Wanting to get to know Tecumseh’s municipal election candidates better? CTV asked them questions to give you some more insight into their platforms. Mayor Joe Bachetti Why are you running for the mayor of Tecumseh? I am running for Mayor of Tecumseh because I feel it’s time for leadership change that will bring new perspectives and fresh ideas. We have had the same mayor since 2003; that’s nearly a quarter of a century, so it’s time. Succession planning is critical in all organizations including elected officials. After serving Tecumseh as a councillor for 20 years, then deputy mayor for 12 years, it’s time to unveil a new chapter in Tecumseh. The decision we make in the next term about responsible growth, infrastructure, and economic opportunities will shape our future for decades. I feel ready to lead in this moment, with energy, focus, and a vision that comes from the people who live in Tecumseh. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? First off, the issue around housing density four units as of right in established neighbourhoods has been debated for the past 18 months and we have heard loud and clear where the residents of Tecumseh stand. They want their low-density single-family zones protected from densification. My stance from day one was always about protecting single family neighbourhoods and encouraging any growth or development to the lands south of E.C. Row where the town has already designated and rezoned those lands for development to create more diverse housing, multi units, apartments, etc. This is a win-win for all and allows the town to grow responsibly. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My top three priorities are really the people’s top three priorities. I did an online community survey when I filed my nomination and the common theme revolved around the three T’s. Taxes, traffic and town development. First off taxes, I will work hard to maintain the taxes at or below the rate of inflation. We need to do a better job balancing our needs vs wants and eliminate legacy project spending. Second traffic, we need to revisit the traffic along Tecumseh Road main street and look at viable solutions such as parking times restrictions or eliminating the parking on the south side to keep the traffic flowing and not go into residential neighbourhoods as alternate routes. Lastly, town development, we need to grow responsibly and focus on the developable lands along Manning and Banwell, south of E.C. Row Expressway, which would afford our seniors, youth to remain in Tecumseh should they wish to downsize. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I bring a collaborative style to the council table and pledge to listen to our residents and allow them the opportunity to address the council. I want to bring people back to the Town Hall by establishing advisory committees such as planning, parks, culture and arts, etc. so residents feel part of the consultative process before the final decisions are made and recommended to council. I bring competent succession and have proven leadership experience as a retired school principal and volunteered extensively in our community with various clubs and organizations and sit on and chair many local boards and committees. joebachetti.ca What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I will not use any Strong Mayor Power and ensure my council inclusive makes the decisions as a collective group for our municipality to promote democracy. Gary McNamara - Incumbent CTV News is awaiting a response. Deputy Mayor Tania Jobin CTV News is awaiting a response. Larry Morand Why are you running for Deputy Mayor of Tecumseh? There is not only one reason but multiple reasons I am running for Deputy Mayor. For over 40 years I have had the distinct honour of serving the Tecumseh community as a volunteer firefighter. As that chapter has come to an end this year, I would like to now focus my energy on serving as Deputy Mayor for the residents of Tecumseh. Generations of my family have served Tecumseh, including my grandfather and uncle on Tecumseh Municipal Council, and my father and same uncle serving on the Tecumseh Fire Department. Growing up in a civil-minded family, I learned at a young age that we should contribute to the community we call home. I’m running because I care deeply about this town and know firsthand how it works. From managing budgets and planning in emergency services to working for Public Works, I’ve seen what it takes to keep our community safe and running smoothly. Combined with my background in insurance, I bring a practical, trustworthy approach to council. At the end of the day, I want to make sure our tax dollars are handled with care, our services are strong, and the residents always come first. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? I believe the largest issue facing our town is growth. In order to manage growth properly, I would support revisiting the current and future visions of the town development plan. As I have expressed in my platform, traffic congestion due to growth is a huge concern of the residents. We need proper planning of new builds to work in balance with our already existing homes and businesses. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My first priority is ensuring Tecumseh grows responsibly while protecting our taxpayers and quality of life. Coming from the insurance industry, I make decisions based on trust, integrity and risk management. I will apply that professional oversight to our budget, so tax dollars are protected; while ensuring growth pays for growth so existing residents don’t carry an unfair financial burden. Development must respect the character, safety, and community spirit we love about Tecumseh. My second priority is public safety. There are many things that we have had over the years which have helped maintain the safety of our residents and I believe should never be lessened. One example is the importance of our crossing guards. Crossing guards ensure the safety of our youth and our drivers. I believe in being proactive rather than being reactive. My third priority is traffic congestion. There are ways we can reduce current traffic congestion, for example opening up Tecumseh Road in the core area. I also want to plan for the future by considering the traffic flow with new development projects. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I have dedicated my life to serving this community in many capacities, as a first responder with extensive emergency preparedness training, in business as an insurance professional with high-level risk management experience, and as a coach of both male and female youth sports. I haven’t spent my career in politics, and I don’t sound like a traditional politician, and I think that is my biggest asset. Having lived here my whole life, I know what matters to our community because I’m living it alongside you. My flexible background allows me to solve problems practically, and my priority will always be listening to and advocating for my neighbours. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I promise to always remain accessible, professional, and respectful to every resident. When you bring an idea or concern to me, I will truly listen with an open mind. Instead of jumping to an automatic ‘no,’ I will always look for constructive ways to serve our community. Councillors Ward 1 Darrin Drouillard Why are you running for Ward 1 councillor of Tecumseh? I’m running because I’ve lived in Tecumseh most of my life. I grew up here, volunteered here, and raised my own family here. This is my home, and I care deeply about the direction our community is heading. Over the past few years, I’ve seen significant changes in our town — more density in established neighbourhoods, increasing traffic, concerns about spending, and a lack of transparency at Town Hall. I’m very involved in our community, I sit on town committees, and I regularly attend council meetings. But more importantly, I’ve spent the past several months talking directly with residents in Ward 1. And I consistently hear the same thing: People feel they don’t have a voice at council. They don’t feel heard. I’ve seen residents struggle to have their concerns heard, whether it’s limited opportunities to speak at council or public meetings that reach capacity. I believe residents deserve better. I already have a proven track record of standing up for residents, questioning administration, and speaking out on their behalf. I’m running because Ward 1 deserves a strong, independent voice at council — someone who listens, stands up for residents, and protects the neighbourhoods we call home. I’m ready to be that voice. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the ward and how would you address it? There are two major issues facing Ward 1 in Tecumseh. The first is the need to protect our established neighbourhoods while managing growth responsibly. As we plan for new development, it has to be done in a way that respects the residents who already live here and protects the character of our existing neighbourhoods. Putting high-density housing into established single-family neighbourhoods is not the right approach. We need to be smarter about our zoning and direct new development to areas where it fits. At the same time, we absolutely need more housing, and that means providing a variety of options in areas planned for development — single-family homes, duplexes, four-plexes and condo-style living. But each type of housing needs to be appropriate for the neighbourhood where it is proposed, with consideration given to traffic, infrastructure, parking, and the overall impact on the community. The second major issue is infrastructure, particularly flooding. Tecumseh has a flooding problem, and Ward 1 has some of the oldest homes and oldest stormwater infrastructure in the municipality. We need to make infrastructure improvements in these areas a priority and give residents some relief from the flooding problems they have experienced in the past. We also need to make sure our infrastructure can support additional density before approving more development. Growth is important, but it has to be responsible growth —and that means making sure our infrastructure can keep up. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My top three priorities are: 1. Responsible growth while protecting neighbourhoods We need to support development that serves Ward 1 residents, not just external investors. We need to respect neighbourhood density, protect the character of our established communities, and make sure new growth enhances — not erases — what makes our neighbourhoods so great. 2. Public safety The current council has made the decision to eliminate crossing guards during school times. I believe that decision needs to be revisited. Our children’s safety should be a top priority. If we have limited resources, I believe protecting children crossing our busy roads should take priority over legacy projects like decorative lamp posts and benches in front of town hall. 3. Traffic and congestion For a council that has pushed so hard for growth and increased density, they have done the exact opposite when it comes to managing traffic. We are tearing down single-family homes and replacing them with multi-level, high-density condos while encouraging more development in our community. At the same time, we have systematically reduced Tecumseh Road from four lanes to one lane in each direction and eliminated left-turn lanes on Lesperance Road. Now, when a vehicle is turning, traffic can back up behind it. Businesses are suffering, and residents are frustrated. I will push for a traffic study to look at the entire picture and determine what changes are needed to improve traffic flow, support our businesses, and make our roads work for the growth we are planning. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? What separates me from my opponent is preparation, experience, and a proven commitment to Ward 1. I have been active in our community for years. I filed my nomination papers in May, on the very first day they were available, after spending months talking with residents, gathering signatures, listening to their concerns, and building my platform around what I heard. My opponent joined the race late, without a platform, a record at council, or municipal experience. I have a platform, a website, literature, a social media presence, and for the past five and a half months, I’ve been out in the community knocking on doors and talking directly with residents about what matters to them. I’ve built my campaign around being their voice. But it’s more than campaigning. I have a proven record of speaking up for residents and standing up for what I believe is right. I’m on record at council speaking out against four-units-as-of-right across Tecumseh, questioning the infrastructure needed to support it, listening to residents about what they wanted, speaking on their behalf, and ultimately seeing that proposal defeated. I’ve continued speaking up through the new town-wide zoning bylaw, meeting with consultants and raising concerns about lodging homes, traffic, and increased density in established neighbourhoods. To me, this election is about choosing someone who has prepared for the job, listened to residents, and already demonstrated that they will speak up for Ward 1. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I commit to being a councillor who listens, engages, speaks up on residents’ behalf, and acts on the priorities that matter to the people of Ward 1. I will work to make council more transparent, more accessible, and more accountable — and most importantly, I will make sure my constituents’ voice has a place at the table in decisions that affect our community. Because council should work for the residents, not the other way around. Disclaimer: Darrin Drouillard is an employee of CTV News Windsor. Doug Hilton CTV News is awaiting a response. Ward 2 James Dorner - Incumbent Why are you running for Ward 2 councillor of Tecumseh I am running for re election to continue the work we have started in the community that I call home. During my first term I have focused on flood protection, safer streets, better parks, and being available. My time in the Canadian Armed Forces gave me the work ethic and civic virtue while my civil engineering education helps me understand the infrastructure decisions facing our town. I want to keep bringing that experience and commitment to council. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the ward and how would you address it? Flood protection remains the most important issue facing Ward 2. Everyone in Ward 2 should be confident that the infrastructure serving their neighbourhood can handle heavy rainfall. I will continue advocating for investments in pumping stations, storm sewers, and drainage, including improvements serving the Manning and Arlington area. We need to address these needs while understanding the financial pressures everyone currently faces. That is why I want to continue seeking funding from other levels of government, while keeping people informed about project progress. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? 1. Strengthening flood protection and renewing infrastructure. This includes advancing drainage and pumping improvements, road repairs, and planned work on Arlington Boulevard and Manning Road. 2. Making our streets safer. I will continue supporting school safety improvements, safer pedestrian crossings, and practical measures to address speeding, while working with the OPP on enforcement. 3. Improving parks and community spaces. I want to continue to invest in Optimist Park and Lakewood Park, including accessible paths, playground amenities, and better neighbourhood connections. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I bring a combination of military service, civil engineering education, and experience representing Ward 2 on council. As a combat engineer in Afghanistan, I learned to assess risks, work under pressure, and take responsibility for decisions. My engineering background helps me ask informed questions about roads, drainage, and major capital projects. My first term has also given me experience helping people navigate municipal issues and working with staff and fellow councillors to move projects forward. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I will continue to provide a public update on all important matters in Ward 2. People will be able to hold me accountable against the commitments. I can be reached any time by phone or email. Mike Lamoureux Why are you running for Ward 2 councillor of Tecumseh? I’m running because I care about this community and want to help ensure Tecumseh remains a great place to live for generations to come. Having grown up here and raised my family here, I’ve seen what makes our community special. Our parks, waterfront, local businesses, neighbourhoods, and community events are a big part of what makes Tecumseh feel like home. I believe we can continue to grow and improve while still protecting the things residents value most. That means making responsible decisions about development, maintaining our infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and protecting our green spaces. I also believe residents deserve to feel heard and to understand how decisions are being made. I’m running to bring a practical, community-minded perspective to council, ask the right questions, and make decisions that put residents and the long-term interests of Tecumseh first. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the ward and how would you address it? I believe one of the biggest issues facing Ward 2 is managing growth while making sure our infrastructure and services can keep up. Development can bring opportunities, but it needs to be planned carefully. Residents should not be left dealing with increased traffic, drainage problems, or pressure on roads and other municipal services because we failed to plan ahead. I would work to ensure development decisions are supported by proper infrastructure planning, realistic assessments of costs, and meaningful consultation with residents. I would also push for continued investment in roads, sidewalks, drainage, parks, and recreational facilities before existing problems become more expensive to fix. Growth should benefit the community without putting an unfair burden on existing residents or taxpayers. We need to look at the long-term impact of decisions, not just the immediate benefits. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? 1. Responsible growth and infrastructure: I want to ensure development is planned properly and that roads, drainage, sidewalks, and municipal services can support our growing community. We need to address maintenance and infrastructure needs before they become bigger and more expensive problems. 2. Protecting our parks, trees, and natural spaces: Our green spaces are part of Tecumseh’s identity and contribute to our quality of life. I want to explore stronger tree protection, preserve our parks and waterfront, and consider practical ways to improve drainage and climate resilience through natural infrastructure. 3. Fiscal responsibility and community safety: Residents deserve value for their tax dollars. I would carefully consider the long-term costs of municipal decisions while looking for practical improvements that make our neighbourhoods safer. This includes examining whether reducing residential road speed limits in Ward 2 from 50 km/h to 40 km/h would improve safety. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I can’t speak for the other candidates, but I can tell residents what I would bring to council. My approach is practical, collaborative, and focused on the long-term well-being of our community. I want to ask questions, listen to residents, examine the facts, and make decisions based on what is best for Tecumseh rather than what is easiest in the moment. I believe responsible growth, environmental protection, infrastructure investment, and fiscal responsibility should work together, not compete with one another. Protecting our trees and green spaces, for example, is not just about appearance; it is also about quality of life, managing stormwater, and avoiding unnecessary costs down the road. I also believe being a councillor means being accessible and accountable. Residents should know where I stand, understand why decisions are made, and feel comfortable bringing their concerns forward. I want to be a councillor who listens, follows through, and remembers that the decisions we make today will affect Tecumseh for years to come. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I promise to push for a formal review of residential speed limits in Ward 2, with the goal of reducing them from 50 km/h to 40 km/h where appropriate. Neighbourhood safety matters, especially for children, pedestrians, cyclists, and families who use our residential streets every day. I would work with town staff to examine the roads where changes could make the biggest difference, review the relevant safety information, and bring forward recommendations for council to consider. Four years from now, residents should be able to ask me what steps I took, what the review found, and what action followed. I can’t promise that every road will be changed, because those decisions must be supported by evidence and proper process. But I can promise to make this a priority, advocate for safer residential streets, and report back to residents on the progress we make. Antoni Tambunan Why are you running for Ward 2 councillor of Tecumseh? I am seeking a seat on Tecumseh town council because I want to use my experience to serve our community and help address the concerns residents face every day. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the ward and how would you address it? My priorities are responsible spending and working toward no annual tax increases, improving safety on residential side streets by addressing speed limits, and installing speed bumps where appropriate, and improving traffic flow during rush hours by restoring two lanes on Tecumseh Road between Shawnee Road and Lesperance Road. I also want to see St. Clair Beach properly cleaned and algae addressed so residents can enjoy this important community space during the summer. As Tecumseh grows, I believe development should respect existing neighbourhoods and preserve the character of our town, with careful consideration of high-density duplexes and condominiums in smaller areas. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My priorities are responsible spending and working toward no annual tax increases, improving safety on residential side streets by addressing speed limits, and installing speed bumps where appropriate, and improving traffic flow during rush hours by restoring two lanes on Tecumseh Road between Shawnee Road and Lesperance Road. I also want to see St. Clair Beach properly cleaned and algae addressed so residents can enjoy this important community space during the summer. As Tecumseh grows, I believe development should respect existing neighbourhoods and preserve the character of our town, with careful consideration of high-density duplexes and condominiums in smaller areas. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? The difference between me and the others candidates for Ward 2 are I will listen the concerns of Ward 2. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I represent the community, I will donate a portion of my council salary back to our community/charities, specifically within Ward 2, and I will listen to the concerns of the Ward2 and community. Ward 3 Leo Demarce CTV News is awaiting a response. Chris Elliott CTV News is awaiting a response. Alex Ilijoski Why are you running for Ward 3 councillor of Tecumseh? I am running for Ward 3 councillor because I care deeply about our community and want to help ensure Tecumseh continues to be a safe, welcoming, and thriving place for everyone. Having proudly called Ward 3 home for more than 21 years, I have a strong connection to this community and a personal investment in its future. Through my work as an Ambulance Communications Officer, I understand the importance of public service, clear communication, accountability, and making sure people receive the support they need. My experience as a union steward with OPSEU Local 154 and my involvement with local community organizations have also strengthened my commitment to advocacy, fairness, and giving people a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their lives. I am running because I believe residents deserve a councillor who listens, is approachable, and works collaboratively to address local concerns. I want to be a strong voice for Ward 3 residents, advocate for responsible decision-making, and help ensure our community’s needs and priorities are heard at the council table. For me, municipal leadership is about service, not politics. It is about bringing people together, being accountable to residents, and making thoughtful decisions that benefit our community today while building a stronger, safer, and more resilient Tecumseh for future generations. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the ward and how would you address it? I believe one of the most important issues facing Ward 3 and the Town of Tecumseh is ensuring that housing remains attainable while managing growth in a responsible and sustainable way. Our community needs more diverse and affordable housing options, but growth must be carefully planned to protect the character of our established neighbourhoods and maintain the quality-of-life residents value. I would support modernizing zoning regulations to allow for a broader range of housing options, including apartments, condominiums, multi-family homes, and mixed-use developments where appropriate. By integrating small businesses and essential services into residential neighbourhoods, we can create more walkable communities where residents have better access to the services they need without always relying on a vehicle. Responsible growth also means making the most effective use of the land and infrastructure we already have. I would prioritize well-planned development in appropriate areas, while ensuring that new projects address stormwater management, meet environmental requirements, and are compatible with surrounding neighbourhoods. I would also explore municipal policies and taxation tools that encourage housing availability, discourage the underutilization of residential properties, and support a more diverse housing supply. Ultimately, I believe we can welcome new residents and create more housing opportunities without losing the identity of our community. My goal would be to work collaboratively with residents, developers, and town staff to find practical, financially responsible solutions that balance affordability, environmental protection, infrastructure capacity, and neighbourhood character. Growth should not simply be about building more; it should be about building thoughtfully to meet the needs of our community today and into the future. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? If elected, my top three priorities during my first term would be improving public transit, strengthening political and community engagement, and addressing the impacts of climate change through responsible, forward-thinking investments. I would advocate for a more accessible, convenient, and reliable public transit system that meets the needs of Tecumseh residents today and supports the town’s future growth. This would include prioritizing shelters and benches at the busiest bus stops, with a long-term goal of expanding shelter coverage throughout Tecumseh. I would also work collaboratively with the City of Windsor to improve transit connections, making it easier for residents to access employment, education, shopping, and recreational opportunities. Improving transit infrastructure is an investment in accessibility, local businesses, reduced traffic congestion, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. I believe residents deserve a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their lives. As a councillor, I would prioritize transparency, accessibility, and open communication between residents and municipal government. This includes ensuring council meeting recordings are posted promptly online, maintaining live-streamed meetings, and making recordings easier to find through the town’s website. I would also advocate for more opportunities for residents, community advocates, and local organizations to address council and share their concerns. By partnering with local high schools on civic education initiatives and supporting candidate debates and community town halls before municipal elections, we can encourage greater voter participation and help residents better understand how local government works. My goal would be to foster a culture where people feel heard, informed, and involved throughout the entire term, not just during an election. My last priority would be climate change mitigation. Climate change presents real challenges for our community, particularly when it comes to extreme rainfall, flooding, rising temperatures, and the strain on municipal infrastructure. I would support proactive investments in drainage and sewer systems to help protect homes, businesses, and public infrastructure from severe weather. I would also advocate for a phased installation of solar panels on suitable municipally owned buildings, replacing remaining conventional streetlights with energy-efficient LED fixtures, and creating a program that allows residents to purchase trees at cost to increase tree coverage throughout Tecumseh. In addition, I would support regular reviews of the Town’s Emergency Management Plan and continued collaboration with provincial and federal partners to strengthen emergency preparedness. These initiatives should be implemented through responsible budgeting, careful planning, and a focus on long-term value for taxpayers. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I believe what sets me apart from my fellow candidates is that I have developed a platform that identifies the challenges facing our community and, more importantly, offers practical solutions to address them. I am not simply identifying problems; I am presenting ideas and initiatives that can help move Tecumseh forward through responsible growth, improved public transit, affordable housing, greater community engagement, and long-term environmental sustainability. My professional experience as an Ambulance Communications Officer has taught me the importance of clear communication, accountability, sound decision-making, and finding solutions under pressure. Additionally, my involvement in organized labour has given me extensive relationships with the Windsor & District Labour Council and other unions throughout Windsor-Essex. These connections have provided me with valuable insight into the challenges facing working people and families, including affordability, workplace safety, and access to essential services. I am honoured to have the support and endorsement of the Windsor Labour & District Council. I also bring more than 21 years of experience living in Ward 3, along with a strong commitment to community involvement and public service. I understand that effective municipal leadership requires listening to residents, considering different perspectives, and working collaboratively to achieve meaningful results. Ultimately, I believe the difference is my commitment to being solutions-focused, accessible, and accountable. I want residents to know not only what challenges I believe we face, but also what I propose to do about them. My goal is to bring practical ideas, a strong work ethic, and a collaborative approach to council to help build a stronger, more affordable, and more sustainable Tecumseh for everyone. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is to lead with transparency, accessibility, and accountability throughout the entire four-year term, not just during an election campaign. I want residents to know that their voices matter, their concerns will be heard, and they will have access to clear information about the decisions being made on their behalf. If elected, I will work to make municipal government more accessible by keeping residents informed, encouraging open dialogue, and creating opportunities for meaningful community input. I will approach decisions with an open mind, ask questions, challenge the status quo when necessary, and bring a fresh perspective to council by focusing on practical solutions that reflect the needs of Ward 3 residents and the broader Tecumseh community. Four years from now, I want residents to be able to look back and say that I was approachable, that I listened, that I followed through on my commitments, and that I remained accountable to the people who elected me. I may not be able to solve every problem, but I promise to be honest about the challenges, transparent about the decisions, and committed to working toward solutions. Ultimately, my accountability will be measured not just by what I promise today, but by how I serve our community every day throughout my term. Ward 4 Cheryl Hardcastle CTV News is awaiting a response. Brian Houston - Incumbent Why are you running for Ward 4 councillor of Tecumseh? I’m running for a fourth term because serving Tecumseh is a true passion of mine. Since making this town our home in 2003, my wife Elisa and I have been proud to raise our two daughters here — you’ll often find me coaching their hockey team on weekends. I care deeply about the decisions shaping our community’s future, and I’m eager to keep building on the progress we’ve achieved together over the last 12 years. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the ward and how would you address it? Infrastructure, flood protection, and stormwater management are the top priorities for Ward 4. Residents have lived through the anxiety of extreme weather, and they deserve real, reliable solutions. I am committed to speeding up the implementation of our Stormwater Master Plan. At the same time, I will keep promoting practical resources like our backwater valve subsidy so homeowners can protect their properties immediately while major infrastructure projects are underway. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My top three priorities for the next term will focus on accelerating our Stormwater Master Plan to protect homes from flooding and build climate resilience, investing in modern parks and recreational spaces for local families, and managing development responsibly so infrastructure and our road network keep pace with growth. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I offer a unique combination of 12 years of proven council experience and active, daily involvement in our community. I know how local government works and have established key relationships across all levels of administration. Just as importantly, as a parent, local coach, and neighbor, I’m accessible and listening every single day. Proven experience and genuine community connection make the real difference. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is straightforward: Four years from now, Tecumseh will be stronger, safer, and better off than it is today. A stronger fiscal foundation, critical flood-mitigation projects that actively protect our homes, and enhanced recreational spaces our families can enjoy. Progress isn’t just about managing the day-to-day — it’s about leaving our town in a better position for the next generation. That is the exact standard of performance I commit to delivering. Ward 5 Marisa Nabbout Why are you running for Ward 5 councillor of Tecumseh? I have lived in Ward 5 (Sandwich South) since 1979. Since then, I was raised in a family who took the initiative to challenge many decisions by the town municipality and to advocate for various needs of our neighbourhood. This sense of being of service to my community has led me to make the decision to run in this election. Ward 5 is, at times, neglected by Town Hall, and I want to be the voice of the residents to make sure that we are not forgotten. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the ward and how would you address it? There are many issues that are important and of concern to Ward 5. The most important issue that encompasses many issues, long-term and short- term, is town’s future planning and development. The planning to date, has not taken into consideration the public’s input. There are plans of constructing a hotel in the Tecumseh Hamlet, where the residents have strongly voiced their opposition, but their concerns have been ignored. In my area, we had to take the initiative to challenge the town’s decision to build more industry, in an area where a residential hamlet naturally should occur. Although we challenged and won the decision, that decision was appealed by Town Hall. We did win the fight and are now watching residential homes being built. The important issue that I want to address is to listen to public input and not to ignore residents’ voices when making decisions. Other issues, such as safety, infrastructure and green spaces are also very important to Ward 5. I will address these issues by asking questions, researching, and gathering public input. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My priorities are simple: Actively listen, be the residents’ voice, and collaborate with all stakeholders. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I am an educator, and as an educator, my priority is to positively advocate for and be concerned with those I serve. I also serve on many committees and have taken on the role and responsibilities of Chair and Liaison officer, in the education sector. I understand the importance of collaboration with all invested parties, questioning and elevating conversations to other levels of support. What makes me different is that I will not take the residents of Ward 5 for granted. I have been knocking on every door and genuinely listening to them to refine my platform and priorities. I am running to be of service to my community. I did not just place my name in the hat and am waiting for election night. I have sincerely submitted my candidacy because I care about my community, and I want to be their voice and advocate for their well being. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I will listen. That is the promise that I can make. I will bring your concern to the table. I will do my best to research, advocate and ask questions for the betterment of Ward 5. I will not ignore my neighbours. Michael Strong Why are you running for Ward 5 councillor of Tecumseh? I’m running because Ward 5 is where I live with my family and I would like to have a say in how things are run and the plans for shaping its future. I want to be upfront that I’m not running out of anger or because I think something has gone badly wrong in Tecumseh. I love living here, and overall, I think it’s a well-run town. I’ve always had a genuine interest in politics and public service, and I hold an MBA and a degree in Economics, with a background in finance and accounting. I have experience in analyzing budgets and making sense of complex financial decisions. I believe that experience is directly useful at the council table, especially when it comes to budgets, taxes, and making sure taxpayer money is spent carefully. I’m running because I think I can bring a careful, financially grounded, and genuinely positive voice to council, one that focuses on getting the basics right for residents rather than chasing bigger promises. I’d be honoured to earn the trust of Ward 5 voters this election. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the ward and how would you address it? In Ward 5, I consistently hear about the same everyday infrastructure gaps: Sidewalks that stop and start instead of connecting our neighbourhoods, parks without nearby crosswalks, and flooding or stormwater runoff that comes up again and again, not as a rare event but a recurring problem for residents. I believe that basics like, roads without potholes, storm sewers that clear water quickly, safe sidewalks, and clean parks, need to be prioritized before the town spends on extras somewhere else. These are the everyday things every resident depends on, and right now too many of them are inconsistent across the ward. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? First, fiscal responsibility. I don’t believe we should raise taxes to fund new investments. If council wants to fund something new, we should find savings and efficiencies first, rather than simply asking residents to pay more. I’m also concerned about rising home values quietly pushing property taxes higher, and I want taxes to stay fair and appropriate. Second, getting the basics right before extras. That means roads without potholes, storm sewers that clear water quickly, clean and well-maintained parks, and sidewalks that safely connect our neighbourhoods. In Ward 5 specifically, that means addressing the sidewalk gaps and missing crosswalks near parks that residents have raised with me. Third, making development easier to navigate, for both businesses looking to invest here and homeowners who just want to build a deck, finish a basement, or add an addition. The approval process feels more complicated than it needs to be, and that holds people back unnecessarily. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I can’t speak to every other candidate’s platform, but I can tell you what I bring. My background is in finance and accounting, with an MBA and a degree in Economics, and I’ve spent my career analyzing budgets and financial decisions professionally, not just as an interested resident. That shapes how I’d approach council. I want to see the numbers before I commit to spending, and I believe in finding savings before raising taxes, not the other way around. I’m also running from a place of genuine interest rather than grievance. I’m not here because I’m angry about one issue or trying to overhaul the town. I think Tecumseh is well run overall, and I want to build on that by focusing council’s attention on the basics. I’d rather be the candidate asking practical, financially grounded questions than the one making the biggest promises. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold me accountable for in four years? I promise that I will not support raising property taxes to pay for new spending without the town first demonstrating that it has looked for savings and efficiencies in its existing budget. If council wants to fund something new, that search for savings comes first, not a tax increase as the default answer. Voters can hold me to that every single budget cycle for the next four years. These responses have been edited grammatically only.
