Residents in Windsor's Ward 7 have been without representation on city council for almost a year, but on Monday night, that will change.
After the April byelection was postponed because of the pandemic, residents will elect a new city councillor.
The last day to vote in the advance poll at the WFCU Centre is Saturday. The poll is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Whoever wins, and there are 12 candidates to choose from, will replace Irek Kusmierczyk, who left the seat vacant when he was elected Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh in the last federal election.
If you are still undecided, perhaps the following profiles will help you decide who to vote for.
There are four women and eight men campaigning. They range in age from 26 to 71, and come to the race from a variety of backgrounds including a constituency assistant to a local MP, a customs broker, an autoworker, and a retired civil servant. Some have lived in the Ward for decades, while others plan to move there after Election Day.
BlackburnNews.com posed six questions of the candidates. Some were composed by staff and some, by chosen from an informal request for questions on social media from Windsor residents. The questions have been edited for formatting and clarity.
The candidates are listed in alphabetical order, as their names will appear on the ballot, and a link to more information about the candidate's plan has been included in each profile.
Windsor Ward 7 candidate Igor Dzaic. (Photo courtesy of by Igor Dzaic)
Igor Dzaic, 30, grew up in East Riverside and said his priority is higher employment levels and the construction of a new hospital as soon as possible. Dzaic listed employment with Elections Canada and Elections Ontario has his previous political experience, and his profession as a political candidate.
Why are you running for council?
"People want a pro-science public figure they can trust to get the job done. Windsor City Council needs a young, educated, and dedicated new Councillor who will continue to get things done."
What would you name as the top issue in Ward 7, and how do you plan to address that problem?
"Unemployment and speeding in school zones are the top two issues. I will work with Mayor Dilkens and City Council to put a raised surface 100m before school zones to slow speeders down."
What is the biggest issue facing the City of Windsor as a whole, and how would you address it?
"Unemployment is the number one issue in Windsor. We need full-time opportunities because no one in my generation and the next generation is buying homes with the part-time jobs available."
The City of Windsor has declared a Climate Emergency. What are your views on climate mitigation and adaptation action targets?
"The City of Windsor will do what it can while working with our provincial and federal partners, along with private industries. I will sit down with Mayor Dilkens and City Council to work as a team."
What needs to be done to address Windsor's infrastructure deficit?
"The City of Windsor must find new sources of revenue without resorting to raising taxes more. Windsor needs to start opening itself up to large development projects as soon as possible. Allow the private sector to build more -- thus resulting in property tax collection and rising employment numbers."
Do you support safe injection sites in the City of Windsor?
"Yes, but not in Ward 7. I support Windsor Police carrying naloxone."
Windsor Ward 7 candidate Farah El-Hajj. (Photo by Maureen Revait)
At 26, Farah El-Hajj already has political experience having worked as a constituency assistant to Windsor West MP Brian Masse and MPP Lisa Gretzky. While studying political science at the University of Windsor, El-Hajj was elected four times to the University of Windsor Student Alliance where she advocated for a stand-alone sexual misconduct policy. She does not live in the Ward, but plans to buy a home there soon.
Why are you running for council?
"My experience -- has given me the tools and knowledge needed to help residents resolve everyday issues and how to make issues policy. I love my community and city -- and I know Windsor has lots of potential."
What would you name as the top issue in Ward 7, and how do you plan to address that problem?
"There are a few 'top issues' in Ward 7. Flooding is too common. I fully support the City's decade-long Sewer Masterplan. The Ward has grown significantly in the last several years, however, infrastructure has not kept up."
What is the biggest issue facing the City of Windsor as a whole, and how would you address it?
"Windsor has some of the highest levels of child poverty in the country, and with 6,000 people on a wait-list for affordable housing, we are not doing enough. The City must fight for more funding from the federal and provincial governments to be able to add housing stock and help bring the number on the wait-list down."
The City of Windsor has declared a Climate Emergency. What are your views on climate mitigation and adaptation action targets?
"The targets the City of Windsor has put out are bold and aggressive -- but the longer we wait, the more it will cost."
What needs to be done to address Windsor's infrastructure deficit?
"The City of Windsor has passed the Asset Management Plan, which they need to follow. We need to continue to ensure that we are able to build and grow sustainably. The AMP sets us towards a plan for sustainability."
Do you support safe injection sites in the City of Windsor?
"There is significant value in having these regulated and monitored sites since it is a method of harm reduction. This helps reduce emergency service requests and reduce crime."
Windsor Ward 7 candidate Michelle Gajewski. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Gajewski)
Michelle Gajewski moved to Ward 7 when she was five. At the age of 30, she is a customs broker. Gajewski told BlackburnNews.com she studied abroad and learned how different communities solved their problems, a skill she hopes to apply if she is elected.
Why are you running for council?
"I want to apply my knowledge and education for Ward 7 and Windsor to make positive change in our community. There also seems to be a growing disconnect between residents and City Hall priorities, so I want to amplify the voices of my constituents."
What would you name as the top issue in Ward 7, and how do you plan to address that problem?
"Traffic calming is the most common issue brought up by Ward 7 residents, and for good reason. I would like to reimagine our residential streets to facilitate more active transportation and 'living streets'. More physical distinctions between collector versus residential streets, and better flow for arterial roads."
What is the biggest issue facing the City of Windsor as a whole, and how would you address it?
"Affordable housing has been an increasing concern, and the pandemic has exacerbated the issue. We've seen a major increase in housing prices and rent costs for residents and business owners, but our economy is stagnant. The City can look at doing more land buybacks and developing affordable housing itself instead of selling to developers."
The City of Windsor has declared a Climate Emergency. What are your views on climate mitigation and adaptation action targets?
"I am the only candidate to include climate change outright in my platform. Human-caused climate change brings with it an increased risk of flooding. Taking precautions and investing now will save us financially and emotionally in the long run."
What needs to be done to address Windsor's infrastructure deficit?
"The City needs to make infrastructure a priority. It is clear infrastructure in Ward 7 has not kept up with our growth. We can look at successful models from around the world and see how they can be applied in Windsor."
Do you support safe injection sites in the City of Windsor?
"Yes. Studies are showing that their focus on harm reduction, reduce the spread of blood-borne diseases, and promote community safety. Alone, they will not solve the opioid crisis; they need to be coupled with other public health policies."
Windsor Ward 7 candidate Jeewan Gill (Photo by Mark Brown)
Real estate broker, Jeewen Gill is no stranger to running in an election. The 53-year-old has run both municipally and provincially in the past and has been politically active at all levels of government as a grassroots volunteer.
Why are you running for council?
"My family and I have called Ward 7 our home for over 20 years now. I had the privilege of working with various community organizations and I want to use my skills and experience to deliver on council. I understand the importance of decisions made at City Hall. I am focused on the challenges that we face as a community."
What would you name as the top issue in Ward 7, and how do you plan to address that problem?
"There is a greater need for road safety, improvement, and enhancement in Ward 7. Lauzon Parkway needs to be repaved, and Tecumseh Road East needs to be widened. I will fight to make all bike lanes safer, reduce the speed limit on local streets. I am proposing more police presence, increasing stop signs and lights."
What is the biggest issue facing the City of Windsor as a whole, and how would you address it?
"The Mega Hospital. It is very clear that a hospital is required. We have an ageing population. We cannot have our residents going to Toronto, London, or other larger cities for procedures. I am a strong supporter of the current location."
The City of Windsor has declared a Climate Emergency. What are your views on climate mitigation and adaptation action targets?
"We must promote the use of green energy and technology, support agricultural producers, invest in electric buses, and reduce emissions. Furthermore, we need to urge the provincial and federal governments to actively enforce car companies to go green."
What needs to be done to address Windsor's infrastructure deficit?
"Windsor needs to leverage its asset management plan to advocate for investments from the federal and provincial governments. The City will not be able to make necessary investments without the support of other levels of government."
Do you support safe injections sites in the City of Windsor?
"Safe injection sites decrease drug-related fatalities and decrease the spread of deadly diseases. Additionally, safe injection sites allow those with addictions to attain amble treatment and the support they need. Safe injection sites have proven time and time again to achieve their intended goals."
Windsor Ward 7 candidate Barbara Holland (Photo courtesy of Barb Holland)
Barb Holland has a long history as Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board Trustee for Ward 7. After seven years as chair of the board, Holland is now the operator of Holland Benefits Group. She has lived in Ward 7 for the past 37 years.
Why are you running for council?
"My experience as an elected official, a businesswoman, and a long-term resident of Ward 7 is a winning combination that no other candidate can offer. I am an experienced and informed decision-maker who wants to ensure that the City budget supports the needs of our residents, while being fiscally prudent and accountable to the ratepayers."
What would you name as the top issue in Ward 7, and how do you plan to address that problem?
"Currently, a top concern is traffic flow and congestion. I would work collaboratively with the city departments responsible for transportation to ensure that situations are monitored and solutions addressed to ensure traffic safety."
What is the biggest issue facing the City of Windsor as a whole, and how would you address it?
"Economic diversity, especially with the stresses brought about by COVID-19, is an on-going and serious concern. I will contribute to that oversight to ensure responsible capital planning for road construction, sewer and transportation infrastructure, all necessary components of promoting economic growth and prosperity."
The City of Windsor has declared a Climate Emergency. What are your views on climate mitigation and adaptation action targets?
"The cost of doing nothing is too great to bear. Flooding has shown that we need to reduce risk to properties, strengthen the resilience of our infrastructure, protect our naturalized areas, and reduce community service disruptions. I support the City's climate mitigation and adaptation action targets." City leaders must build on the work already done."
What needs to be done to address Windsor's infrastructure deficit?
"The Asset Management Plan addresses the infrastructure deficit. This is a good way to address critical needs through planning, rather than unexpected huge repairs to fix or replace things that may be beyond their useful life cycle."
Do you support safe injection sites in the City of Windsor?
"Yes. Safe injection sites are another tool in the fight against opioid fatalities by providing education, services, and referrals to drug treatment, rehabilitation, housing, healthcare, and mental health providers."
Windsor Ward 7 candidate Ernie Lamont. (Photo courtesy of Ernie Lamont on Facebook)
BlackburnNews.com made several attempts to reach Ernie Lamont, who is also running in Monday's byelection, but a response was not received by the time of publication.
Windsor Ward 7 candidate Greg Lemay. (Photo courtesy of Greg Lemay on Facebook)
This is not Greg Lemay's first election. The on and off resident of Ward 7 since 2013 has run before in Ward 8 and worked on both MP Irek Kusmierczyk's federal election campaign, and Mayor Drew Dilken's campaign. He is a small business owner.
Why are you running for council?
"I love what Ward 7 has to offer my family. Being a dad to a nine-year-old daughter, I love the parks and trails. I've been heavily involved in our community for over a decade and have always enjoyed the political scene.
What would you name as the top issue in Ward 7, and how do you plan to address that problem?
"Infrastructure hasn't kept up with growth, and that's the main reason why we are flooding. At the same time, the safety of seniors and children hasn't been looked at in terms of traffic."
What is the biggest issue facing the City of Windsor as a whole, and how would you address it?
"Homelessness, opioid use, and lack of affordable housing. Also the infrastructure deficit."
The City of Windsor has declared a Climate Emergency. What are your views on climate mitigation and adaptation action targets?
"I believe council did the right thing in November 2019 when it declared the climate emergency. I continue to say we need to continue and follow through with plans."
What needs to be done to address Windsor's infrastructure deficit?
"Stay the course. Windsor council agreed to invest $5-million a year for ten years for a total of $50-million. Continue to invest in our future with respect to roads, sewers, pumping stations, etc."
Do you support safe injection sites in the City of Windsor?
"Yes, but I don't support the current leadership of Windsor Overdose Prevention Society. It needs to be done safely under health professionals."
Windsor Ward 7 candidate Michael Malott. (Photo courtesy of Michael Malott)
A 20-year employee at the Windsor Assembly Plant, Michael Mallot has lived in Ward 7 for ten years. He ran in the 2014 municipal election for the position of Trustee with the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board.
Why are you running for council?
"My family and I are already very active within the Ward. We regularly organize food, clothing, and feminine hygiene product drives for local food banks. I am already heavily involved in my community, so running for city council would be a greater extension of what I already do in the Ward and the city."
What would you name as the top issue in Ward 7, and how do you plan to address that problem?
"I have noticed that residents are starting to express a lot of concern in regards to their own residential concerns, like the condition of their street, sweeping and lighting, tree and foliage trimming, and having no councillor to assist them. Right now, the top issue is we have not had a councillor for almost a year, and residents are frustrated. I will dedicate a tremendous amount of time re-engaging the ward and its residents."
What is the biggest issue facing the City of Windsor as a whole, and how would you address it?
"Affordable housing, I believe, is the single biggest issue facing Windsor today! Windsor cannot solve this issue alone. We need help from the provincial and federal governments. There are many short and long-term solutions the city can look at -- Additional Dwelling Units, tiny houses, and transitional housing. We need to work with developers to incorporate a mixture of affordable housing and market-rate units into their projects."
The City of Windsor has declared a Climate Emergency. What are your views on climate mitigation and adaptation action targets?
"Helping residents reduce their carbon footprints through programs to help update their homes in regards to electric and natural gas consumption should be a role of the councillor. Tapping into rebate programs that are offered to homeowners to help make their homes more efficient would definitely help."
What needs to be done to address Windsor's infrastructure deficit?
"Windsor is working on it diligently through the Asset Management Plan. One aspect that needs to be focused on is housing. If we are ever going to make any progress in regards to affordable housing, we need to maintain our current stock in useable form."
Do you support safe injection sites in the City of Windsor?
"Yes! We know in Windsor that overdose cases are on the rise, and we have a crisis. Windsor would greatly benefit from some expanded community engagement on this issue to help dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding these sites."
Windsor Ward candidate Angelo Marignani. (Photo courtesy of Angelo Marignani)
Angelo Marignani placed second in the last municipal election in Ward 7. In all, he has run for the seat on council three times, the first time in 2010 when Percy Hatfield was elected. He is active on several committees and boards, including at the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association where he was instrumental in the creation of the Downtown Accelerator and the family event, Balloonapalooza. He was also the owner and operator of Milk Coffee Bar for 17 years.
Why are you running for council?
"I feel I can truly make a difference for the people of Ward 7 and the City of Windsor. My eight years living and working in Tokyo showed me what a world-class, modern city can be. Owning and operating a corporation for 17 years in our downtown core gave me daily insight into the needs of our community."
What would you name as the top issue in Ward 7, and how do you plan to address that problem?
"Infrastructure is the top issue in Ward 7. I plan to address this problem by promoting a "Back to Basics" stance. We are currently in a state where we must target our spending on much-needed upgrades, repair, and continued maintenance. We must be proactive in protecting our sewer system. This requires street cleaners to regularly clean the gutters. Low impact development and stormwater management is an innovative approach that will mimic nature's natural movement of water."
What is the biggest issue facing the City of Windsor as a whole, and how would you address it?
"Unemployment is one of the biggest issues facing the City of Windsor. If we have learned anything from COVID-19, it is that our economy is fragile. Given Windsor's expertise in manufacturing, we need to leverage this expertise and harness our resources in human talents, specifically our youth talent. The modern Mega Hospital -- cannot be delayed any longer. The acute-care hospital will bring world-class healthcare professionals, cutting-edge biomedical research to our city, construction jobs, and development opportunities."
The City of Windsor has declared a Climate Emergency. What are your views on climate mitigation and adaptation action targets?
"There has been a 1 C increase in our average annual temperature, and an increase of approximately 7 per cent in annual rainfall since 1990. We need to look at future decisions regarding infrastructure through a more environmentally conscious lens. We all know the elephant in the room is climate change, and now is the time to deal with it."
What needs to be done to address Windsor's infrastructure deficit?
"Windsor needs to start serious conversations about infrastructure, rather than having conversations in abstract terms. We need to re-think the ways to finance infrastructure. Finally, the city needs to be authentic in how it prioritizes investments for infrastructure so that there are economic and social benefits."
Do you support safe injection sites in the City of Windsor?
"It is important to get to the root of the problem of addiction and address the issue proactively. It is imperative that the selection of safe injection sites be conducted transparently with public consultation; ensure it is not near schools, public parks, or other areas where families live and work. It must include addiction recovery services, counselling, medical care, and other health and social services."
Windsor Ward 7 candidate Therese Papineau. (Photo courtesy of Therese Papineau)
Therese Papineau grew up in Tecumseh and has lived in Ward 7 since 2011. She is a retired municipal civil servant with 36 years of service with the City of Toronto.
Why are your running for council?
"I have a genuine desire to serve the people in Ward 7. I live in the Ward. I am retired. Being a councilwoman will be my full-time job! I have 36 years of experience at the municipal level dealing and understanding the ever-changing needs of a growing and diverse population. I am bilingual, and I have no political affiliations."
What would you name as the top issue in Ward 7, and how do you plan to address that problem?
"We have a severe problem in Ward 7 with traffic enforcement. I support Red Light Cameras and the future of photo radar in our community. Our police traffic complaints division has only 12 officers permanently assigned to traffic enforcement. Handheld radar -- is deemed very profitable, and will pay for itself many times. I recommend a 30-kilometre speed limit in all school zones during school hours."
What is the biggest issue facing the City of Windsor as a whole, and how would you address it?
"Homelessness. I visited the tent city last week, and saw, personally, how some of the homeless are living. It reminded me of decades spent working in Toronto where they too have tent cities. The City of Windsor has implemented a plan that addresses the need for affordable housing and homelessness. I support this plan."
The City of Windsor has declared a Climate Emergency. What are your views on climate mitigation and adaptation action targets?
"I believe that the City of Windsor has done the responsible thing declaring a climate emergency. I agree that their efforts to adapt to, and mitigate climate change has been successful. They are pro-active, and responsible to the citizens of Windsor by identifying new threats and impacts, and preparing for unexpected environmental events."
What needs to be done to address Windsor's infrastructure deficit?
"I concur with the recommendation to an increase of 1 per cent in the HST to offset the current and future deficit. The city has a responsibility to maintain our roads, sewers, sidewalks, bridges, facilities, and parks. Unfortunately, funds from the provincial and federal governments are no longer available to offset this cost."
Do you support safe injection sites in the City of Windsor?
"Safe injection sites are known to reduce the number of overdoses and deaths. But, there is the negative side of this argument as well. Citizens don't want them in their neighbourhood. I would assess this situation to the fullest, canvas the Ward for input, seek guidance from professionals in this field, and then determine the best possible outcome for all concerned. Without further analysis, at this point, I am undecided."
Windsor Ward 7 candidate Albert Saba. (Photo courtesy of Albert Saba on Facebook)
This will be Albert Saba's second run for the council seat in Ward 7 after campaigning for the position in 2018. An engineer, by trade, Saba has lived in the ward for more than five years now.
Why are you running for council?
"I live in the ward and have been hit by the consequences of unresolved issues. I have the best-detailed platform and 13 proposals. I spoke to constituents in 2018 and they shared their concerns with me."
What would you name as the top issue in Ward 7, and how do you plan to address that problem?
"There are five issues [which are] flood mitigation plan, road construction and maintenance, public security, public safety, and parks upgrades."
What is the biggest issue facing the City of Windsor as a whole, and how would you address it?
"The housing crisis. Implement new zoning laws, invest in community housing, diminish or eliminate red tape for the development process, and maintain a hold on property taxes."
The City of Windsor has declared a Climate Emergency. What are your views on climate mitigation and adaptation action targets?
"It's an overdue action. I support the plan put in place."
What needs to be done to address Windsor's infrastructure deficit?
"It could be made with people which understand the principles of macroeconomics that state that investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare are the three priorities to boost the gross domestic product."
Do you support safe injection sites in the City of Windsor?
"I do."
Windsor Ward 7 candidate Howard Weeks. (Photo courtesy of Howard Weeks)
Howard Weeks plans to move to Ward 7 should he win the council seat in Monday's byelection. For the past six years, he has been a consistent advocate in the fight against crime, to address flooding, and crumbling infrastructure. He was also a strong proponent in the effort to hire an independent auditor general.
Why are you running for council?
"I'm running on my record of engaging with city council on issues such as the safety of hazardous goods travelling through our community, improvement of Transit Windsor service, and most importantly, my advocacy for the strong and independent Auditor General."
What would you name the top issue in Ward 7, and how do you plan to address that problem?
"I believe the lack of connectivity between Ward 7 and City Hall is the biggest issue. The ward has many crucial issues like flooding, crime, speeding, and the bad condition of the roads. Ward 7 needs a strong leader and representative to make sure that its issues are kept on the front burner at city council."
What is the biggest issue facing the City of Windsor as a whole, and how would you address it?
"The lack of accountability and transparency at City Hall. After I fought long and hard for the installation of an independent auditor general, the city adopted a hybrid model that has yet to be tested. My goal is to aggressively support this auditor general, and try to ensure that it provides the most civic transparency possible."
The City of Windsor has declared a Climate Emergency. What are your views on climate mitigation and adaptation action targets?
"Our mitigation and adaptation targets cannot be set high enough. We need to get serious with reducing Windsor's carbon footprint, and we need to do it now."
What needs to be done to address Windsor's infrastructure deficit?
"The Asset Management Plan assesses the current state of our infrastructure. Then, it projects how much money is needed to maintain them in their current condition over the next 20 years. In this case, $4.8-million a year."
Do you support safe injection sites in the City of Windsor?
"Yes. One life lost is too many."