New Questions for Kitchener Council Candidates

The questions for the councillor candidates were:
How would you describe you personnal political ideology and/or affiliation AND how would you take that perspective to implement it, if the "system" does not encourage that view?

WARD 1 CANDIDATES

Kiflai, Haile
RESPONSE
emails keep bouncing back


The following candidates from Ward 1 did not respond
Elizabeth Bate
Scott Davey
Zahid Mian Mahmood


WARD 2 CANDIDATES

Ibrahim, Soran
RESPONSE
Thank you for your question and for taking the time to learn more about the candidates.
In regard to your first question; I see myself as a pragmatic, community-focused candidate rather than someone driven by a particular political ideology or party affiliation. At the municipal level, the focus should be on practical issues that affect residents every day from housing, infrastructure, public safety, transportation, economic development, to community services.

My approach is based on accountability, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and, most importantly, listening to residents. I believe councillors should work together, consider different perspectives, and focus on practical solutions that benefit our community.

My commitment is simple: to represent residents, listen to their concerns, and work hard to make the city of Kitchener a better place to live for everyone.

Thank you again for reaching out. I appreciate your engagement in our democratic process.

Soran Ibrahim
Candidate for Council - Ward 2 , City of Kitchener


Rabethge, Derrick
RESPONSE
Thanks for another question

I would consider myself to be a pretty moderate/common sense individual. I am what you would consider a classic liberal. I believe in all the tenants of
Liberalism from Freedom of speech, Freedom of the press, Freedom of religion, ect... Within reason as long as someone isn't affecting my life with what they do it doesn't bother me. So maybe even a bit of Libertarian in there also. I am more socially Liberal and very Fiscally conservative. Which puts me right in the middle, I may have varying takes depending on the specific policy point. Though I would think everyone does, no two people will agree on everything. I think the most important aspect of any political leaning isn't where someone sits so much as do we all have the freedom to discuss, debate, and argue the points/facts rather than shutting people down, personal attacks or name calling. For that reason I would consider myself a Freedom of speech absolutist. I recognize certain things such as Libel laws and Calls to violence and why they are illegal but barring that I think speech is the most powerful weapon we have in this world to solve problems and to make sure people are heard.

To answer the second part of your question, if I am elected I will try my best to vote in accordance with what tax payers and the city as a whole would benefit from. I'd like to try and keep taxes low, if not tax breaks, Encourage neighbours to openly dialogue with me so I know what things are important to them and vote accordingly. I am not really looking to get elected and enact my own agenda like some individuals try to do. I think at all levels of government we have lost the idea that the elected individual
works for the taxpayer and they should be consulted on votes and what is going on. At the end of the day it is their money that the council spends. With that being said I am also only one vote and I will work with others on council; However I am not going there to make friends and shmooze if there are backdoor dealings going on. If other council members are doing things they shouldn't be or they are standing in the way of what tax payers want I have no qualms about releasing that info to the general public and the media. It is long past time that all levels of government have a lot more transparency and accountability.

I hope this answers your questions
If you have any more feel free :)
Thanks for reaching out

~Derrick Rabethge
Kitchener Ward 2 Candidate


The following candidates from Ward 2 did not respond
Dave Schnider


WARD 3 CANDIDATES

Deneault, Jason
RESPONSE
I have no political affiliation, never have and never will. I have voted for green, Red, Orange and Blue in my life.
My voting record has and will always continue to be voting for what’s best for the city and our citizens. I never take a one side approach, I look at all sides and come to a decision based on those.

Jason


Jordao, Lurdes
RESPONSE
I’m not sure I understand your question. I honestly do not have a political ideology nor affiliation. I always review information presented in each case/situation and make best decision to meet the needs of residents. With municipal elections it’s about the residents and community living.
Having lived in Ward 3 for over 27 years; my representation would be to serve the residents in Ward #3 and make best decisions for residents and City of Kitchener. Regardless if the system does not encourage it; I will represent the needs/wants of residents.

Hope this helps.

Best regards, LJ

Sent from my iPhone




Parker, Matt
RESPONSE
Thanks for the questions! I see you've posted all of the responses you've received online from all of the candidates, which I think is an interesting project in transparency for Kitchener voters!This question is much simpler to answer for me.I don't have political affiliations and for me, ideology always means false, wrong or illusory. I'm not bringing any of that baggage to city council. There's a reason the municipal act expressly forbids party affiliations in Ontario, and I'm in full support of that.All of my decisions and directions will be based on empirical, data driven and technical evidence and recommendations from staff. There's no room for ideology in practical decision making on council. Roads, Water and the environment don't care who I've voted for or what I think about tariffs. I hope this is what voters like you were looking to hear. I found the answers from other candidates extremely illuminating and I'm looking forward to see how they've answered this question.Thanks again for your time and energy!Sincerely,Matt Parkerwww.mattpforward3.ca


The following candidates from Ward 3 did not respond
Shawn Bradshaw
Joanne Delaney-Fraser
Ismail Mohamed



WARD 4 CANDIDATES

Kappaya, Ibraheem
Address: 60 Hollybrook Trail, Kitchener
Email: kappaya4kitchener@gmail.comPhone:
(519) 731-0823
Website: Kappaya4kitchener.com
Nomination date: Jun 11, 2026

RESPONSE
Thanks for following up! I'm always happy to keep the conversation going.To answer your first question: I don't really align with a traditional political affiliation, especially when it comes to municipal government. At the city level, fixing potholes, clearing snow, and making housing affordable aren't left-wing or right-wing issues; they are just practical problems that need solving.If I had to give my "ideology" a name, I’d call it practical economics. I believe in looking at the hard data, spending tax dollars efficiently, and cutting the red tape that makes everyday life harder for families and small businesses. I don't make decisions based on political optics; I base them on what the math says makes the most sense for our long-term future.Your second question is a great one, because you're absolutely right: the "system" (bureaucracy and City Hall inertia) usually prefers the status quo because it's easier than changing.How do I plan to implement my perspective when the system pushes back? By bringing the receipts. It is very hard for a stubborn bureaucracy to argue against plain math. If a current policy (like our overnight parking rules or reactive road repairs) is wasting money or frustrating residents, I will bring the actual data to the council floor to prove it.Because I’m not a career politician and I don't owe anyone political favours, I’m not afraid to ask, "why are we doing it this way?" And if the system refuses to budge, my strategy is complete transparency. I will take the issue straight back to the residents of Ward 4, show them the numbers, and explain exactly why the roadblock is happening. When the community is fully informed and united, it creates a level of public pressure that the system simply cannot ignore.Thanks again for the great questions. Let me know if anything else comes to mind!
Best regards,Ibraheem KappayaCandidate for Kitchener City Council,
Ward 4Economics & Financial Management at Wilfrid Laurier
kappaya4kitchener.com
(519) 731-0823

The following candidates from Ward 4 did not respond
Anant Jain
Christine Michaud
Vikki Poirier
Harry Scanlan


WARD 5 CANDIDATES

Massimi, Jon
Email: jon4ward5kw@gmail.com
Website: jonfor5.ca
Nomination date: Jun 04, 2026

RESPONSE
Thanks for sending another.I view my political orientation as that of a pragmatic, community-first independent rather than someone adhering to a rigid partisan doctrine. I draw deeply from my background as a community organizer, who studied under Asset-Based Community Development co-founder John McKnight. Instead of advancing a top-down agenda, my approach centres on the reality that resilient neighbourhoods are built from the ground up by leveraging existing local strengths, relationships, and resident leadership. As a councillor within a "system" that typically doesn't take this approach I would begin by working outside of it. Begin with residents, encouraging a shift where they move from passive consumers of city services into active partners. This can be done by replacing passive public consultations with early collaborative workshops, removing bureaucratic frameworks from community-led initiatives, and utilizing my office as a bridge between city staff and community-based priorities to ensure resident action and feedback directly shapes municipal policy.I hope this makes sense
All the best
Jon


Weiler, Tracey
Email: tracey@traceyweiler.com
Phone: (519) 504-1274
Website: traceyweiler.com
Nomination date: Aug 06, 2026

RESPONSE
My Political Ideology and Affiliation" "I do not carry a party banner. In Ontario, municipal government is intentionally non-partisan, and that independence is one of its greatest strengths. If I were to define my governing philosophy, it is evidence-based pragmatism: pairing rigorous fiscal accountability with deep community care.
Fiscally: As a CPA with an MBA, I look at municipal spending through a lens of value for money, transparency, and long-term sustainability. Every tax dollar belongs to the residents of Kitchener, and City Hall must be held accountable for outcomes, not just intentions.
Socially: My decades of community governance—from school board leadership to community volunteerism—remind me that a growing city must remain livable, compassionate, and supportive of families, seniors, and vulnerable neighbours.I don't approach city issues from the rigid left or right; I approach them from the ground up, asking: Does this make Ward 5 a better, safer, more affordable place to live?"


Peers, Rich
Address: Dunblane Crt, Kitchener
Email: rich.jobrunner@gmail.com
Phone: (519) 500-2345
Website: richpeers.ca
Nomination date: May 04, 2026

RESPONSE
Thank you for the question, it’s an important one.I would describe myself as politically independent and pragmatic. I’m not running as a representative of a political party, and I don’t believe municipal decisions should be driven by partisan ideology. My focus is on what is practical, responsible and in the best interests of Ward 5 and Kitchener.As for working within a system that may not encourage those priorities, I believe that’s where effective local leadership matters. Ultimately, I’m running to represent Ward 5 residents, not a political ideology or party. My commitment would be to listen, ask tough questions, be accountable for my decisions and work collaboratively to get results.
Thanks again for the question. Reach out anytime!
Rich Peers


The following candidates from Ward 5 did not respond
Dimple Birdee
Muhammad Miqdad
Nitin Nair (withdrawn)
Danielle Rose (withdrawn)
Navjot Sandhu
Sumit Sehli
Fitz Vanderpool


WARD 6 CANDIDATES

The following candidates from Ward 6 did not respond
Amber Louise Culley
Paul Singh
Brooklin Wallis


WARD 7 CANDIDATES

Ioannidis, Bil
Email: Bil.Ioannidis1@gmail.com
Website: www.bilioannidis.com
Nomination date: Jul 07, 2026

RESPONSE
Thanks for the question and for keeping me on my toes. I've never been someone who fits neatly into a political label.At the municipal level, I've always viewed my role a little differently. Residents don't usually call me about political ideology. They call about a pothole, a development proposal, housing affordability, a park, a business challenge, or something happening in their neighbourhood. My job is to listen, understand the issue, and help find a solution.If I had to describe my approach, I'd say it's practical, community-focused, and results-oriented. I believe in responsible spending, creating opportunities for people to succeed, supporting local businesses, protecting the environment, building housing people can afford, and investing in the things that make a city a great place to live.Some people might consider certain positions more conservative and others more progressive. I'm comfortable with that. I don't start with ideology and work backwards. I start with the problem and ask, "What's the best solution for our community?"As for working within a system that doesn't always encourage that approach, I've learned over the years that progress usually comes from building relationships and finding common ground. You don't have to agree with everyone, but you do have to work with everyone. Some of the best outcomes happen when people with different perspectives sit down, listen to one another, and focus on what they can accomplish together.I've never been interested in politics for its own sake. What motivates me is helping build a stronger community and improving people's quality of life. If an idea moves Kitchener in the right direction, I'm willing to support it regardless of where it comes from.I hope that answers your question, and thanks again for taking the time to ask it.
Regards,
Bil Ioannidis

The following candidates from Ward 7 did not respond
Richie Nanan
Nikki Rollick


WARD 8 CANDIDATES

Creighton, Wendy
Email: ward8wendy@gmail.com
Phone: (519) 807-3147
Website: ward8wendy.ca
Nomination date: Aug 20, 2026

RESPONSE
Thank you so much for reaching out. I'm so happy to hear from you! I'd love to have a chat with you. You can reach me at 519.807.3147 anytime.
Warmest regards,
Wendy Creighton
Candidate for Kitchener City Council,
Ward 8Practical Leadership.
Real Results.ward8wendy.caward8wendy@gmail.com
519.807.3147


Molto, Philip
Email: philip.molto@gmail.com
Phone: (226) 220-1714
Website: philipmolto.com
Nomination date: Aug 20, 2026

RESPONSE
I apologize for not responding sooner, I’ve been up north in a semi-remote no wifi zone this past week. I first voted around 1981 when I was 18 and living in Elora. It was a kinder old school Conservative Party back then, I even student volunteered on Perrin Beatty‘s (defence minister) campaign.Since then I have voted for all four major parties both provincially and federally. My vote depends heavily on the party leader and the people close to them. I also look at the issues of the day and how each leader/party would address them. Free trade, separation, environment, social services, military spending, global partnerships and other issues factor in to my decisions.In the last few years I volunteered a few hundred hours for Green Party candidates Aislinn Clancy and Mike Morrice because they are both good people with solid ideals. My one friend refers to me as a “kind conservative” and “fiscal liberal” I believe in human values along with financial responsibility.
I hope that clarifies any questions you have.
Enjoy the day,
Phil Molto

The following Candidates from Ward 8 did not respond
Margaret Johnston
Carley Pettinger


WARD 9 CANDIDATES

The following Candidates from Ward 9 did not respond
Mohamed Askalany
Debbie Chapman
Tim Wilcox


WARD 10 CANDIDATES

Dixon, Everton
Email: evertondixon@gopineapple.com
Phone: (647) 807-2775
Website: www.evertondixon.ca
Nomination date: Aug 21, 2026

RESPONSE
Requested to not be shared


Nabi, Sam
Email: hello@samnabi.ca
Phone: (226) 988-4137
Website: samnabi.ca
Nomination date: May 01, 2026

RESPONSE
I don’t have a particular political affiliation, and have been members of different parties over the years. My ideology aligns well with the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals: THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development
I believe that entrenched systems change when there is enough popular support and an organized movement to mobilize that support. So the answer to changing a system is to contribute to a social movement — none of us achieves change alone.
Thank you,Sam Nabi
Candidate for Kitchener Ward 10
Councillorsamnabi.ca
Request a lawn sign ~ Book a call with me
The election is October 26!
Make sure you have a plan to vote.


Piluk, Peter Gordon
Email: peter@peterforward10.ca
Website: peterforward10.ca
Nomination date: Aug 18, 2026

RESPONSE
Thank you for writing back and I apologize for the delay in responding. As you can imagine, my schedule has filled up quickly. This is my favorite question so far.One of my favorite things about municipal politics is there are no party affiliations. This means I am free to seek office based on my own platform. I believe this lack of party affiliation encourages collaboration between the councilors. If I were to distill my personal political ideology down to its core I would say there are two key components:Fiscal Responsibility: For me, this means our city owes its citizens the respect of wisely spending the money it receives in the form of taxes. In my day job as an accountant I am always on the lookout for ways to help my clients spend their money wisely. I have helped clients eliminate duplicate expenses and helped them find ways to reduce the expenses associated with running their businesses. The neat part is often this attention to spending doesn't result in a lower standard of living, it often results in a higher standard of living. Measurable Results: As an Accountant, I love metrics that help measure success and failure of an endeavour. In my day job, I work with artists, musicians, actors, writers, and creative people of all types. I even have a juggler as a client. With most of my clients, we are able to create unique metrics that they can use to guide them in what steps to take for their businesses. The metrics for a juggler are vastly different than for a musician but I am able to work with each to find the one that works for them. I intend to take this ability to city hall to add metrics to city decisions where normal metrics aren't usually tracked.
Politicians Are Tools: I believe people should treat their politicians as tools to get a job done. For the record, I mean tool as a device used to complete a task and not as the negative connotation it also has although there are definitely politicians who fit the second meaning instead of the first definition.
As a councillor for Ward 10 I would be a single voice on city council so I am well aware that there is a system already in place that is designed to encourage the status quo. I am used to going against the grain and doing what needs to be done regardless of the opinions of others. After all, I built an Accounting firm with a client list other firms told me would be impossible. They were wrong.
I am at the All Candidates Meeting this Sunday and if you can make it, stop by my table and say hello. I have attached a flyer for the event.
I hope to see you there!
Peter PilukCandidate for Ward 10
Website: PeterForWard10.ca



Stretch, Stephanie
Email: steph@stephaniestretch.ca
Phone: (519) 716-1655
Website: stephaniestretch.ca
Nomination date: May 01, 2026

RESPONSE
I'm running because I love our community, believe government should be accessible and practical, and I want to help build a Kitchener where people can afford to stay, feel safe and welcome, and have a genuine sense of belonging.I ran for Ward 10 in 2022, narrowly finishing second, and subsequently earned being elected by council to the vacant seat in January 2024.I'm running again because I like the job and want to keep doing the work.I had already decided that I wanted to serve Ward 10 when I accepted the appointment. Ive been grateful for the opportunity to do it, and I've spent the past two years learning what the job actually requires building trust and relationship and feel I have delivered well.Now I'm asking residents to give me a full mandate, so I can keep at it. I feel like I am just getting started.I would be grateful for your support.
Stay in touch,
Stephanie Stretch
Ward 10, City of Kitchener
Mobile: +1.519.716.1655
Stephanie Stretch

Stretch, Stephanie
Email: steph@stephaniestretch.ca
Phone: (519) 716-1655
Website: stephaniestretch.ca
Nomination date: May 01, 2026

RESPONSE
One of the things I love about municipal government is that, unlike provincial and federal politics, there are no political parties involved in municipal decision-making. I think that is one of the things that makes this level of government so valuable. We have the opportunity to look at each issue on its merits and work together to determine what is best for our community.That collaborative approach is especially important when it comes to working with provincial and federal governments. As municipal leaders, we need to work with all parties and all levels of government to advocate for Kitchener, highlight the strength of our community and our projects, and secure the provincial and federal funding support that helps make those projects possible. This is actually one of the parts of the job that I have really enjoyed.So, in terms of my own political ideology, I would say that I value collaboration, thoughtful decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and a strong focus on the community rather than party politics. I also really value the freedom to discern the right way forward in each unique situation. At the municipal level, that freedom is truly a gift and one I think we should protect.For me, it’s less about fitting every decision into a particular political label and more about listening, considering the facts, understanding the needs of our community, and finding the best path forward. Sometimes that means working with people I agree with, and sometimes it means finding common ground with people I don’t.Thank you again for the question, I hope this gives you a little more insight into how I approach municipal leadership, and I’m always happy to have these conversations.
Warmly,
Stephanie Stretch
Ward 10, City of Kitchener
Mobile: +1.519.716.1655
Stephanie Stretch

The following Candidates for Ward 10 did not respond
Aalaa Rehman