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Kitchener Candidates

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Kitchener Candidates

More about who is running, how to contact them, and their priorities

Melissa Bowman
Sep 23, 2022
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Kitchener Candidates

citified.substack.com

This is the third in a series of posts highlighting contact information, social media, and website details for candidates locally. Today’s post focuses on Kitchener candidates.

I have listed all of the candidates alphabetically, by municipality. Candidate names are linked to their website, if they have one. I have also included a direct statement or quotation from candidates’ websites or social media that outlines their priorities or platform (when available). If you’re uncertain which ward you reside in, check out this ward map.

Interior of Kitchener council chambers. Wooden 'horseshoe' desks, and several empty black chairs.
Kitchener Council Chambers


City Council:

Mayor:

  • Rehman-Ullah Khan

Email: khanforkitchenermayor@gmail.com 

  • Manikantan Nair

Email: votefornair@gmail.com 

Phone: +1-226-600-9262

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

Quote: “Mr. Nair strongly believes that elected representatives should be more accountable and transparent to the people. They should provide regular updates regarding policy discussions and changes. For better engagement with the residents of Kitchener, Mr. Nair will host virtual or in-person town hall meetings if elected as Mayor.”

  • Val Neekman

Email: elect@val4mayor.ca 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neekman/ 

Phone: +1-226-476-1804

Quote: “This city needs fresh blood, to think differently, to revolutionize the ways it operates, to use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to process massive amounts of data in near real-time; and to ensure all decisions are made objectively and not based on one’s feelings or political agenda.”

  • Milos Sokollu Posavljak

Email: milos.posavljak@greenium.me 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milos-sokollu-posavljak-m-sc-p-eng-848220170/ 

  • Berry Vrbanovic

Email: berryv@outlook.com 

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/berryv 

Phone: +1-519-574-7800 +1-519-896-0938

Can also be found on: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Quote: “Dealing with these dynamic social challenges and complex issues impacting our cities will not only require us to ensure that those who need additional supports are able to get them, but dealing with them will also require demonstrated leadership, proven experience, endless energy and strong relationships with federal and provincial governments and community partners more than ever before. I am ready to face those challenges. I am ready to continue as that leader.”

Ward one:

  • Alan Becirevic

Email: alanbecirevic@hotmail.com  

Phone: +1-519-277-2179

Can also be found on: Facebook

  • Scott Davey

Email: scottdavey@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-davey-0b619722/ 

Phone: +1-519-489-9056

Can also be found on: Twitter

Quote: “My focus has always been with the finances of building a better city. I firmly believe the role of government is not only to equitably-advance, but to do so sustainably and within our means. That means making tough decisions in determining what community-investments have the best value… because we simply cannot afford to do everything.”

  • Prashant Deol

Email: prashantdeol@outlook.com 

Phone: +1-647-202-2482

Can also be found on: Twitter

  • Simon Guthrie

Email: hello@simonguthrie.ca 

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/simonguthrie 

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

Quote: “As your next Ward 1 Councillor I will bring leadership founded on compassion and integrity, and will work to: Protect our built and natural environment; Reconnect our Communities; Plan our bright future for Kitchener.”

Ward two:

  • Derrick Rabethge

Email: derrickrabethge@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-rabethge-38bbb482/ 

Can also be found on: Facebook 

  • Dave Schnider

Email: daveschniderward2@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveschniderkw/ 

Phone: +1-226-751-2470

Can also be found on: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Priorities: Listen To You And Respond To Your Concerns; Respect And Value Your Tax Dollars; A Caring and Inclusive Kitchener; ​Strong Economic Development And A Vibrant Kitchener

  • Asher Shahzad

Email: vote4asher@outlook.com 

Phone: +1-416-666-6609

Can also be found on: Twitter

Ward three:

  • Rosanne Berwick 

Email: info@Vote4Rose.ca 

Phone: +1-519-503-7117

Can also be found on: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Quote: “Rosanne Berwick, is the best choice for Ward 3 City Councilor. She has spent her entire life in the Region of Waterloo and has developed many social and business contacts, she is very approachable and is best suited to represent the constituents of Ward 3.”

  • Jason Deneault

Email: jasondeneault1@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-deneault-0331841b8/    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-deneault-6a8271a/ 

Phone: +1-519-807-3278

Can also be found on: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Priorities: Affordable housing; Finding solutions for those living on the street by working closely with Community Partners; Building more accessible and upgraded community playgrounds and trails; Holding absent landlords/Homeowners accountable for their property

  • Matthew Griffin

Email: matthewg4ward3@gmail.com 

Phone: +1-226-792-4218

Can also be found on: Instagram and Twitter

Priorities: Industry; Business operations; Environmental; Transportation; Civics

  • Devon Harnarain

Email: devon4ward3@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/munesh-devon-harnarain-5a79a99a/ 

Phone: +1-226-339-0463

Can also be found on: Instagram and Twitter

Priorities: Civic Engagement, Accountability and Transparency; Economic Investment; Community Wellbeing; Affordable Housing

  • Marijo Howard

Email: marijohoward@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marijo-howard-6ab230/ 

Phone: +1-519-741-7274

Can also be found on: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (protected account)

Priorities: Engaging with the Ward 3 residents to learn what is important to them; Working towards responsible growth and development; Low-income housing crisis and food insecurities; Shining light on Mental Health issues

  • Bryan Richardson

Email: bryanrichardsonward3@gmail.com 

Phone: +1-519-574-9900

Can also be found on: Facebook

Quote: “Bryan's ultimate goal is to level the playing field: Provide opportunities for affordable housing; Provide and maintain a stable and accessible healthcare system; Provide a safe community for all.”

Ward four:

  • Ali Akbar

Email: vote4aliakbar@gmail.com 

Phone: +1-416-858-6577

Priorities: Moving Kitchener Forward; Protect Our Neighbour; Protect Our Environment; Responsible Development; Create Quality Jobs; Transparency & Accountability; Affordable Housing; Lower Municipal Taxes

  • Christine Michaud

Email: ChristineMichaud@rogers.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-michaud-93152315/ 

Phone: +1-226-338-2933

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

Priorities: Connecting with Community; Safe Streets & Neighbourhoods; Environmental responsibilities; Responsible Development & Complete Neighbourhoods; Affordable Housing/Homelessness; Equity and Inclusion

  • John Vandonk

Email: jvandonk@live.ca 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-vandonk-298568238/ 

Phone: +1-519-786-8361

Priorities: Homelessness and affordable housing; Minimizing urban sprawl; Rehab and detox centres; Living wage; Inclusion; Climate change

Ward five:

  • Ajmer Singh Mandur

Email: info@ajmermandur.ca  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajmer-singh-mandur-35b18ab2/ 

Phone: +1-519-574-5042

  • Jon Massimi

Email: jonmassimi@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-massimi-72b2a5b6/ 

Can also be found on: Twitter

Quote: “Jon has been a community organizer for over 20 years, working in both community and municipal space. He has a knack for identifying and building on the collective strengths of individuals and organizations in the creation of connected and powerful communities.”

  • Farah Muhammad

Email: Farah855@Ymail.com 

Phone: +1-647-741-4839

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

Priorities include: Affordable housing; Sustainability; Community safety; Environment, Infrastructure

  • Naveed Najmuddin

Email: naveed.najmuddin@gmail.com

  • Ayo Owodunni

Email: ayo@voteforayo.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%87%A8%F0%9F%87%A6-ayo-owodunni-mba-51642743

Can also be found on: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Quote: “It is important that the leaders of a community reflect the community they represent. Our communities are changing rapidly, and so are our needs. As Councillor, I will give all communities a voice; ensuring that whether someone has been a Kitchener resident for three years or thirty, they have a say in shaping the city they call home.”

Ward six:

  • Anwar Arkani

Email: voteforarkani@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anwar-s-arkani-43696013/ 

Phone: +1-519-781-3800

Can also be found on: Facebook

  • Paul Singh

Email: paulsinghward6@gmail.com 

Phone: +1-519-721-3272

Can also be found on: Twitter

Priorities: Fiscal responsibility; Improving economy and creating jobs; Building strong neighbourhoods

Ward seven:

  • Bil Ioannidis

Email: bil.ioannidis@live.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bilioannidis/ 

Phone: +1-519-579-5398

Can also be found on: Twitter

Priorities: Economic development; Transportation; Environmental sustainability; Seniors; Taxes and spending; Culture and recreation

  • Colin Maley

Email: ward7maley@gmail.com 

Can also be found on: Facebook

Priorities: Reasonable housing; Clean up Westheights pond; Reconsider 30km/h zones; Pedestrian signals in roundabouts; Dog parks

  • Kevin McCrea

Email: McCrea.Ward7@gmail.com 

Phone: +1-519-500-9976

Can also be found on: Twitter

Priorities: to make our roads safer, thereby improving pedestrian safety; establish a more effective approach to our roundabouts; create additional programs for job seekers and for our youth; keep our green spaces healthy, vibrant and accessible to all

Ward eight:

  • Aleena Aftab

Email: aleenaftab@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleenaaftab/ 

Phone: +1-226-218-2182

  • Margaret Johnston

Email: margaret.anne.johnston@rogers.com 

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/margaret-johnston-1640581 

Phone: +1-226-898-6751

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

Priorities: Positive, collaborative leadership; Build partnerships between Council, neighbourhood associations, and local businesses; Prioritize accessibility and inclusion for all ages and abilities; Work in collaboration with Kitchener’s tech sector to promote economic development;  Work with neighbourhood partners to promote road safety and active transportation

Ward nine:

  • Debbie Chapman

Email: debbiechapman@execulink.com 

Phone: +1-226-476-3319 +1-226-752-7104

Can also be found on: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Quote: “Kitchener residents deserve a City that balances social equity with economic growth. I want a City that values communities and neighbourhoods, addresses climate change, strengthens families in all their forms, and pays special attention to the vulnerable members of our society.”

  • David Redman

Email: davidaredman@gmail.com 

Phone: +1-519-635-6673

Priorities: Affordability; Liveability; Heritage

  • Matthew Robson

Email: robsonward9@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-robson-48872527/ 

Phone: +1-226-929-7701

Can also be found on: Twitter

  • Alex Shevchenko

Email: alexshevchenko@live.ca

  • Brooklin Wallis

Email: votebrooklin@gmail.com 

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

Priorities: Approving more affordable housing and mid-density units; Helping homeless folks make homes and maintain access to food, water, and washrooms; Reducing car dependency and building pedestrian friendly infrastructure; Making our city green; Actively stopping the rise of hate and hate crimes in the city

  • Beth Warren

Email: beth.warren6@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethwarren6/ 

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

Ward ten:

  • Aislinn Clancy

Email: voteclancyward10@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinn-clancy-2b4bb51b8/ 

Phone: +1-226-505-6571

Can also be found on: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Priorities: Thoughtful urban development; balancing housing needs and affordability with economic growth; Demanding care for our community and its members, so that everyone has access to good work, nature, connection, and wellbeing; Responsible climate action to ensure our community can adapt and implement planet friendly investments

  • Peter Davis

Email: peter.4.kitchener.10@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-davis-8011b317/ 

Priorities: Affordable housing; Climate preparedness; Financial responsibility

  • Daniel J. Fife

Email: fife4ten@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-fife-933ba810/ 

Phone: +1-519-572-3594

Priorities: Healthcare; Climate change; Self-determination; Prosperity and heritage; Reasonable taxation; Housing; Diversity and inclusivity; Reconciliation; Participation; Bureaucracy 

  • Lana Hiscock

Email: lana@lana4ward10.ca 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-hiscock-473122246/ 

Phone: +1-226-455-9448

Can also be found on: Twitter

Priorities: Fair and affordable housing for all; An end to homelessness; Representation for renters; Smart urban development; Climate change; Prevent gentrification

  • Stephanie Stretch

Email: votestretch22@gmail.com 

Phone: +1-519-277-4477

Can also be found on: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Priorities: Fiscal responsibility and affordability; Social responsibility and togetherness; Environmental sustainability and investment

  • Phong Tran

Email: phong@matteroftaste.ca 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phong-tran-78737520/ 

Phone: +1-548-255-2381

Can also be found on: Facebook 

Priorities: Safety and beautification; Promoting a walkable downtown; A master vision for development of downtown


School board trustees:

Waterloo Catholic District School Board for Kitchener/Wilmot: Vote for up to four.

  • Wendy Ashby

Email: wjashby01@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-j-ashby-91447821/ 

Quote: “I proudly advocate for: BLM -- Anti-racism --Truth and Reconciliation in Education -- LGBTQ2IA+ -- Mental Health”

  • Simone Beaucage

Email: smbeaucage@outlook.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-beaucage-081307121/ 

Quote: “I am committed to creating a positive learning environment where people work together to serve the diverse academic, social, and spiritual needs of our students and the community as a whole.”

  • Kathy Doherty-Masters

Email: kathy.dohertymasters@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-doherty-masters-b58690206/ 

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

Quote: “I look forward to the opportunity to support WCDSB students, staff members and families in the coming years as Trustee for Kitchener/Wilmot as we continue God's work ensuring that our Catholic Schools remain as 'Heart of the Community'.”

  • Dariusz Grabka

Email: dariusz@kwtrustee.ca 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariuszg/ 

Phone: +1-647-962-5506

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

Quote: “I’m running to promote the advancement of STEM + Arts education in Waterloo Region. I’m running to improve conditions for all students (including my own kids), teachers, administrators, and board employees who contribute to our schools success.”

  • Renée Kraft

Email: renee.kraft@hotmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkraft1/ 

  • Julie Molenaar

Email: jmolenaar1@yahoo.com 

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/julie-molenaar-69259740 

Phone: +1-519-635-6644

Quote: “It is my belief that students in the Waterloo School Board deserves the best education and experience we can possibly give them. We need to provide a safe and inclusive environment to learn, and access to every resource we can offer.”

  • Tracey Weiler

Email: Tracey@TraceyWeiler.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyweiler/ 

Phone: +1-519-504-1274

Can also be found on: Twitter

Priorities: Student achievement; Well-being and mental health; Diversity, equity and inclusion; Indigenous education; Managing growth

  • Hadembes Yebetit

Email: hadembes4wcdsb@gmail.com 

Phone: +1-226-600-8930

Can also be found on: Facebook 

Quote: “Hadembes will bring new ideas to the Waterloo Catholic District School Board and will help improve the relationship between schools and parents. He is an active listener and can actively engage in conversations close to his educational and social values and he will be a voice to those marginalized and disadvantaged members of our community.”


Waterloo Region District School Board for Kitchener: Vote for up to four.

  • Stephen Adaran

Email: adaran595@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/stephen-adaran-6598663 

Phone: +1-519-896-9082

  • Barb Chrysler

Email: barb@barbchrysler.com trustee@barbchrysler.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-chrysler-bbb98878/ 

Quote: “I felt a sense of responsibility to contribute to finding solutions. As a teacher, lifelong student, parent of grown children, and aunt to children still in the school system, I became concerned about the impact of  recent events such as vaccine mandates, lockdowns,  and mask use on children, teens, and educators.”

  • Julia Dunham

Email: me@juliadunham.ca 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-dunham/ 

Phone: +1-226-792-4097

  • Claus Dérisma

Email: therigchef@gmail.com 

Phone: +1-519-807-2652

Can also be found on: Instagram and Twitter

Quote: “I want to get back to the fundamentals with a sprinkle of innovation. I want to encourage our students to try and don’t give up. I’m here to show respect, compassion, care, accountability, loyalty and understanding.”

  • Ahmed Kassad

Email: kassad.ahmed@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-kassad 

Phone: +1-416-854-4091

Can also be found on: Twitter

Quote: “My concerns with transparency on the current board were a big influence on my decision to run. There are disturbing symptoms of a deeply rooted problem in the governance of our education system; publicly elected trustees being silenced without a reason provided to the parents, and teachers being negatively impacted when they speak out about the age appropriateness of some books in school.”

  • David Kuhn

Email: david@davidkuhn.ca 

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

Quote: “This is my third election as a candidate for public school trustee — I’m running again because I want to continue serving our community as an advocate for students and their families. And I’m running again because I want to help ensure all of our students are supported and included so that they can succeed in our schools and beyond.”

  • Rachel Liley

Email: rachel@sgp.media 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-b-liley/ 

Phone: +1-416-505-6054

  • Christina Meekison

Email: meekison2000@gmail.com 

Phone: +1-519-588-4542

  • Natasha Miklos

Email: natasha4trustee@gmail.com 

Can also be found on: Twitter

Quote: “I believe in a division of responsibilities between teachers and parents: Schools can focus on teaching the core educational competencies in language, math, history, arts, etc., while parents instill their own culture and values in their children.”

  • Jeff Musgrave

Email: jeff@musgrave.ca 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmusgrave/ 

Can also be found on: Twitter

  • Maedith Radlein

Email: electmaedith@gmail.com 

Can also be found on: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Priorities: Optimize my past educational experience to benefit student learning; Promote student achievement and wellbeing by valuing lived experience;Give voice to diverse perspectives; Bring a child-centred lens to all decision-making; Be available and actively address your concerns; Commit to open and transparent communication; Work collaboratively to make the system accountable

  • Mike Ramsay

Email: mramsay5668@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-ramsay-98b6a15a/ 

Phone: +1-519-502-8449

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

Priorities: Re-direct the focus of the Board toward every student's academic excellence, preparation for a successful career and civic life; Ensure that the Board honours the rights of all parents and guardians to express their opinions to the Board and for them to be heard fairly and courteously; Put and end to the divisive identity politics that is distracting from the work that the Board should be focused on....student learning and achievement

  • Natasha Rolleman

Email: rollemannatasha@gmail.com 

  • Tara Ross

Email: taraross78@gmail.com

  • Laurie Tremble

Email: tremblefortrustee@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-tremble-33793994/

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

  • Meena Waseem

Email: meenaforschools@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenawaseem/ 

Can also be found on: Twitter

  • Joanne Weston

Email: joanneweston2022@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westonjoanne/ 

Can also be found on: Facebook and Twitter

Quote: “Joanne believes that the proverb, “it takes a community to raise a child” is still relevant in our modern society, and that strong partnerships are needed to help students succeed. As Trustee, Joanne will continue to advocate for the resources staff need to support students and be a partner in your child's education.”


I shared information about the Kitchener candidates for Regional Council in this previous post.

Remember! The next municipal election takes place on Monday, October 24, 2022.

The City of Kitchener offers in-person voting.

If you’re looking for more information about this Fall’s election, check out Waterloo Region Votes.

In case you missed it: I had the chance to speak with Mike Farwell last week about these Citified posts. You can listen to that interview here (Thursday, Sept 15th, starting at the 1:43:19 mark).

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Kitchener Candidates

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