Kitchener Candidates
More about who is running, how to contact them, and their priorities
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.
City Council:
Mayor:
Rehman-Ullah Khan
Email: khanforkitchenermayor@gmail.com
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.”
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.”
Email: milos.posavljak@greenium.me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milos-sokollu-posavljak-m-sc-p-eng-848220170/
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
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
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
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:
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.”
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
Email: matthewg4ward3@gmail.com
Phone: +1-226-792-4218
Can also be found on: Instagram and Twitter
Priorities: Industry; Business operations; Environmental; Transportation; Civics
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
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
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:
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
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
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
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.”
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
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
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:
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
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
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
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:
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.”
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
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:
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
Email: peter.4.kitchener.10@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-davis-8011b317/
Priorities: Affordable housing; Climate preparedness; Financial responsibility
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
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
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
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.
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”
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.”
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'.”
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/
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.”
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
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
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
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.”
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.”
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
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
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
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).