ward 7 voices are heard ... This pandemic has presented a challenge, which I took on without hesitation. I decided to connect with thousands of people in ways I otherwise would not primarily do so, and I have gained many new friends through this process ... After we entered Stage 2 I began door to door campaigning again. I remain very active online as well. I provide masks for all of my volunteers, and I buy them lunch as a show of appreciation for their valuable time. 

Farah El-Hajj

Age: 25

Occupation: Constituency Assistant to Members of Parliament and Provincial Parliament. 

What is your most relevant experience for this position? I have worked in the financial sector for years helping Ward 7 residents and businesses. During this time, I came very knowledgeable on issues affecting the ward, while getting to know many on a personal level. I currently work in constituency offices helping residents resolve every day issues federally and provincially. I've learned how to develop and advocate for public policy to address citizens' concerns. This has reaffirmed my passion for public service. 

What is the single biggest issue in your ward? Protecting community livability is essential and it entails many aspects such as preventing homes from being flooded through infrastructure investments and protecting the natural environment by preserving and expanding the Little River corridor of park land. We have make sure that the growth in the ward benefits everyone such as implementing traffic calming measures for safety, enhancing services and infrastructure such as renewing the Forest Glade Library and maintaining the Blue Heron Bridge. Ensuring the taxes of Ward 7 residents are spent on their priorities in an accountable, transparent and responsible way. Working together to grow together. 

How did the pandemic change the way you campaigned? In-person and door-to-door canvassing was restricted for the safety of everyone but the increased use of other tools such online communication, podcast and radio interviews, Zoom debates, press conferences to raise residents' concerns, and traditional campaign literature have had to fill the void. Hopefully, the pandemic will not dissuade people from voting, as safety precautions have been put in place to protect voters and residents. 

Michelle Gajewski

Age: 30

Occupation: Customs Broker

What is your most relevant experience for this position?

Student Rep at the University of Windsor, president of the Polish Canadian Students' Association of Windsor, master's in sociology from the University of Windsor and a degree from the University of Southampton School of Law, raised $160,000 in grants for local non-profit, continuous community work to empower youth leadership.

What is the single biggest issue in your ward? Community safety and preparedness. For instance, traffic calming measures and responses to extreme weather

How did the pandemic change the way you campaigned? As a first time candidate, COVID-19 has made it more difficult for me to discuss my platform, local concerns, and getting my name out there. This by-election and my campaign aren't more important that peoples' health and safety, so I decided to maintain social distancing by dropping off flyers and limiting in-person contact with residents to respect their space during this time. I've had to rely more on social media, but not everyone uses those platforms, so it's difficult to reach everyone. Things like community outreach events and door knocking were key to my campaign strategy, but now I've been relying on residents contacting me and Zoom debates. I've been able to talk with a lot of residents via phone, email, and those who were outside while I dropped off flyers, but understandably people have been more worried about COVID-19 and its related issues more than this by-election.

Jeewen Gill

Age: 52

Occupation: Real Estate Broker

What is your most relevant experience for this position? I have the experience of being a director on business, health, and non-profit boards alongside experience in working with political figures and campaigns. I can effectively get the job done and push for necessary changes.

What is the single biggest issue in your ward? Infrastructure (roads, parks, flooding)

How did the pandemic change the way you campaigned? One of the ways COVID-19 has affected my campaign strategy is that door knocking has become very difficult. Some residents are worried about opening their doors, so it has been challenging to engage with voters and discuss the issues important to them. We've been trying to knock on doors while following all the necessary precautions by socially distancing. Adapting to the pandemic, I talk to residents in whichever form they feel most comfortable in. I reach out via phone calls, emails, Zoom and have increased my social media presence. Furthermore, I am continually reassuring voters that the city will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of everyone who will be voting on voting day.

Barbara Holland

Age: 64

Occupation: Business Owner of The Holland Benefits Group

What is your most relevant experience for this position? Business, volunteer and elected leadership experience. I represented Ward 7 residents on the school board for 18 years, seven as chairperson. I am a problem solver, a decision maker, and actively work with the people I represent. I have lived in and been active in Ward 7 for over 25 years. I get the job done. I delivered a new St. Joseph High School to the ward, enhanced elementary schools and grounds in the area, and collaboratively drove a robust middle school and academy system for our kids.

What is the single biggest issue in your ward? The need to elect a highly qualified person to represent constituents and move forward on the many issues of concern. I bring a high level of service and qualifications so that regardless of current issues, or the ones we will meet head-on down the road, I have what it takes to represent and advocate for Ward 7 residents. My platform further supports the diversification of council by placing a highly skilled, strong, open-minded, approachable business woman at the table who intimately knows the ward she will represent and the residents she will serve.  

How did the pandemic change the way you campaigned? While we are still distributing literature, signs and using social media, I opted to speak to residents by phone rather than go door to door and risk the personal safety of others in this pandemic ... The conversations are much longer, much more personal and far more enriching in terms of understanding the needs, the wants and the desires of those I want to represent at the City Council table ... While Covid-19 has injected much uncertainty into this race and taken away the time honoured campaign strategies of the past, I welcome the nuances and opportunities that have showed up instead.  

Ernie Lamont

Age: 73

Occupation: I worked at Ford's, but I'm a super salesman.

What is your most relevant experience for this position?  I've been at city hall for 30 years and I've spoken on many issues and I'm the one who wants to bring another casino to Windsor, like I did in 1991, when I went to city hall and now we have casinos throughout Ontario. I think I am a very, very outspoken person who cares about people.

What is the single biggest issue in your ward?   Well the more I think, the main issue is Banwell. I think the City of Windsor instead of just doing it in parts, they should do it from all the way from Tecumseh Road right to E.C. Row Expressway.

Greg Lemay

Age: 34

Occupation: Small business owner, Alpha Pro Floor Care & Machine Repair

What is your most relevant experience for this position? I'm a paralegal, small business owner and community activist.

What is the single biggest issue in your ward? Infrastructure hasn't kept up with growth in the ward and caused flooding.

How did the pandemic change the way you campaigned? COVID-19 separated the campaign into really two campaigns. We had to gear up prior to March break and had to re-start the campaign again basically from scratch. Where many candidates aren't door knocking, I'm still doing so but safely with a mask on and off the porch. Some candidates went heavy on [social media] advertising in place. I did do radio ads and [social media] as well through AM800 advertising.

Mike Malott

Age: 44

Occupation: I am an employee of PSA (Chrysler Canada) for the past 20 years and proud member of Unifor Local 444

What is your most relevant experience for this position? Simply stated, I love working with people and I'm passionate about it. I am very organized, love a challenge and take tremendous pride in all the projects I lead or play a role in.  

What is the single biggest issue in your ward? That really depends on where in the ward you are. In the Forest Glade area, flooding is a big hitter.  The closer you get to Banwell, driver and pedestrian safety stand out clearly.  

How did the pandemic change the way you campaigned? COVID-19 has definitely changed our campaign strategy but, not our focus. Instead of organizing large teams of canvassers, we have drastically reduced my door-to-door team to three including myself. I do not allow any others to knock doors. Masks and hand sanitizer are absolutely mandatory which I provide. I knock the door and take three steps back. Knowing we will not be able to get to every door we are taking advantage of every other opportunity to reach out to voters. We have a Living in Ward 7 podcast ... We just recently hosted a Facebook live tied to the podcast last week and this coming Monday we are hosting a live Zoom question and answer for residents of the ward. We are doing everything we can to reach out to as many voters in the safest way possible!! We also have a dedicated team working a phone bank for the campaign.

Angelo Marignani

Age: 53

Occupation: Magna International Materials Department

What is your most relevant experience for this position? Born and raised in Windsor nurtured my love for our city. Eight years living and working in Tokyo showed me what a world-class modern city can be. Owning and operating a business for 17 years in our downtown gave me daily insight into the needs of our community. Raising a family in our home in Ward 7 gave me the passion to want to improve the future for our youth.

What is the single biggest issue in your ward?  Infrastructure. Jobs. Clean and safe. With our ever-changing environment, it is crucial that we are proactive in our flood protection plan. We should focus on the strength of our city. Job security is very important and manufacturing is in the heart of Windsor.  Develop synergies with Detroit and become a true International Centre. Let's celebrate our history, from the Underground Railroad to the Rum Runners. One of the most important things that our city should do to be attractive to its residents and visitors alike is make sure our community is clean and safe. This includes our roads, sidewalks, shared pathways, parks and community centres. I will work hard for the taxpayers of Ward 7 and will not give up believing in a better Windsor.

How did the pandemic change the way you campaigned? This year, 2020 is like no other in our history. We are in the middle of a global pandemic that does not appear to be slowing down. We see the number of confirmed cases in Canada rising and it is predicted that my mid-fall there will be a spike in COVID-19 cases and associated deaths ... I am not willing to gamble your health and safety. Working together to ensure everyone's safety is a priority I feel strongly about. Because of this, I decided to canvas responsibly by not going door-to-door. I want you and your loved one to remain safe. You have all worked so hard these past seven months — let's keep moving forward. The pamphlets I leave at your doorstep has information to reach me by phone.  When you call, I gladly will listen to you and I am happy to set-up virtual Outlook Teams meeting.

Thérèse Papineau

Age: 64 years old, born and raised in the Windsor area

Occupation: Retired with a strong 37 years from Toronto Police Service as a civil servant.  Currently working part time (last 8 years) as a care worker for Seniors with HomeInstead Senior Care

What is your most relevant experience for this position?  My most relevant experience is my 40+ year career serving the many needs of a diverse public.  Knowing how to listen, screening the concerns, and achieving an attainable and measurable solution, in both English and French is my biggest asset.

What is the single biggest issue in your ward? The single biggest issue in my ward is currently the loss of local representation at the council level. The void of a councillor has left the citizens of Ward 7 orphans. I live, work and play in this ward; it's alive with growth, rooted in tradition and welcoming, and requires a candidate that is willing and eager to serve them with the respect they are currently lacking.

How did the pandemic change the way you campaigned? This campaign had taken a U-turn when COVID-19 hit ... The election was postponed in mid-March as the city declared an emergency. For months, the Go Papineau team continued to be attentive and aware of the effect COVID-19 had on the community, the city and the world. Like any problem facing a councillor, the issue of canvassing under new restrictions was examined, studied, and implemented. The problem resolution is listed below:

• Notification of the fundraiser ticket holders offering an option for all (or part) of their contribution to be donated to the Canadian Breakfast Club of Canada.
• Postcards sent out to homes in the north end of the ward.
• Blitz in Forest Glade delivering door hangers with revised information (without contact to residents).
• Zoom meetings and debates.
• Newspaper and TV interviews and articles.
• The implementation of more social media.

I prefer meeting everyone face to face with a handshake and a smile, but that is not the way of the world for now. 

Albert Saba

Age: 51

Occupation:  Employment Counselor, Job Developer, College Professor & Community Organizer

What is your most relevant experience for this position? Involvement within community organizations, and academic education.

What is the single biggest issue in your ward? I have a 7-point-platform that details the issues in our ward.

How did the pandemic change the way you campaigned? The COVID-19 pandemic brought me to change to the way I approach constituents, with social distancing. I [did] a lot of outreach through social media, as well. 

Howard Weeks

Age: 71

Occupation: Retired and working now for positive change at City Hall

Relevant Experience: As an activist, I have organized several effective community campaigns and movements. I have been vigorous in Windsor's political forum, addressing city council on many occasions and receiving accolades for my presentations and respect for process.  I have fought for improving transit, keeping soaring recreational fees in check, monitoring the city's sport tourism industry and of course, for the successful implementation of our new Auditor General.

Biggest Issue: Flooding.

How did the pandemic change the way you campaigned? I no longer knock on doors but try to catch people while  they're out washing their cars. Fortunately the weather has been  good for that. I'm also using social media and advertising on Facebook a lot.