You volunteer a lot in the local community; will you continue to do so if elected?
Yes! Volunteering is part of who I am, not just something I do during an election. I’ll continue showing up, supporting local organizations, and staying connected to the people and issues that matter in Ward 2. I am a firm believer in community involvement and leading by example.
You say you are non-partisan and a communitarian; how is that possible?
I’m non-partisan and community-focused because I believe good leadership isn’t about political ideology – it’s about balance. We can be fiscally responsible while also being socially progressive. Managing taxpayer’s dollars wisely while investing in people, services and inclusion goes hand in hand.
I don’t believe in representing just one portion of the community; my responsibility is to represent everyone, and my platform reflects that commitment to fairness, balance, and putting the whole community first.
Why are you donating the majority of your Councillor’s salary to The SEED and Chalmers Community Services food banks?
I’m committing to donate the majority of my Councillor’s salary to the SEED and Chalmers Community Services food banks because too many people in our community are facing food insecurity. Having traveled overseas numerous times doing humanitarian service, I’ve seen people get by with far less; but I also believe no one here should have to. Leadership is about action, and this is one way I can give back and support those who need it most.
Why do you refuse to have photos of you with other political or influential people?
In this municipal election, I am sure you will see some candidates posting some photo ops with politicians and people of influence.
My platform is built on total independence and a strictly nonpartisan approach to public service. I choose not to participate in political photo-ops with municipal, provincial or federal officials because my focus belongs entirely on our residents. My image and policies come from listening to you; not from politicians I stand beside.
What have you done; and what will you do; to advocate on behalf of businesses in the downtown core, and throughout Ward 2?
I have been very vocal and delegated at Guelph City Council several times on these concerns and issues.
- I spoke out against paid parking during construction.
- I spoke out against the original revitalization plans for Saint Georges Square.
- I advocated for a permanent stage at Saint Georges Square to support businesses, the Arts and Culture community and with more eyes on the street establishes safer streets.
- I have been very vocal speaking out against open drug use
- I will show up at the Downtown Guelph Business Association meetings consistently; listening and working together finding solutions
- I have advocated and spoken out strongly to establish a public washroom at Guelph Central Station. Downtown businesses are being inundated with requests from shoppers, visitors, the night crowd, commuters and transit riders needing to use their washrooms.
- I have been very vocal speaking out against skyrocketing commercial property taxes.
- I will fight and speak out on behalf of businesses throughout Ward 2; seeking answers and solutions
- Advocate and promote the Guelph Police Services initiative ‘Connect Guelph Camera Registry’.
- I have advocated about parking issues in The Ward.
- I had put together an anti-graffiti squad to tackle graffiti in the downtown core.
How do you see your role in the new City Council if you are elected?
If elected, I will be a strong, accountable voice on City Council; focused on protecting residents and respecting every tax dollar. I am deeply concerned about skyrocketing property taxes, growing capital debt, deferred infrastructure costs, our AAA credit rating, and wasteful spending. My role will be to ask the tough questions, push for transparency, and make responsible decisions that keep our city financially stable while delivering services people rely on.
I’m a fiscal hawk who respects every tax dollar, and I bring strong, socially progressive values — but most importantly; I’ll be a bridge on Council. I will work directly with Councillors across different viewpoints to find common ground, cut through division, and deliver practical solutions that serve the entire community.
You promised you would not vote for any cuts to social services. How is that possible?
I have made a clear commitment: I will not support cuts to essential social services. The way we make that possible is by getting our financial priorities right — cutting wasteful spending, improving efficiency and transparency, and making smarter decisions about capital projects and debt.
We protect the services people rely on while still being fiscally responsible. It’s about balance, accountability and putting people first.
Why did you decide to limit donation caps and not have a donate button on your website?
I want everyone to have an opportunity to participate and support my campaign. I intentionally cap donations at $25. I want to remain independent of developers, special interest groups and political associations. By following this approach, I am not beholden to any outside influences, and can speak and vote for is best for Ward 2.
Instead of a simple donate button; I use a point-of-sale system because I believe in meeting people face-to-face, having real conversations, and earning trust and support through connections; not just anonymous clicks.
Are you concerned about the attempts to silence you and shut you down?
Not at all.
I’ve spent years involved in different communities, and that experience has shaped my commitments to public service. But this campaign is not about my past — it’s about Ward 2, affordability, accountability, and results for the people of Guelph.
What do you hope to have accomplished by the end of your first term as Councillor for Ward 2?
By the end of my first term, I hope to have delivered concrete solutions through my 5 Pillars; while also helping to lower property taxes, increase accountability at City Hall, and reduce debt. More than that, I want people to know I listened, stayed focused, and worked to make Ward 2 and Guelph stronger, safer, fairer and more responsible for everyone.
What are some of the first things you would do if elected to City Council?
There are many things to be addressed; but five that stand out that I would either put motions forward or complete the necessary paperwork.
- Work with payroll to transfer the majority of my paychecks to The SEED and Chalmers Community Services food banks.
- With winter quickly approaching; work to establish a warming centre option with a -5C theshold.
- With winter almost here, look how to improve winter services regarding snow removal.
- Tackle the $111,400,000.00 in deferred property taxes deficit.
- Put forward a motion to implement the “Safe Haven” initiative on Guelph Transit to assist women, university students, or anyone; as a safe place to go if being harassed, stalked, or threatened with violence.