Top row, from left, Port Elgin Ward candidates Diane Mini Jacques, Kristan Shrider, Jami Smith (missing: Paul Seaman). Middle row, from left, Saugeen Ward candidates Matt Carr, Mary Foley, Patrick Jilesen, Dave Myette. Bottom row, from left, Southampton Ward candidates, Cheryl Grace, Stanley Kollontay, John Rich.
Editor's Note: In the interest of comprehensive and informative reporting, we are publishing our coverage of the All Candidates Meeting in four parts. Here is the opening statements from the ward candidates. Links to the at-large candidates' opening statements, question and answer portion as well as the closing statements can be found at the bottom.
Please also visit saugeenshoreshub.ca/election2018 for council and trustee candidate profiles and podcasts and the soon to be published Ask a Candidate feature.
Hub Staff
Citizens and municipal candidates gathered at the Plex September 25 for an All Candidates Meeting hosted by the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW). The event was standing room only with approximately 300 in attendance.
PORT ELGIN WARD CANDIDATES (two elected)
Dianne Mini Jacques
"You may know me through Pumpkinfest, you may know me working at the Chamber, you may know me working through the Museum, at MacGregor Park," said Port Elgin Ward candidate Diane Mini Jacques.
Jacques said she has always been involved in her community, "starting at age 12 in a 24 hour skate-a-thon for the pool," she said, and added that since that time she was committed to helping her community.
"For me it's all about collaboration and communication," she said, adding that it's the only way a strong community happens and that she would like to see council, staff and residents figure out a plan for the community. "I hear over and over people do not feel heard or do not feel they are getting the information or the opportunity to have their say," she said.
Jacques recalled Town Hall meetings that happened years ago and said they were very informative. "I think we need to get back to that, where people are allowed to ask their questions and allowed to get their answers," she said, adding that as a councillor her role is to get residents the answers they want.
"If you have questions, I'll get answers. I'm not going to say that we'll both always like the answers we get but I will get answers for you," said Jacques.
"I always believe in clear, open communication and information that is open for everyone. I want to work with you, our residents and our businesses, to make our community better," she added.
"I want to use my skills in communication, research and strategic planning to help you, council and Town staff create the community you want," she said, adding that strategic planning means that the public has a say, there is a plan and actions are taken. "That is how things move ahead, I don't want to see plans sit on a shelf or create dust," Jacques said.
Jacques added she wants an age friendly community, recalling a meeting she attended in the spring at the Plex that was hosted by the Council on Aging Grey Bruce, where she heard seniors say they felt they have been left behind.
Kristan Shrider
Port Elgin Ward candidate Kristan Shrider was next to speak and started off by saying she is a life long resident of Port Elgin and currently lives in Southampton with her wife Tamara and their sons, Drake and Kaden.
While employed with the City of Owen Sound as a Manager of Property for the past three years, Shrider said she was previously employed with the Town of Saugeen Shores Department of Community Services for 19 years and added that leaving her position with the Town was one of the toughest decisions she has ever made.
"The opportunity that presented itself though allowed me to increase my responsibilities, continue with my professional development and an opportunity in advancement in the municipal sector," said Shrider, adding that leaving her employment in Saugeen Shores did not mean that she turned her back on the community.
"I knew that my work for this community was not done yet. We ask ourselves, how best can I contribute? When is the best time for me to contribute? And at what level can I be most effective in my community?"
Shrider said she believes she is a better person today to contribute to the community and believes that she has equipped herself with tools that contribute towards becoming an effective and efficient community leader.
"My experience, my knowledge, my confidence and my determination, ownership and also passion," said Shrider. "My passion runs deep in Saugeen Shores. I've had successful employment with the community, responsible for making good changes, positive improvements and established powerful relationships," she said.
"I've established credibility in our community with the residents and community groups. My approach to municipal leadership is logical, adaptable and the educated approach to issues that arise," Shrider added.
"If it's a topic that I'm knowledgeable about I will be a leader. If it's a topic that I'm unfamiliar about, I will educate myself, become familiar, do my homework and make decisions that are strategic, beneficial and attainable," she said.
Jami Smith
"I whole heartedly believe in the democratic process and our right as citizens to choose who represents us in the municipal council," began Port Elgin Ward candidate Jami Smith. "I strongly urge you to reach out to friends and family to ensure that they are aware of how to exercise their democratic right to vote in the upcoming election as all voting will be done online," she said.
Smith suggested some may know her better by her maiden name of Jami Lamont and said her family is no stranger to the political arena as both of her grandfathers served as Wardens.
"This originally inspired me to study Political Science in university but further encouraged me to become an active member of our community," said Smith. "I believe we all share in the responsibility to make the community where we live a better place and I would be honoured to serve as your Port Elgin Ward councillor to give back to the community that has given so much to me."
Raised in Saugeen Township, Smith said she has strong ties to the Southampton community "by virtue of my in-laws, the Smiths," she said, adding "and I currently live in Port Elgin with my husband Ryan and our two young sons."
Smith said she has a good pulse on the issues that matter to the community. "I believe I am well suited to represent the interest of all of Saugeen Shores," she said.
"As we all know, one person cannot move a motion and over the next four years we will be embarking on some critical decisions that will shape the future of our community," said Smith. "I bring a positive and enthusiastic approach to leadership and will encourage teamwork to see real traction on issues that matter to you."
Port Elgin Ward candidate Paul Seaman was not present.
SAUGEEN WARD CANDIDATES (two elected)
Matt Carr
Saugeen Ward candidate Matt Carr was born and raised in Port Elgin. He left for a short time to attend trade school but returned and opened a business 15 years ago.
"I'm also involved in the Fire Department, I've been involved in that for 17 years and I'm also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary," said Carr, adding that he'd like to think that he's gotten himself involved in the community.
"I know what I see as a whole for what the community is going to need as we move forward in this time with hopefully prosperity," said Carr. "Hopefully that means we can put away some money for future times that maybe aren't so prosperous," he added.
As for his goals, Carr said the beachfront is going to be a "huge priority for myself and what can happen down there for us" as well as the small business community "that's been here to support us through the slow times, through the down times, through the winter times and through everything else," he said.
"I obviously feel very strong towards the small business in town so that's where I will be focussing a lot of my stuff on," added Carr but again made mention of the beachfronts as well as growth.
"I would like to look at our infrastructure, I know that we're well placed for this growth that we've got but are we well placed for this growth to happen continuously for the next 10, 20 years," said Carr. "I think that's a huge priority and we have to be fiscally responsible as we do this," he added.
Carr said he's definitely in favour of recreational facilities but believes that it has to be done in a financially responsible manner. "We can't be putting ourselves into debt for stuff that we can't afford to pay for so although I am very strongly supportive of our recreation facilities and what we hopefully have coming forward in the next four years, we hopefully can do it responsibly."
Mary Foley
Saugeen Ward candidate Mary Foley started by saying community is what brings us all together. "It's about each and every one of us showing that respect and that responsibility to come out and make it known that you are interested in how your community develops, how it unfolds, what the future holds," she said.
Foley said she has great leadership. She has been travelling globally for the last 25 years and did grow up in a small village, a farming community and believes that travel itself is great education. "Seeing different communities, from very remote small villages that each family helps and supports each other to big communities like this, Saugeen Shores, Ontario where I think there's a real future here," she said.
Foley remarked on Saugeen Shores' "serious growth" but said at that the same time "I think we need to keep it all in perspective, we need to have a sense of humour and I always say that as serious as all this is, and that we're here to represent you," she said.
"It's about you. What do you want? I'd love to be your voice. I know what I want and what I can envision but I'm here to represent you and I don't want you to feel ever that you can't approach me," Foley added. "Thank you for giving me the honour and privilege to serve you," she said.
Patrick Jilesen
The next Saugeen Ward candidate to the mic was Patrick Jilesen.
"I've been working in the area for nearly two decades now," he said, adding that he farms with his family and understands that it's important to have proper governance as a candidate and as a councillor.
Jilesen has been president of the Bruce County Federation of Agriculture, is currently director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and volunteers with his kids' hockey league and with their school attending class trips.
"Saugeen Shores is a growing community that has been built upon a strong work ethic and disciplined planning," said Jilesen. "As a councillor I will work hard for this community to maintain three strong principles that carry a vision for the future," he added, the three principles being community growth, community well being and fiscal responsibility.
"With community growth I believe that a sustainable and prosperous community must be a place where we can all work and live," he said. "With growth of course comes some challenges and if there were under utilized skills in our community I will work hard to bring opportunity to Saugeen Shores for everyone to excel and to succeed," he added.
"I will work hard for a growth plan that works for everyone, including students, seniors and families, that make this community great," Jilesen said.
"I also believe that proper community engagement must be the cornerstone of a robust and sustainable future for all," he said.
For community well being, Jilesen said that a sustainable future includes proper year round facilities for people to nurture and maintain their physical and mental health. "Physical and mental wellness should be a priority for every growing community and I believe our community has an obligation to provide this opportunity for everyone," he said.
"And of course fiscal responsibility means responsible spending," he said.
"Community growth, well being and fiscal responsibility for tax payers are attainable goals through community engagement and sustainable partnerships," Jilesen said.
Dave Myette
Dave Myette, candidate for Saugeen Ward and current councillor, began by saying he lives on a farm south of town with his wife Melinda and the pair operates a tourist accommodation business near MacGregor Park.
"It has been my honour and privilege to serve as your Saugeen Ward councillor for the past four years, an honour that I am here to ask you to allow me to continue during the next term of council," said Myette.
While Myette is running for the Saugeen Ward he said most of the decisions made by council have an impact on all residents in Saugeen Shores. "I can assure you that while sitting at the council table I take into consideration the interest of all of Saugeen Shores residents," he said, adding that he takes particular interest in issues specific to the township.
"We have a rapidly expanding business sector with two hotels, a plaza, subdivision, daycare centres, all being planned. We are attracting businesses both in the service sector and also nuclear support services," said Myette. "We are the fastest growing municipality in Grey and Bruce, if not all of Southwestern Ontario," he said.
"Saugeen Ward is the fastest growing ward in Saugeen Shores," he added. "We have a rapidly expanding urban component to our ward, managing that growth in a sustainable manner is a priority to me while at the same time making sure that those that live in the rural areas have our interests looked after as well," he said.
Myette said Saugeen Shores is getting the "lion's share" of business and residents compared to neighbouring communities and added that his priorities are recreation infrastructure including new ball diamonds and an aquatic centre "but only if it can be done in a sustainable manner that is fiscally responsible to you, the tax payer," he said.
"I learned a lot in my first term on council through the leadership of our outgoing Mayor Mike Smith and with that knowledge I sincerely hope to continue that good work under our new Mayor Luke Charbonneau," he said.
SOUTHAMPTON WARD CANDIDATES (two elected)
Cheryl Grace
Current councillor and Southampton Ward candidate Cheryl Grace started by saying she ran to be a strong voice for Southampton and remarked that with the support of council over the last term, some of her goals were realized, "not just for Southampton but for Saugeen Shores as a whole," she said.
"Integrating our design guidelines into our planning laws, keeping our libraries and post offices in our downtown cores, a plan to approve the storm water outlet at the Island Street Beach, which will provide a blueprint for all of our beaches; introducing open forum to our council meetings which allows citizens to speak on agenda issues without prior notice, informing our methods of public consultation and communication, establishing an economic development committee master plan and hiring an economic development coordinator," said Grace.
"I'm seeking re-election because there is still much work to be done, from 2006 to '16 our population grew almost 17 percent," she said. "I'll work hard to provide the necessary infrastructure, health care, housing, educational and recreational services so this extraordinary growth is an asset we harness for good," she added.
"It's a top priority for me to ensure that we retain the features that make our neighbourhoods the special places we love, protecting the charm and character of our town is also vital to our economic development as a tourist destination and community where people choose to live and invest," said Grace.
"Our waterfront is a natural treasure, we need to protect the quality of our water, control water flow onto our beaches, increase beach accessibility and control invasive species like phragmites," she added.
"I'll continue to work on public consultation, not just through our municipal programs but as an individual councillor. I'll inform you about current issues, respond to you promptly, listen to your concerns and do what I can to help you," Grace said.
Stanley Kollontay
Southampton Ward candidate Stanley Kollontay began by saying he's proud to say he's been a resident of Saugeen Shores his entire life. "I was raised in Port Elgin and for the last 32 years I've lived in Southampton," he said, adding that he's married and has two adult daughters and a son-in-law in Saugeen Shores.
Kollontay has been a volunteer firefighter for Saugeen Shores' Southampton station for 14 years and is retired from Bruce Power with his last position being a full time firefighter.
"I have served on the Southampton Parks and Recreation Committee, GC Huston Parent Teachers Association and was the President of Southampton Minor Soccer Association," said Kollontay. "I have no previous council experience and I do not have a specific agenda on what I need to accomplish during my tenure if elected," he added.
"My wife and I have raised two children in Saugeen Shores and appreciate all this community has to offer," he said. "Both my wife and I have aging parents and recognize the importance of facilities and programs for all age groups," he added.
Kollontay said he has an appreciation for the young, the elderly and everything in between. "I am offering approachability, honesty, transparency, hard work and a commitment to do everything in my power to control the accountability of spending in Saugeen Shores," he said.
"If elected any items to be voted on will be done on behalf of the constituents' wishes, not necessarily my own wishes as I am standing for the voice of this community," Kollontay said.
John Rich
"For the past four years I have been one of the elected ward councillors for Port Elgin," said current councillor and Southampton Ward candidate John Rich, "but this election I'm running in Southampton where I live with my wife Tara Somerville and my three children Leif, Hiatt and Eian," he said.
Rich said he is an active volunteer and is heavily involved in minor hockey.
"I'm proud of the work that we did over the last four years on council, maintaining and building infrastructure to accommodate our current growth and prepare for our bright future but the work has only just begun," Rich said.
"In Saugeen Shores we are uniquely positioned with our largest employer, Bruce Power, making significant investments in their facility or calling their suppliers to be located in our region," Rich continued.
"We are a premier waterfront community that is an attractive destination for tourists and retirees. To be honest we are the envy of most of the communities in Canada," Rich said, "but growth and success do not come without challenges," he added.
"We have to continue to invest in our hard services infrastructure like roads and sewers while at the same time providing soft serves like recreation," he said, "and we have to do this while keeping taxes low and protecting the unique identify of our community."
Rich said that he learned a lot about navigating the municipal system during his first term on council "and hope you allow me to continue working towards your goals in the future."
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