PeterH
Member
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2026
- Topics
- 6
- Posts
- 10
- Likes
- 6
Ward 1 - 1 response out of 3 candidates
Jeff Donkersgoed
Thanks for the email and for the questions.
1. I am running in this election because I believe municipal politics is about making our community better for everyone. I'm a proud local organizer who has been a dedicated advocate for social justice, particularly in the realms of public education, health care, housing, workers rights, and the environment, and now I want to do more for our community. I'm a Co-op and Music teacher with over 16 years of experience and I always do my best to help students gain an awareness of their abilities through relationship building and by instilling the concept of lifelong learning - traits that I believe are particularly important in being an effective councillor. I have also honed my leadership skills by participating on boards, city committees, and by taking leadership roles in my teaching career. Through union work, board work, and previous employment in the non-profit sector, I am experienced with the financial aspect of governance and working towards goals within a balanced budget. I am a good communicator and an excellent listener, and I approach my work with the highest level of professionalism and respect.
We need to help each other, collaborate effectively over issues, and listen respectfully to one another to address concerns that affect our neighbourhoods. I aspire to be a councillor who leads with positivity so as to make Cambrdge a welcoming, vibrant place to live.
2. The decision to run for office wasn't taken lightly knowing the time commitment and it involved many conversations with friends and families. But ultimately this felt like the right time for me as I'm ready to take on new challenges and responsibilities, to learn new things, and to help our community.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Jeff
Ward 2 - 3 out of 4 responses
David Craig
Thanks for the questions, I think it’s great that you’re looking into candidates before the election in October. My answers are below, if you have any further questions please let me know.
2. I decided to run in the upcoming election with the encouragement of my wife after a disappointing interaction with the current Ward 2 councillor. That experience made me realize that Ward 2 residents deserve representation that listens to their concerns, shows up in person when needed, and works with Council and City staff to find practical solutions. When a solution isn’t possible, residents also deserve a clear and honest explanation as to why.
Regards,
David
E info@votedavidcraig.ca
Mike Devine (incumbent)
I enjoy the work.
Mike
Matt Rogers
Thanks for the questions.
On representing Cambridge, it's a matter of passion. I'm happy to acknowledge that Cambridge is far from perfect, but for all its flaws, I still obsessively believe in what our city can be. I don't think a lot of people have the same pride in Cambridge that I do, and I want to continue to improve upon what's already been done to bring back our downtowns and incentivize job growth and economic development to make our city into something that doesn't exist anywhere else in Canada. It feels like we - as a city-wide collective - have been a bit 'down in the dumps' for a few years, and that's genuinely upsetting to me. Pre-COVID, I remember the pride, optimism and hope surrounding the future of our little corner of the world, and I'd like to try and bring that back to people if I were elected.
On your second question, no, I was not encouraged to run by anyone. I ran for Ward 2 in the 2022 municipal elections as well, and did so out of a continued passion for my community and wanting what was best for its future.
If you've got any more questions, send them my way. Alternatively, my website (mattrogers.ca) has plenty of information on it - feel free to browse and ask questions based on what you find there too.
Happy Friday,
Ward 3 - 2 out of 3 responded
Kiran Abid
Thank you for reaching out and for taking an interest in my candidacy. I appreciate the opportunity to answer your questions.
1. Why do you feel you should represent Cambridge?
I am running for Ward 3 because I believe effective local representation starts with listening to residents, being accessible, and working constructively to find practical solutions.
As a Cambridge small-business owner, I understand the importance of responsible decision-making, good City services, supporting a strong local economy, and ensuring residents receive value for their tax dollars. I also recognize that our community is dealing with important issues such as growth, housing, infrastructure, transportation and community safety.
I am not entering this election because I believe I have all the answers. I am running because I am prepared to listen, do the work, ask questions and bring a fresh, practical perspective to the City Council. My goal would be to represent Ward 3 residents respectfully and work collaboratively to achieve positive results for both Ward 3 and Cambridge.
2. Were you encouraged to run for office? If so, by whom?
Yes. Over time, conversations with residents, local business owners and people I have met through the Cambridge community encouraged me to consider becoming more involved in public service.
Their encouragement was meaningful, but ultimately the decision to run was my own. I saw an opportunity to contribute my experience as a small-business owner, bring a fresh perspective to local government and give back to the community that I am proud to call home.
Since becoming a candidate, I have been focused on meeting residents directly and listening to different perspectives. Whether someone agrees with me or not, I believe every resident deserves to be heard and treated with respect.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. I welcome thoughtful questions from Ward 3 residents and appreciate the opportunity to share where I stand.
Warm regards,
Kiran Abid
Candidate for Cambridge City Councillor – Ward 3
Shaun Spalding
Good morning Peter and thank you for your questions. I’d be honoured to get you know you; share with me, at your convenience, when you have availability.
Best,
Shaun Spalding
1.519.209.5036
Ward 4: 0 out of 3 responded
Ward 5 - 1 out of 2 responded
Sheri Roberts
To answer your question, I believe that over the last four years I have proven to be an accessible councillor and one who works hard to bring the issues I hear from residents to staff and the horseshoe. I've worked on a number of projects to improve our community for all residents. I am excited to continue to be a strong voice for the residents of Cambridge at city hall.
For more specific information regarding the work I have done and my ideas for the next term, feel free to visit my website www.sroberts.ca for more information. If you have any specific questions, please let me know.
Kindest regards,
Sheri
Ward 6 - 2 out of 4 responded
Chris McCormick
Good Morning Peter,
Thanks for reaching out and saying hello. I’d be glad to visit you at your door if you’d like to provide your address.
Peter, nobody had encouraged me to run for city councillor in Ward 6 prior to me making my decision; since I’ve announced my candidacy I’ve received tremendous encouragement — of course. The decision to run is mine alone. I’ve always followed municipal politics very closely —I believe it’s a civic duty. Like voting.
This wasn’t an option for me during my career as a police officer. This is a natural extension, for me, of my previous duties.
The role of police is simple. Protect people. Protect property. Prevent crime. Assist victims of crime.
The job of policing is much broader than that of course. Civic duty is the thread. Making life better for us all. Finding common ground. Moving forward.
Being a voice. Being willing to say the unpopular thing if necessary. Being strong enough to help others.
These are the things that are top of mind for me when I consider your question.
Please provide your address if you’re comfortable doing so, and I’d be glad to come meet you face to face.
Thanks again for the opportunity to connect.
All the best,
Chris McCormick
Barbara Harrington
Thank you, Peter, for posing some questions for me.
I'm going to answer question two first. I encouraged myself to run for office. It wasn't a last-minute decision; honestly, I've been thinking about it for over 8 years. It was just when things started progressively getting worse (in my personal opinion) that I decided maybe I should run. I wasn't happy with the frivolous spending that our current mayor at that time, Doug Craig, was doing. He was taken over by McGarry, so I thought I'd see where that went before I ran. I saw an opportunity in 2022 where Jan was running for mayor, and there was no incumbent for Ward 4. I thought it was an opportunity for me to learn and grow in campaigning. Originally, I wanted to run for mayor; I decided I needed to be a councillor first before I approached that. Now in this election, I decided I am sticking closer to home because I live on the border of Ward 6 on St Andrews Street. There's a lot of change that still needs to happen for different reasons this time. We need more transparency and collaboration; we don't need to be working in silos. We need to work together as a team, and I feel that that's lacking in the horseshoe today and why I made the decision to run.
Question one, I am both old school and new, you could say. I was born and raised here. I lived through amalgamation in 1973; I saw the flood in 1974. I've seen Cambridge work together as a team; I've also seen them work separately. It took a lot of community effort to bring four towns together into one city. We need to bring everyone together for different reasons now because Cambridge is so divisive and negative. If Cambridge sees their Council working together as a team for Cambridge as a whole, then maybe Cambridge citizens themselves will start coming together again. It's not just this; I want to represent Cambridge as the person who punches a clock, the single parent, the person who's a renter, someone who's a little bit more marginalized. I worked hard all my life for 20 years at my current employer; I'm not ready to stop. My story is not done. I am under 60 just to let you know I'm not that old but I know what budgeting is and how higher taxes affect not just homeowners but it affects renters indirectly, I know about safety in the streets you have to remember I'm a gen x survivor and living and playing out on the streets till the street lights came on that needs to come back we need to be able to feel comfortable in our own streets. Cambridge needs more confidence; we have a lot of potential here, and I'm not afraid to speak up for ideas and plans. And I'm not afraid to take a stand on issues.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Regards,
Barbara Harrington
Ward 7 - 3 out of 5 responded
Tasneem Chhadiya
1. Why do you feel you should represent Cambridge?
Cambridge has been my home for more than 15 years. I have raised my family here, built my businesses here, and spent many years working with residents through community events, volunteer initiatives, local organizations, and small businesses.
Those experiences have given me the opportunity to hear directly from people about the challenges they face and what they want to see from their city. I believe Ward 7 deserves a councillor who listens, is accessible, shows up in the community, and works to turn residents’ concerns into practical action at City Hall. I also bring experience managing organizations, budgets, partnerships, and large community initiatives, which I believe would serve residents well on council.
2. Were you encouraged to run for office? If so, by whom?
Yes. Over the years, I have received encouragement from many people I have met and worked with through community organizations, events, local businesses, volunteering, and neighbourhood activities. It was not one particular individual. It was the continued encouragement from people in the community, along with the conversations I was having with residents about the future of Cambridge, that ultimately encouraged me to put my name forward.
Thank you again for taking the time to reach out.
Warm regards,
Tasneem Chhadiya
Candidate for Cambridge City Council – Ward 7
David Guerin
Thanks for your email. I'm happy to answer your questions.
Thanks again for reaching out.
All the best,
David Guerin
Dani Ieso
Thank you for reaching out and for taking an interest in my candidacy.
I believe I can represent Cambridge because I understand hard work, responsibility and the importance of listening to residents. My experience in construction, home renovation and project management has taught me how to solve problems, manage budgets and turn ideas into practical results. Through the Clean Cambridge Project and my other community involvement, I have also seen where our city can improve. I want to bring that experience and energy to City Council and work for a cleaner, safer, more affordable and better-connected Cambridge.
The decision to run was ultimately my own. It grew from my experiences in the community and my desire to do more than discuss problems—I want to help create solutions. Encouragement from residents, friends and people who have seen my community work gave me greater confidence to step forward, but I am running as an independent candidate and will make decisions based on evidence and the interests of Ward 7 residents.
Thank you again for your questions. I would be pleased to hear about the issues that matter most to you.
Sincerely,
Dani Ieso
Candidate for Cambridge City Council — Ward 7
daniiesoward7.info
Ward 8 - 1 out of 5 responded
Chris Alward
I just want to start out by saying thank you for your email and taking the time you reach out to me.
I feel that I should represent Cambridge and more specifically ward 8 because this to me is home. I like many have chosen to root myself and my family here in Cambridge and in doing so we became what it is supposed to embody. This city is important to me, my community is important to me, and when given the chance to actually have a say; I decided it was time to take that chance. I find myself being able to relate to many demographics and in doing so find myself with the ability to see what many are truly asking for.
It's funny that you ask if was encouraged. In a way yes. I had been tossing the idea of it around in thought for some time. When the time came for it to be a possibility I had interacted with some people within my community of the fiddlesticks and they all expressed support. So here I am. Wanting to help make a difference. Wanting to help people see how great Cambridge truly can be.
Thank you again for your email.
Have a great day!
Chris Alward
Ward 8 Nominee
Jeff Donkersgoed
Thanks for the email and for the questions.
1. I am running in this election because I believe municipal politics is about making our community better for everyone. I'm a proud local organizer who has been a dedicated advocate for social justice, particularly in the realms of public education, health care, housing, workers rights, and the environment, and now I want to do more for our community. I'm a Co-op and Music teacher with over 16 years of experience and I always do my best to help students gain an awareness of their abilities through relationship building and by instilling the concept of lifelong learning - traits that I believe are particularly important in being an effective councillor. I have also honed my leadership skills by participating on boards, city committees, and by taking leadership roles in my teaching career. Through union work, board work, and previous employment in the non-profit sector, I am experienced with the financial aspect of governance and working towards goals within a balanced budget. I am a good communicator and an excellent listener, and I approach my work with the highest level of professionalism and respect.
We need to help each other, collaborate effectively over issues, and listen respectfully to one another to address concerns that affect our neighbourhoods. I aspire to be a councillor who leads with positivity so as to make Cambrdge a welcoming, vibrant place to live.
2. The decision to run for office wasn't taken lightly knowing the time commitment and it involved many conversations with friends and families. But ultimately this felt like the right time for me as I'm ready to take on new challenges and responsibilities, to learn new things, and to help our community.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Jeff
Ward 2 - 3 out of 4 responses
David Craig
Thanks for the questions, I think it’s great that you’re looking into candidates before the election in October. My answers are below, if you have any further questions please let me know.
- I would like to represent Ward 2, and by extension Cambridge, because I care about our community and want to make sure residents have a strong, responsive voice at City Hall. Throughout my career in Information Technology, I’ve worked to solve complex problems, find practical solutions, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. I believe that experience, along with my years of management and working with people, would be a valuable asset in addressing the issues that matter to residents and helping move our community forward.
2. I decided to run in the upcoming election with the encouragement of my wife after a disappointing interaction with the current Ward 2 councillor. That experience made me realize that Ward 2 residents deserve representation that listens to their concerns, shows up in person when needed, and works with Council and City staff to find practical solutions. When a solution isn’t possible, residents also deserve a clear and honest explanation as to why.
Regards,
David
E info@votedavidcraig.ca
Mike Devine (incumbent)
I enjoy the work.
Mike
Matt Rogers
Thanks for the questions.
On representing Cambridge, it's a matter of passion. I'm happy to acknowledge that Cambridge is far from perfect, but for all its flaws, I still obsessively believe in what our city can be. I don't think a lot of people have the same pride in Cambridge that I do, and I want to continue to improve upon what's already been done to bring back our downtowns and incentivize job growth and economic development to make our city into something that doesn't exist anywhere else in Canada. It feels like we - as a city-wide collective - have been a bit 'down in the dumps' for a few years, and that's genuinely upsetting to me. Pre-COVID, I remember the pride, optimism and hope surrounding the future of our little corner of the world, and I'd like to try and bring that back to people if I were elected.
On your second question, no, I was not encouraged to run by anyone. I ran for Ward 2 in the 2022 municipal elections as well, and did so out of a continued passion for my community and wanting what was best for its future.
If you've got any more questions, send them my way. Alternatively, my website (mattrogers.ca) has plenty of information on it - feel free to browse and ask questions based on what you find there too.
Happy Friday,
Ward 3 - 2 out of 3 responded
Kiran Abid
Thank you for reaching out and for taking an interest in my candidacy. I appreciate the opportunity to answer your questions.
1. Why do you feel you should represent Cambridge?
I am running for Ward 3 because I believe effective local representation starts with listening to residents, being accessible, and working constructively to find practical solutions.
As a Cambridge small-business owner, I understand the importance of responsible decision-making, good City services, supporting a strong local economy, and ensuring residents receive value for their tax dollars. I also recognize that our community is dealing with important issues such as growth, housing, infrastructure, transportation and community safety.
I am not entering this election because I believe I have all the answers. I am running because I am prepared to listen, do the work, ask questions and bring a fresh, practical perspective to the City Council. My goal would be to represent Ward 3 residents respectfully and work collaboratively to achieve positive results for both Ward 3 and Cambridge.
2. Were you encouraged to run for office? If so, by whom?
Yes. Over time, conversations with residents, local business owners and people I have met through the Cambridge community encouraged me to consider becoming more involved in public service.
Their encouragement was meaningful, but ultimately the decision to run was my own. I saw an opportunity to contribute my experience as a small-business owner, bring a fresh perspective to local government and give back to the community that I am proud to call home.
Since becoming a candidate, I have been focused on meeting residents directly and listening to different perspectives. Whether someone agrees with me or not, I believe every resident deserves to be heard and treated with respect.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. I welcome thoughtful questions from Ward 3 residents and appreciate the opportunity to share where I stand.
Warm regards,
Kiran Abid
Candidate for Cambridge City Councillor – Ward 3
Shaun Spalding
Good morning Peter and thank you for your questions. I’d be honoured to get you know you; share with me, at your convenience, when you have availability.
Best,
Shaun Spalding
1.519.209.5036
Ward 4: 0 out of 3 responded
Ward 5 - 1 out of 2 responded
Sheri Roberts
To answer your question, I believe that over the last four years I have proven to be an accessible councillor and one who works hard to bring the issues I hear from residents to staff and the horseshoe. I've worked on a number of projects to improve our community for all residents. I am excited to continue to be a strong voice for the residents of Cambridge at city hall.
For more specific information regarding the work I have done and my ideas for the next term, feel free to visit my website www.sroberts.ca for more information. If you have any specific questions, please let me know.
Kindest regards,
Sheri
Ward 6 - 2 out of 4 responded
Chris McCormick
Good Morning Peter,
Thanks for reaching out and saying hello. I’d be glad to visit you at your door if you’d like to provide your address.
Peter, nobody had encouraged me to run for city councillor in Ward 6 prior to me making my decision; since I’ve announced my candidacy I’ve received tremendous encouragement — of course. The decision to run is mine alone. I’ve always followed municipal politics very closely —I believe it’s a civic duty. Like voting.
This wasn’t an option for me during my career as a police officer. This is a natural extension, for me, of my previous duties.
The role of police is simple. Protect people. Protect property. Prevent crime. Assist victims of crime.
The job of policing is much broader than that of course. Civic duty is the thread. Making life better for us all. Finding common ground. Moving forward.
Being a voice. Being willing to say the unpopular thing if necessary. Being strong enough to help others.
These are the things that are top of mind for me when I consider your question.
Please provide your address if you’re comfortable doing so, and I’d be glad to come meet you face to face.
Thanks again for the opportunity to connect.
All the best,
Chris McCormick
Barbara Harrington
Thank you, Peter, for posing some questions for me.
I'm going to answer question two first. I encouraged myself to run for office. It wasn't a last-minute decision; honestly, I've been thinking about it for over 8 years. It was just when things started progressively getting worse (in my personal opinion) that I decided maybe I should run. I wasn't happy with the frivolous spending that our current mayor at that time, Doug Craig, was doing. He was taken over by McGarry, so I thought I'd see where that went before I ran. I saw an opportunity in 2022 where Jan was running for mayor, and there was no incumbent for Ward 4. I thought it was an opportunity for me to learn and grow in campaigning. Originally, I wanted to run for mayor; I decided I needed to be a councillor first before I approached that. Now in this election, I decided I am sticking closer to home because I live on the border of Ward 6 on St Andrews Street. There's a lot of change that still needs to happen for different reasons this time. We need more transparency and collaboration; we don't need to be working in silos. We need to work together as a team, and I feel that that's lacking in the horseshoe today and why I made the decision to run.
Question one, I am both old school and new, you could say. I was born and raised here. I lived through amalgamation in 1973; I saw the flood in 1974. I've seen Cambridge work together as a team; I've also seen them work separately. It took a lot of community effort to bring four towns together into one city. We need to bring everyone together for different reasons now because Cambridge is so divisive and negative. If Cambridge sees their Council working together as a team for Cambridge as a whole, then maybe Cambridge citizens themselves will start coming together again. It's not just this; I want to represent Cambridge as the person who punches a clock, the single parent, the person who's a renter, someone who's a little bit more marginalized. I worked hard all my life for 20 years at my current employer; I'm not ready to stop. My story is not done. I am under 60 just to let you know I'm not that old but I know what budgeting is and how higher taxes affect not just homeowners but it affects renters indirectly, I know about safety in the streets you have to remember I'm a gen x survivor and living and playing out on the streets till the street lights came on that needs to come back we need to be able to feel comfortable in our own streets. Cambridge needs more confidence; we have a lot of potential here, and I'm not afraid to speak up for ideas and plans. And I'm not afraid to take a stand on issues.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Regards,
Barbara Harrington
Ward 7 - 3 out of 5 responded
Tasneem Chhadiya
1. Why do you feel you should represent Cambridge?
Cambridge has been my home for more than 15 years. I have raised my family here, built my businesses here, and spent many years working with residents through community events, volunteer initiatives, local organizations, and small businesses.
Those experiences have given me the opportunity to hear directly from people about the challenges they face and what they want to see from their city. I believe Ward 7 deserves a councillor who listens, is accessible, shows up in the community, and works to turn residents’ concerns into practical action at City Hall. I also bring experience managing organizations, budgets, partnerships, and large community initiatives, which I believe would serve residents well on council.
2. Were you encouraged to run for office? If so, by whom?
Yes. Over the years, I have received encouragement from many people I have met and worked with through community organizations, events, local businesses, volunteering, and neighbourhood activities. It was not one particular individual. It was the continued encouragement from people in the community, along with the conversations I was having with residents about the future of Cambridge, that ultimately encouraged me to put my name forward.
Thank you again for taking the time to reach out.
Warm regards,
Tasneem Chhadiya
Candidate for Cambridge City Council – Ward 7
David Guerin
Thanks for your email. I'm happy to answer your questions.
- I'm running because I care about where Cambridge is headed, especially when it comes to growth, affordability, infrastructure, and making sure our neighbourhoods remain great places to live. I think I can bring a practical, common-sense approach, some useful experience, and a strong voice for Ward 7 at City Council. My wife and I have lived in Cambridge for over 25 years and we've been in Ward 7 since 2018. Over the years, I've had the chance to serve as a school board trustee, run a small business, and been involved in a number of community organizations. I feel that combination of experience would allow me to bring a unique perspective to City Council.
- Yes, a number of people have encouraged me over the years to consider running for municipal office. Some knew me from the school board and some through community work. I’m not running on behalf of any political party or particular organization. I’m running independently because I felt the timing was right and that I had something worthwhile to contribute.
Thanks again for reaching out.
All the best,
David Guerin
Dani Ieso
Thank you for reaching out and for taking an interest in my candidacy.
I believe I can represent Cambridge because I understand hard work, responsibility and the importance of listening to residents. My experience in construction, home renovation and project management has taught me how to solve problems, manage budgets and turn ideas into practical results. Through the Clean Cambridge Project and my other community involvement, I have also seen where our city can improve. I want to bring that experience and energy to City Council and work for a cleaner, safer, more affordable and better-connected Cambridge.
The decision to run was ultimately my own. It grew from my experiences in the community and my desire to do more than discuss problems—I want to help create solutions. Encouragement from residents, friends and people who have seen my community work gave me greater confidence to step forward, but I am running as an independent candidate and will make decisions based on evidence and the interests of Ward 7 residents.
Thank you again for your questions. I would be pleased to hear about the issues that matter most to you.
Sincerely,
Dani Ieso
Candidate for Cambridge City Council — Ward 7
daniiesoward7.info
Ward 8 - 1 out of 5 responded
Chris Alward
I just want to start out by saying thank you for your email and taking the time you reach out to me.
I feel that I should represent Cambridge and more specifically ward 8 because this to me is home. I like many have chosen to root myself and my family here in Cambridge and in doing so we became what it is supposed to embody. This city is important to me, my community is important to me, and when given the chance to actually have a say; I decided it was time to take that chance. I find myself being able to relate to many demographics and in doing so find myself with the ability to see what many are truly asking for.
It's funny that you ask if was encouraged. In a way yes. I had been tossing the idea of it around in thought for some time. When the time came for it to be a possibility I had interacted with some people within my community of the fiddlesticks and they all expressed support. So here I am. Wanting to help make a difference. Wanting to help people see how great Cambridge truly can be.
Thank you again for your email.
Have a great day!
Chris Alward
Ward 8 Nominee
