Thanks for taking the time to learn more about me and why I put my name forward to represent us here in Ward 3. Grimsby is the home we share and, even though I know its often easy to become discouraged in politics, I truly believe there is much we can accomplish if we stay focused on what we can control. I am running for Grimsby Council in Ward 3 because I believe Grimsby is what we make it. I was born in Ward 3 and spent my earliest years here before being raised with my brother in Beamsville by two local (West Lincoln and GSS) high school teachers. Upon marrying, my wife and I moved to Grimsby and have been living here raising a family in Ward 3 ever since.

I am privileged to call Grimsby home because generations before us built something worth preserving. We have inherited parks, roads, public facilities, neighbourhoods, institutions and a small-town character that did not appear without intention. I believe our responsibility is to care for what has been entrusted to us and, where we can, leave it stronger for those who come after us.

That outlook shapes the three themes of my campaign: Grow Wisely. Be Responsible. Be a Blessing.

Growth is coming to Grimsby, and much of it is outside the direct control of municipal council. Still, there remains much we can accomplish together. New density should be directed toward areas that can accommodate it while established neighbourhoods are respected. New development should be designed with the infrastructure and rainfall realities of the future in mind. As Grimsby grows, we should resist importing every big-city “best practice” or adding unnecessary layers of regulation that gradually change the character of small-town life.

Being responsible also means remembering what every tax dollar represents. Property-tax revenues is paid from the work and sacrifice of our neighbours and council should always remain respectful of this fact. I want a stronger culture of finding efficiencies, while avoiding needless legal and consulting costs. The money we save can be put into public projects that will serve residents for generations. I opposed shifting wastewater infrastructure costs away from the property-tax levy and onto water bills because I do not believe moving a shared infrastructure responsibility onto a usage-based bill is more fair or equitable. I also believe council should demonstrate that it can work together effectively before asking residents to fund higher councillor salaries.

The last two council terms have too often been marked by division. I do not expect councillors to agree on everything. There are no perfect solutions in municipal government, but disagreement should not prevent councillors from treating one another, staff and residents with respect. A councillor is one voice on a council and must be able to listen, persuade, compromise where appropriate and remain accountable to those who elected them.

My education in history, political science, and theology has reinforced my belief that “good things are easily destroyed but not easily created.” As a husband and father of six, the vigour of our civic institutions and the character of the shared culture that we are passing along are always top of mind.

For me, “Be a Blessing” means gratitude put into practice: honour what earlier generations gave us, maintain what works, support volunteers and community efforts, and make careful investments that strengthen Grimsby for the future.

I am not running because I believe I have all the answers. I am running because I believe residents know their neighbourhoods, their concerns deserve to be heard, and local government works best when councillors remember who they are there to represent.