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The following responses are from candidates who are running for the Region of Waterloo council in the upcoming election October 26,2026. Some candidates have included the link to their websites.
Please review the information so you are informed about what each candidate stands for and plan to vote on election day.
Each candidate was asked the following 2 questions.
Candidate for Regional Council
With respect to Question 1, when I first ran for Regional Council in 2022, I laid out a values-based platform based on priorities we share. Here are some highlights from my time on Regional Council of motions passed, projects advanced, investments made, and commitments kept: Matt's Track Record. I am proud resident and renter in Downtown Kitchener, an Urban Planner, and a Regional Councillor who knows that the decisions made over the next four years on housing, water infrastructure, and transit (and many more!), will shape our community's legacy for decades. My experience and perspectives have been valuable on Regional Council. Throughout my time on Council, I provided regular communications with the community about council business, making sure folks were aware of the decisions that impact them. I have demonstrated my ability to listen, learn, and advocate for our community on the issues that matter most.
With respect to Question 2, in 2022, I received over 9,700 from residents across all 10 wards in Kitchener, building on my years of community advocacy and volunteering. I look forward to the 2026 election and the chance to continue servicing our community on Regional Council. You can learn more about my priorities here: Explore Matt's Priorities
Prakash Venkataraman
Regional Councillor Candidate
Cambridge - Region of Waterloo
www.voteprakash.ca
Question 1: Why do you feel that you should represent the Region of Waterloo?
I bring nearly three decades of leadership experience, more than 25 years of deep community involvement in Cambridge, and over 20,000 hours of volunteer service in our region.
I have spent years listening to residents, businesses, seniors, families and community organizations. I understand the challenges we face, from affordability and infrastructure to public safety, responsible growth and ensuring Cambridge receives its fair share.
I am not running because I love politics. I love my community. I believe my experience, independence and proven commitment to service can bring a strong, practical and accountable voice to Regional Council.
Question 2: Were you encouraged to run for public office and, if so, by whom?
Yes. Over the years, I have been encouraged by residents, community leaders, business owners, seniors, volunteers, friends and neighbours from across our community.
Importantly, that encouragement did not come from one political party or group. It came from people with different backgrounds and perspectives who believed my experience and community service could make a difference as strongly believe in community building and working together for common good.
After considerable thought and listening to residents, I decided it was time to step forward and serve in a different capacity.
Mike Wisniewski
mikewisniewski2010@gmail.com
I'm running for Regional Council because of an issue I'm having with a
local business that also happens to have a contract with the Region of Waterloo.
That business has asked me to take my patronage of their service
elsewhere while refusing to provide an explanation as to why.
My position is that Waterloo Taxi Ltd., if they wish to keep their
MobilityPlus contract, has to provide me, and Waterloo Taxi's
shareholders, an explanation as to why I was told to take my business
elsewhere.
Mike Wisniewski
Kitchener Ontario
Anna Meksavanh
Candidate for Regional Council Kitchener
"Invested in Local Priorities"
Website: annameksavanh.ca
Email: meksavanhanna@gmail.com
Phone: 226-285-1447
Facebook: Anna Meksavanh
Instagram: @anna.meksavanh
YouTube: @AnnaMeksavanh
LinkedIn: Anna Meksavanh
Question 1
Why do you feel that you should represent the Region of Waterloo?
I should represent the Region of Waterloo because I genuinely care about our community’s local needs, and understand the importance of local representation. I believe my skills and experience combined make me a strong candidate. I am able to listen and work with others in difficult situations to be able to find common understanding. I am someone who shows up, follows through, and has compassion for others, which I believe are essential attributes to have when working as a public servant. I want to help uplift all in our community, and ensure it remains a place where we can all thrive today and the future.
Question 2
Were you encouraged to run for public office and if so by whom?
I have always had an interest in civics which drove me to a career at the Region of Waterloo, that ignited my passion specifically for municipal government. With that being said, all my friends and family were aware of my desire to run one day. I often talk about the things happening in our community and in our government with those around me, so that naturally opens the door for encouragement to run for office. As this election year approached combined with my children being a little older, I was encouraged by friends and family to run for public office. I was also looking to return to work in some capacity to serve the community, and once I made the decision to run I have continued to receive encouragement from those around me. I attended the Waterloo Region Women’s Municipal Campaign School, to learn about running and met many wonderful women who also encouraged me. I also have received an outpouring of support from my neighbours and fellow volunteers I volunteer with at KW Kiwanis Club.
Pam Wolf
pam_wolf@rogers.com
Thank you for your interest municipal politics. I am running again because I think it is very important to have an experienced voice at the regional table. Much of the work I have started is not finished. For example I began a pilot project for older adults to have free one day a week bus pass that pilot ends January 1 and I want to be there to work on making it more barrier free and to make sure the program continues. I’m also concerned that we have women at the table. We are losing four women for sure from council in my election. Only men are running against me so we can easily go from having equity as women to a minority at the regional table.
I was encouraged to run by many people: members of women’s groups, such as the YW, status of women committee for ETFO (teachers) Porchlight, counselling, and addiction services, other councillors, friends, and finally my husband.
At this time I have not received emails back from all of the candidates.
Please review the information so you are informed about what each candidate stands for and plan to vote on election day.
Each candidate was asked the following 2 questions.
- Why do you feel that you should represent your community?
- Were you encouraged to run for public office and if so by whom?
Candidate for Regional Council
With respect to Question 1, when I first ran for Regional Council in 2022, I laid out a values-based platform based on priorities we share. Here are some highlights from my time on Regional Council of motions passed, projects advanced, investments made, and commitments kept: Matt's Track Record. I am proud resident and renter in Downtown Kitchener, an Urban Planner, and a Regional Councillor who knows that the decisions made over the next four years on housing, water infrastructure, and transit (and many more!), will shape our community's legacy for decades. My experience and perspectives have been valuable on Regional Council. Throughout my time on Council, I provided regular communications with the community about council business, making sure folks were aware of the decisions that impact them. I have demonstrated my ability to listen, learn, and advocate for our community on the issues that matter most.
With respect to Question 2, in 2022, I received over 9,700 from residents across all 10 wards in Kitchener, building on my years of community advocacy and volunteering. I look forward to the 2026 election and the chance to continue servicing our community on Regional Council. You can learn more about my priorities here: Explore Matt's Priorities
Prakash Venkataraman
Regional Councillor Candidate
Cambridge - Region of Waterloo
www.voteprakash.ca
Question 1: Why do you feel that you should represent the Region of Waterloo?
I bring nearly three decades of leadership experience, more than 25 years of deep community involvement in Cambridge, and over 20,000 hours of volunteer service in our region.
I have spent years listening to residents, businesses, seniors, families and community organizations. I understand the challenges we face, from affordability and infrastructure to public safety, responsible growth and ensuring Cambridge receives its fair share.
I am not running because I love politics. I love my community. I believe my experience, independence and proven commitment to service can bring a strong, practical and accountable voice to Regional Council.
Question 2: Were you encouraged to run for public office and, if so, by whom?
Yes. Over the years, I have been encouraged by residents, community leaders, business owners, seniors, volunteers, friends and neighbours from across our community.
Importantly, that encouragement did not come from one political party or group. It came from people with different backgrounds and perspectives who believed my experience and community service could make a difference as strongly believe in community building and working together for common good.
After considerable thought and listening to residents, I decided it was time to step forward and serve in a different capacity.
Mike Wisniewski
mikewisniewski2010@gmail.com
I'm running for Regional Council because of an issue I'm having with a
local business that also happens to have a contract with the Region of Waterloo.
That business has asked me to take my patronage of their service
elsewhere while refusing to provide an explanation as to why.
My position is that Waterloo Taxi Ltd., if they wish to keep their
MobilityPlus contract, has to provide me, and Waterloo Taxi's
shareholders, an explanation as to why I was told to take my business
elsewhere.
Mike Wisniewski
Kitchener Ontario
Anna Meksavanh
Candidate for Regional Council Kitchener
"Invested in Local Priorities"
Website: annameksavanh.ca
Email: meksavanhanna@gmail.com
Phone: 226-285-1447
Facebook: Anna Meksavanh
Instagram: @anna.meksavanh
YouTube: @AnnaMeksavanh
LinkedIn: Anna Meksavanh
Question 1
Why do you feel that you should represent the Region of Waterloo?
I should represent the Region of Waterloo because I genuinely care about our community’s local needs, and understand the importance of local representation. I believe my skills and experience combined make me a strong candidate. I am able to listen and work with others in difficult situations to be able to find common understanding. I am someone who shows up, follows through, and has compassion for others, which I believe are essential attributes to have when working as a public servant. I want to help uplift all in our community, and ensure it remains a place where we can all thrive today and the future.
Question 2
Were you encouraged to run for public office and if so by whom?
I have always had an interest in civics which drove me to a career at the Region of Waterloo, that ignited my passion specifically for municipal government. With that being said, all my friends and family were aware of my desire to run one day. I often talk about the things happening in our community and in our government with those around me, so that naturally opens the door for encouragement to run for office. As this election year approached combined with my children being a little older, I was encouraged by friends and family to run for public office. I was also looking to return to work in some capacity to serve the community, and once I made the decision to run I have continued to receive encouragement from those around me. I attended the Waterloo Region Women’s Municipal Campaign School, to learn about running and met many wonderful women who also encouraged me. I also have received an outpouring of support from my neighbours and fellow volunteers I volunteer with at KW Kiwanis Club.
Pam Wolf
pam_wolf@rogers.com
Thank you for your interest municipal politics. I am running again because I think it is very important to have an experienced voice at the regional table. Much of the work I have started is not finished. For example I began a pilot project for older adults to have free one day a week bus pass that pilot ends January 1 and I want to be there to work on making it more barrier free and to make sure the program continues. I’m also concerned that we have women at the table. We are losing four women for sure from council in my election. Only men are running against me so we can easily go from having equity as women to a minority at the regional table.
I was encouraged to run by many people: members of women’s groups, such as the YW, status of women committee for ETFO (teachers) Porchlight, counselling, and addiction services, other councillors, friends, and finally my husband.
At this time I have not received emails back from all of the candidates.
