The City of Windsor’s Mayoral Election is right around the corner. It is important as a Windsorite to vote but most importantly, to be an informed voter! Between readings, midterms, and essays it can be hard to find the time to do proper research before an election, so here is your quick guide to the candidates and any links you may need to get more information!
Drew Dilkens
Political background:
Has been mayor of Windsor since October 2014. Prior to the election, he served as a City Councillor in Windsor for eight years.
Education:
Bachelor of Commerce and Law degree from the University of Windsor. Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University. Doctorate of Business Administration from the International School of Management in Paris, France with a focus on municipal amalgamation in Ontario.
Platform:
Investing in Roads and Sewers:
- A strong infrastructure is the foundation of a strong city
- Key priority to upgrade the E.C. Row Expressway to a world class roadway. This includes on and off ramps
- Upgrade Banwell Road from Tecumseh to E.C. Row. This will lead up to an eventual underpass at Banwell and E.C Row
- Upgrades on: Riverside Drive (Vista Project), Ypres, Dominion Blvd., Tecumseh Road East, Provincial Road, and Sandwich Street
Holding the Line on Taxes:
- Hold the line on property taxes
- Decreasing City Debt
- Lowering Electricity Rates
- Keep the combined sewer and property tax rates below the provincial average
Public Safety Platform:
- Installing 100 digital cameras throughout the city’s public areas where crime activity is more produce
- Increase number of police officers on the streets
Other involvement in Windsor:
Spearheaded the creation of the Bright Lights Festival at Jackson Park. Served as president of both the Windsor Essex Crime Stoppers and Windsor Road Watch programs.
Socials:
Twitter: @dilkensformayor https://twitter.com/dilkensformayor
Instagram: @drewdilkens https://www.instagram.com/Drewdilkens/
Facebook: Dilkens For Mayor 2018 https://www.facebook.com/DilkensForMayor2018
Website: http://dilkensformayor.ca/
Contact Info:
Phone: 519-915-1509
Email: info@dilkensformayor.ca
7041 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, ON N8T 3L6
Matt Marchand
Political background:
Policy Assistant to the Mayor of Windsor from 1992-2003. President & CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce from March 2012 to July 2018
Education:
Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Windsor. Graduate degree at the London School of Economics in London, England.
Platform:
Windsor 2022: Framework for City-Wide strategy on Homelessness, Opioid, and Crime with Focus on Downtown:
- Work with community-based organizations in Windsor, the Province of Ontario, and the federal government for funds and strategy on addressing mental health, homelessness, and addiction issues
- Create and implement programs to clean up and revitalize the Downtown
- Immediately implement short-term solutions to address homelessness, addiction, and crime
Independent Municipal Auditor General with Sweeping Powers to Protect Taxpayers:
- Appoint an Independent Municipal Auditor General
- Appointment to be made within the first 100 days of taking office.
Make Windsor a Healthier and More Active Community:
- Make outdoor activities a priority by linking neighbourhoods and families with safe and effective cycling infrastructure
- Fix the “Dougall Death Trap”
Community Livability Fund: Up to $50 Million over 10 Years:
- Providing resident and current and future employers with a place to live that meets their needs
- Spend up to 450 million over 10 years in consultation with the community
Three-Point Plan for Fiscal Responsibility, Increased Transparency, and Accountability at City Hall:
- Due diligence for all City Hall contracts/ RFPs
- Have the Independent Municipal Auditor General review all purchasing by-laws and policies and procedures for the city contracts
Economic Plan to Align City Spending with Community Priorities (basement flooding, infrastructure, and community livability):
- Implement a 1% tax increase for community projects
- Accelerate implementation of the sewer Master Plan from 10 years to 6 years.
Rotating City Council Meetings Across the City:
- Initiate rotating City Council meetings once a quarter
- Bringing city council closer to the people
Other involvement in Windsor:
Director of Government affairs for the CRG, President & CEO of the WERCC.
Socials:
Twitter: @mattmarchand519 https://twitter.com/mattmarchand519
Instagram: @mattmarchand519 https://www.instagram.com/mattmarchand519/
Facebook: Matt Marchand https://www.facebook.com/mattmarchand519
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmarchand519
Contact Info:
Phone: 519-971-2824
Website: votemarchand.com
Frank (Franz) Dyck
Political Background:
Not Available- Is a retired farmer from Leamington
Education:
Not Available
Platform:
No website laying out a platform
Other involvement in Windsor:
Has lived in Windsor for 10 years
Socials:
Not Available
Contact Info:
Phone: 519-252-3141
Email: frank@savingearth.biz
Tom Hensel
Political background:
Not Available
Education:
Graduated law school–however had his license revoked
Platform:
No website laying out a platform
Other involvement in Windsor:
Entrepreneur of tech companies but has been reported as not paying employees (https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/mayoral-candidate-thomas-hensel-has-trail-of-evictions-owed-money-records-show)
Socials:
Not Available
Contact Info:
Phone: 226-946-8970
Email: t.erwin.hensel@gmail.com
1758 Marentette Avenue, Windsor, ON N8X 4E6
Ernie Lamont
Political background:
Has run for mayor four times. Previously ran as mayor in 2014 and finished fourth. Is a business man in Windsor a.k.a Bacon Man
Education:
Not Available
Platform:
No website laying out a platform
Other involvement in Windsor:
Worked at Ford Motor Company for 30 years
Socials:
Not Available
Contact Info:
Phone: 519-944-7114
1584 Ferndale Avenue, Windsor, ON N8T 2K4
Doing your research on mayoral candidates is an important part of being a citizen in a democratic society. While the number of young voters is going up, we can certainly do better–the 2015 federal election saw a 57% turnout among Canadians 18-24. If you have some extra time I suggest you watch the debate between Drew Dilkens and Matt Marchand (the two leading candidates) that can be found here. Now that you’re well informed, you have no excuse not to vote on Monday, October 22nd, 2018!