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- Feb 12, 2026
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Joe Gowing
Thank you for reaching out and thank you for getting involved. Below are my answers to your questions. If there is anything else you would like to know please let me know.
1. How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is proactive, collaborative, and results-focused. I believe in identifying challenges early, listening to different perspectives, asking difficult questions, and making informed decisions. Whether the issue is housing, water, infrastructure, transit, or the regional budget, I focus on long-term planning, measurable results, and value for taxpayers.
I also believe elected representatives must be accessible and accountable. Residents deserve clear explanations for decisions and leaders who stand behind them.
2. What are the most important issues in Waterloo Region and what would your plan be to deal with them?
Waterloo Region’s key challenges include housing affordability and homelessness, water supply, taxation and affordability, transportation, and managing growth responsibly.
For housing and homelessness, we need more housing at a range of price points, along with permanent and supportive housing. Building on my work starting the municipal housing corporation, I would support a stronger, more coordinated approach to housing development and delivery. This includes working with non-profit and private partners, making strategic use of public assets, and using or acquiring existing buildings where financially and operationally practical.
For water supply, we need stronger conservation, protection of groundwater resources, exploration of additional water sources, and growth decisions based on available capacity.
For taxes and affordability, Regional government must recognize the pressure on households by reviewing spending, prioritizing essential services and infrastructure, improving service delivery, and requiring measurable results for new investments.
For transportation, we need a practical, coordinated network of reliable transit, well-maintained roads, and active transportation infrastructure that reflects how residents move throughout the Region. My work on regional infrastructure and transportation has reinforced the importance of planning these systems together.
Above all, Regional Council must plan proactively. Waterloo Region is growing quickly, and today’s decisions about housing, water, infrastructure, transportation, and finances will determine whether that growth strengthens our communities or creates greater challenges.
Thanks again
Joe Gowing electjoegowing@gmail.com
Sarvesh Pratap Singh
Thank you for reaching out again and for taking the time to ask these questions. I appreciate your interest and the opportunity to share my thoughts.
1. How would you describe your leadership style?
I would describe my leadership style as approachable, collaborative, and accountable. With over a decade of experience working in People & Culture and Human Resources, I have learned that effective leadership starts with listening, understanding different perspectives, and creating an environment where people feel respected and heard. My experience in HR has also taught me that leadership isn't always about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions, understanding the facts, bringing people together, and making thoughtful and informed decisions.
I believe the same approach is important in public service. Leadership should be about being present and accessible to the community. Residents should feel that their elected representative is someone they can approach, raise concerns with, and have an honest conversation with — whether they agree with me or not. At the same time, I believe leadership requires accountability. There will be difficult decisions, and I believe a leader should be willing to make those decisions, explain the reasoning behind them, and take responsibility for the outcome. Ultimately, my leadership philosophy is simple: listen first, treat people with respect, work collaboratively, make informed decisions, and remain accountable to the people I serve.
2. What are the most important issues in the Waterloo Region and what would your plan be to deal with them?
There are several important issues facing our region, and I don't think there is one single issue that can be separated from the others.
For me, some of the biggest priorities are affordable housing, resources, reliable public safety and emergency services, seniors' services and long-term care, and responsible economic growth.
On housing, I believe we need to continue encouraging a greater range of housing options while making sure new development is supported by the infrastructure and services that residents need. For public transit, I want to see a system that is reliable, affordable and practical for people who depend on it every day. Transit should connect people to work, school, healthcare and other essential services. Infrastructure is another major concern. Roads, bridges, water systems and other infrastructure need proper long-term planning and maintenance. I believe we should focus on responsible spending and making sure we are planning for the needs of a growing community rather than constantly reacting to problems.
One area that is particularly important to me is protecting our natural resources, especially our water and green spaces. Our water, rivers, forests, wetlands and natural areas are resources that we cannot take for granted. As our community grows, we need to make sure that development is balanced with responsible environmental planning and the protection of the natural systems that support our communities.
Public safety is also important. Our police, fire and emergency services need the resources and support necessary to respond effectively, while we also need to look at prevention and the social issues that can contribute to safety concerns .Finally, I believe the Waterloo Region needs to continue growing its economy, but that growth should benefit the people who already live here as well as those who are coming here. Economic development should go hand in hand with housing, infrastructure, transportation and quality public services.
My approach would be to listen to residents, look at the evidence, understand the financial implications, and work collaboratively with the Region, municipalities and community partners.
Thank you again for reaching out and for allowing me to answer your questions..
Best regards,
Sarvesh Pratap Singh
Candidate for Regional Councillor
Waterloo Region
Pam Wolf
I don’t have much time but I will answer your first question and give you my website for the second.
Leadership
I believe in we not I. I like to be part of a team working together for a common goal. Decisions are best made by consensus when possible.
My website is. Votepamwolf.com
Have a good day.
Pam Wolf
Lindsay Manary
Thank you so much for reaching out and asking your questions! I am very pleased to hear you are interested in municipal governance. As you may or may not know, voter turnout for municipal elections is notoriously low, which is always disappointing considered it is the level of governance that effects people directly the most.
Question 1
Why do you feel that you should represent the Region of Waterloo?
Over the past few years, I’ve worked for Regional Council in an administrative staff role. That experience has given me a strong understanding of how decisions are made, a clear understanding of the complex issues the Region is facing, and how budgeting processes shape our services. However, with this knowledge, it has also made me understand that change is needed.
Waterloo Region deserves leadership that listens and acts with purpose. Leadership that understands the challenges facing residents, supports the essential services we all rely on, and works together on solutions that are practical, responsible, and sustainable.
I am that person! I am here to listen, learn, and work collaboratively on behalf of our residents. My family is growing up here, and I want to help build a stronger, more affordable, and safe future for our Region.
Question 2
Were you encouraged to run for public office and if so by whom?
I had planned on running in the 2030 election. It is why I accepted the position at the Region specifically working at Regional Council. I wanted to learn first-hand how decisions are made, budgets were finalized and understand the services provided, issues concerning our residents and the nuances of working with various levels of government.
Early this year, I began thinking about running this year, I discussed this with community leaders, elected officials at various levels of government within and out of the Region. I was strongly encouraged to run this year, in the event I am not elected, I am building a strong foundation for the next election. (Name recognition, community connections and campaign foundations) That being said, I am ready to take on this campaign with all intent to win. Change is needed. If we keep electing the same people, we will get the same results and what we currently have, is simply not working.
Thank you
If you have further questions, I welcome the dialogue.
Lindsay Manary
Candidate, Regional Councillor, representing Waterloo
www.lindsaymanary.ca
Lindsay Manary
Thank you again for your interest in the municipal election and sending additional questions.
Question 1
1. How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style begins with listening! I believe every voice brings value and fresh perspectives. I lead by engaging people and I prefer collaborative problem-solving to ensure transparency about how and why decisions are made, and accountability to stand by those decisions. When a decision doesn’t produce the intended result, I accept responsibility, learn from the outcome, and adjust course. I act with purpose toward common goals: an affordable, safe community that protects the services we rely on, supports sustainable growth, and makes fiscally responsible choices based on what our community needs.
Question 2
2. What are the most important issues in the Waterloo Region and what would your plan be to deal with them?
There are several key issues I have highlighted on my platform and pillars.
Housing and Affordability:
Building an affordable Waterloo Region where families and businesses can thrive. From young people to seniors, everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live. Ensuring new growth aligns with real community needs, I will work toward integrating unused Regionally owned property for housing, so we are using already existing infrastructure before building outward. I will collaboratively with developers and community partners to work for realistic solutions that help residents find and keep stable, affordable homes. For those people renting, I will advocate for tighter rent control standards to ensure everyone has a clean, safe, and affordable place to reside.
Collaborative decisions and Responsible Budgets:
Making decisions that are collaborative, transparent, and accountable. Listening carefully to residents and ensuring focus on practical solutions, clear priorities, and investments that deliver real value for the community. Strong and strategic partnerships that will bring more employment opportunities and create a vibrant, thriving, local economy. I want to ensure that people get the best value for their tax paying dollars!! Which I will advocate to keep tax hikes at a minimum. Throughout the year before and after budget season, I want to ensure decisions are made carefully with resident engagement and feedback so we are not spending carelessly and having to make up for the spending at final budget approval.
Prioritizing traffic‑calming measures in neighbourhoods and school zones, supporting emergency services so they have what they need to respond quickly and effectively, and investing in responsible, evidence‑based safety initiatives. Committed to expanding the Community Para-medicine program to offer more home based care and allow first responders to focus on emergencies.
Safe Roads and Safer Neigbourhoods
Prioritizing traffic‑calming measures in neighbourhoods and school zones, supporting emergency services so they have what they need to respond quickly and effectively, and investing in responsible, evidence‑based safety initiatives. Committed to expanding the Community Para-medicine program to offer more home-based care and allow first responders to focus on emergencies. Working with community partners to address speed, stunt driving, various issues.
Protecting the Services We Rely On
From emergency response and transit to housing supports, infrastructure, and community programs. Protecting the services people rely on by listening to residents, being transparent about how decisions are made, and ensuring accountability in how budgets are managed. My focus is on keeping essential services strong, sustainable, and responsive to community needs.
Water Capacity and Sustainable Growth
Addressing water capacity challenges with transparent decision‑making and responsible planning. Investing in the infrastructure needed to support growth, and ensuring development aligns with the Region’s verified water supply. Sustainable growth requires protecting our groundwater, planning realistically, and making choices that keep our communities safe, resilient, and able to grow responsibly.
Improved Transit Connectivity
Investing responsibly in the systems people rely on. Strong transit links help families, seniors, students and workers access jobs, services, community spaces, and they support sustainable growth across Waterloo Region. My focus is on reliable service, better connections between neighbourhoods, and infrastructure that makes moving around the region safer and easier for everyone.
Thank you for reaching out. If you would like to chat further, please feel free to call me at 519-588-7521
Thank you
Lindsay
Lindsay Manary, Candidate for Regional Councillor representing Waterloo
www.lindsaymanary.ca
Kevin White
Thanks for taking an interest in the upcoming election. My answers to your questions are provided below. Some of the answers you might be looking for may partially be provided on my website, kw4wr.wordpress.com, as well.
I think the role of Regional Councillor is one that I would be well suited for. I really do believe that the Region of Waterloo has developed strong and admirable mission, vision, and core value statements. My concern is that I have found it difficult to align the vision, mission, and core value with several decisions made by council in the past few years. I think when it comes to governance and governmental transparency, this is exactly what we need to be aligning with in order to responsibly meet public expectations and this should also make council decisions more understandable and predictable. When a decision gets made, it should be very evident that the core value of "care for people and the land we share" is closely connected to it. Constituents should not be confused by decisions made, and those decisions should be readily understood because that core value should align so clearly and be present at the heart of all council discussions.
This becomes even more important at a time when the provincial government will be undemocratically appointing a Regional Chair with "strong chair powers", and maintaining municipal autonomy and community principles will be more essential than ever. I believe I am a principled person who will adhere to that core value in all decisions.
As for being encouraged to run for office, it really has come about from my prior experiences and being fortunate to be surrounded by mentors rather than any one individual encouraging me. I have had the benefit of working in community organizations that maintain positive environments and success through adherence to strong, supportive, and community-oriented values, which has led to me finding mentors on a surprisingly frequent basis. When I returned to postsecondary education in 2024, I had thought of working my way toward becoming a children's therapist, but along the way, found myself much more attached to social policy and social action.
While I worked in school libraries, I really began to understand a range of community needs, and I found in volunteering with groups such as the Unsheltered Campaign or WR YIMBY, I was finding ways to make the libraries I worked in more active and inclusive for students. I became much more of an advocate for the library as an institution and for the students themselves. I had not anticipated that in becoming involved with housing, poverty, and homelessness advocacy, the school library would benefit so much as a result. It was not just at a personal level, but one of policy as well. When I look back at my career in school libraries, I started out as a pretty good school library technician. When I left, I excelled in my role, and it was because I had developed a principled approach that put the students first and adhered to a strong sense of library ethics (in fact there is a lovely article about the "five laws of library science" that I return to every once in a while when I consider community engagement, particularly the "variants" section and Michael Gorman and Walt Crawford's update to S. R. Ranganathan's "Five Laws").
Beyond this, in my ongoing role with the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some really wonderful community advocates and Regional staff, but also be in spaces where tensions were sometimes high and systemic issues were brought to the fore. I really began to see the transformative value of connecting policymaking with grassroots organizing, and it feels too often as though decisions are made without fulsome engagement. As one example, the Region's infamous court case regarding 100 Victoria St. being titled "The Regional Municipality of Waterloo v. Persons Unknown and to be Ascertained", I think, makes quite clear that establishing relationships and considering the principle of affected interest had not been enough of a priority. Having a clear set of values makes being in those tense spaces much more manageable, as principled values make what could otherwise be difficult decisions much clearer. I believe that, as a community, Waterloo Region is capable of brilliant things, but it is important for leadership to set clear values and expectations and express and model those values for others to grow in confidence. Care for people and the land we share is not an abstract concept, and I believe it needs to be at the heart of what the Regional Council does.
Thank you again for your interest.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Bryan Causarano-Bolton
He/Him
Candidate for Regional Council representing Cambridge
causbolt.ca
@CausBolt
Why do I feel that I should represent the Region of Waterloo?
I've called the Waterloo Region home for a quarter of my life. I have rented homes and owned property. I've worked for corporations, and for myself as a small business owner. I've used public transit to commute, and my vehicle. I've engaged in politics for many years, and understand the impact local politics has on literally every aspect of our lives. In previous years, I lived in London, Hamilton, and St. Catharines, and I watched their councils approve incredible projects that have had really positive impacts on the cities, and I've seen some poor decisions. I think I come with a lot of fresh perspectives, and passion. I love this region. This is my home. My neighbours have been wonderful, and I am proud of my community. I should represent the region because I care about the people who live here, and the cities that we live in. I want to make sure that everyone has the best experience living in Waterloo Region across all the services the Region provides.
Was I encouraged to run for public office, and if so by whom?
Many people encouraged me, especially over the past 3 or 4 years. Because of the work I have already done, people have seen the impact I have had in Cambridge, and have asked that I be a more intentional political voice. I have always thought politics would be part of my future, and I definitely feel this is the time to take that step. My family, many of my friends, and colleagues have all supported and endorsed the decision. I have heard from sitting and former politicians, folks who work for both the city and the region, and people who work in the non-profit sectors as well. My values are all centered around respect, empathy, and learning. I want to make sure we protect people, and our environment. We live in an incredible place, and I want to help make it even better.
Thank you for reaching out and thank you for getting involved. Below are my answers to your questions. If there is anything else you would like to know please let me know.
1. How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is proactive, collaborative, and results-focused. I believe in identifying challenges early, listening to different perspectives, asking difficult questions, and making informed decisions. Whether the issue is housing, water, infrastructure, transit, or the regional budget, I focus on long-term planning, measurable results, and value for taxpayers.
I also believe elected representatives must be accessible and accountable. Residents deserve clear explanations for decisions and leaders who stand behind them.
2. What are the most important issues in Waterloo Region and what would your plan be to deal with them?
Waterloo Region’s key challenges include housing affordability and homelessness, water supply, taxation and affordability, transportation, and managing growth responsibly.
For housing and homelessness, we need more housing at a range of price points, along with permanent and supportive housing. Building on my work starting the municipal housing corporation, I would support a stronger, more coordinated approach to housing development and delivery. This includes working with non-profit and private partners, making strategic use of public assets, and using or acquiring existing buildings where financially and operationally practical.
For water supply, we need stronger conservation, protection of groundwater resources, exploration of additional water sources, and growth decisions based on available capacity.
For taxes and affordability, Regional government must recognize the pressure on households by reviewing spending, prioritizing essential services and infrastructure, improving service delivery, and requiring measurable results for new investments.
For transportation, we need a practical, coordinated network of reliable transit, well-maintained roads, and active transportation infrastructure that reflects how residents move throughout the Region. My work on regional infrastructure and transportation has reinforced the importance of planning these systems together.
Above all, Regional Council must plan proactively. Waterloo Region is growing quickly, and today’s decisions about housing, water, infrastructure, transportation, and finances will determine whether that growth strengthens our communities or creates greater challenges.
Thanks again
Joe Gowing electjoegowing@gmail.com
Sarvesh Pratap Singh
Thank you for reaching out again and for taking the time to ask these questions. I appreciate your interest and the opportunity to share my thoughts.
1. How would you describe your leadership style?
I would describe my leadership style as approachable, collaborative, and accountable. With over a decade of experience working in People & Culture and Human Resources, I have learned that effective leadership starts with listening, understanding different perspectives, and creating an environment where people feel respected and heard. My experience in HR has also taught me that leadership isn't always about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions, understanding the facts, bringing people together, and making thoughtful and informed decisions.
I believe the same approach is important in public service. Leadership should be about being present and accessible to the community. Residents should feel that their elected representative is someone they can approach, raise concerns with, and have an honest conversation with — whether they agree with me or not. At the same time, I believe leadership requires accountability. There will be difficult decisions, and I believe a leader should be willing to make those decisions, explain the reasoning behind them, and take responsibility for the outcome. Ultimately, my leadership philosophy is simple: listen first, treat people with respect, work collaboratively, make informed decisions, and remain accountable to the people I serve.
2. What are the most important issues in the Waterloo Region and what would your plan be to deal with them?
There are several important issues facing our region, and I don't think there is one single issue that can be separated from the others.
For me, some of the biggest priorities are affordable housing, resources, reliable public safety and emergency services, seniors' services and long-term care, and responsible economic growth.
On housing, I believe we need to continue encouraging a greater range of housing options while making sure new development is supported by the infrastructure and services that residents need. For public transit, I want to see a system that is reliable, affordable and practical for people who depend on it every day. Transit should connect people to work, school, healthcare and other essential services. Infrastructure is another major concern. Roads, bridges, water systems and other infrastructure need proper long-term planning and maintenance. I believe we should focus on responsible spending and making sure we are planning for the needs of a growing community rather than constantly reacting to problems.
One area that is particularly important to me is protecting our natural resources, especially our water and green spaces. Our water, rivers, forests, wetlands and natural areas are resources that we cannot take for granted. As our community grows, we need to make sure that development is balanced with responsible environmental planning and the protection of the natural systems that support our communities.
Public safety is also important. Our police, fire and emergency services need the resources and support necessary to respond effectively, while we also need to look at prevention and the social issues that can contribute to safety concerns .Finally, I believe the Waterloo Region needs to continue growing its economy, but that growth should benefit the people who already live here as well as those who are coming here. Economic development should go hand in hand with housing, infrastructure, transportation and quality public services.
My approach would be to listen to residents, look at the evidence, understand the financial implications, and work collaboratively with the Region, municipalities and community partners.
Thank you again for reaching out and for allowing me to answer your questions..
Best regards,
Sarvesh Pratap Singh
Candidate for Regional Councillor
Waterloo Region
Pam Wolf
I don’t have much time but I will answer your first question and give you my website for the second.
Leadership
I believe in we not I. I like to be part of a team working together for a common goal. Decisions are best made by consensus when possible.
My website is. Votepamwolf.com
Have a good day.
Pam Wolf
Lindsay Manary
Thank you so much for reaching out and asking your questions! I am very pleased to hear you are interested in municipal governance. As you may or may not know, voter turnout for municipal elections is notoriously low, which is always disappointing considered it is the level of governance that effects people directly the most.
Question 1
Why do you feel that you should represent the Region of Waterloo?
Over the past few years, I’ve worked for Regional Council in an administrative staff role. That experience has given me a strong understanding of how decisions are made, a clear understanding of the complex issues the Region is facing, and how budgeting processes shape our services. However, with this knowledge, it has also made me understand that change is needed.
Waterloo Region deserves leadership that listens and acts with purpose. Leadership that understands the challenges facing residents, supports the essential services we all rely on, and works together on solutions that are practical, responsible, and sustainable.
I am that person! I am here to listen, learn, and work collaboratively on behalf of our residents. My family is growing up here, and I want to help build a stronger, more affordable, and safe future for our Region.
Question 2
Were you encouraged to run for public office and if so by whom?
I had planned on running in the 2030 election. It is why I accepted the position at the Region specifically working at Regional Council. I wanted to learn first-hand how decisions are made, budgets were finalized and understand the services provided, issues concerning our residents and the nuances of working with various levels of government.
Early this year, I began thinking about running this year, I discussed this with community leaders, elected officials at various levels of government within and out of the Region. I was strongly encouraged to run this year, in the event I am not elected, I am building a strong foundation for the next election. (Name recognition, community connections and campaign foundations) That being said, I am ready to take on this campaign with all intent to win. Change is needed. If we keep electing the same people, we will get the same results and what we currently have, is simply not working.
Thank you
If you have further questions, I welcome the dialogue.
Lindsay Manary
Candidate, Regional Councillor, representing Waterloo
www.lindsaymanary.ca
Lindsay Manary
Thank you again for your interest in the municipal election and sending additional questions.
Question 1
1. How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style begins with listening! I believe every voice brings value and fresh perspectives. I lead by engaging people and I prefer collaborative problem-solving to ensure transparency about how and why decisions are made, and accountability to stand by those decisions. When a decision doesn’t produce the intended result, I accept responsibility, learn from the outcome, and adjust course. I act with purpose toward common goals: an affordable, safe community that protects the services we rely on, supports sustainable growth, and makes fiscally responsible choices based on what our community needs.
Question 2
2. What are the most important issues in the Waterloo Region and what would your plan be to deal with them?
There are several key issues I have highlighted on my platform and pillars.
Housing and Affordability:
Building an affordable Waterloo Region where families and businesses can thrive. From young people to seniors, everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live. Ensuring new growth aligns with real community needs, I will work toward integrating unused Regionally owned property for housing, so we are using already existing infrastructure before building outward. I will collaboratively with developers and community partners to work for realistic solutions that help residents find and keep stable, affordable homes. For those people renting, I will advocate for tighter rent control standards to ensure everyone has a clean, safe, and affordable place to reside.
Collaborative decisions and Responsible Budgets:
Making decisions that are collaborative, transparent, and accountable. Listening carefully to residents and ensuring focus on practical solutions, clear priorities, and investments that deliver real value for the community. Strong and strategic partnerships that will bring more employment opportunities and create a vibrant, thriving, local economy. I want to ensure that people get the best value for their tax paying dollars!! Which I will advocate to keep tax hikes at a minimum. Throughout the year before and after budget season, I want to ensure decisions are made carefully with resident engagement and feedback so we are not spending carelessly and having to make up for the spending at final budget approval.
Prioritizing traffic‑calming measures in neighbourhoods and school zones, supporting emergency services so they have what they need to respond quickly and effectively, and investing in responsible, evidence‑based safety initiatives. Committed to expanding the Community Para-medicine program to offer more home based care and allow first responders to focus on emergencies.
Safe Roads and Safer Neigbourhoods
Prioritizing traffic‑calming measures in neighbourhoods and school zones, supporting emergency services so they have what they need to respond quickly and effectively, and investing in responsible, evidence‑based safety initiatives. Committed to expanding the Community Para-medicine program to offer more home-based care and allow first responders to focus on emergencies. Working with community partners to address speed, stunt driving, various issues.
Protecting the Services We Rely On
From emergency response and transit to housing supports, infrastructure, and community programs. Protecting the services people rely on by listening to residents, being transparent about how decisions are made, and ensuring accountability in how budgets are managed. My focus is on keeping essential services strong, sustainable, and responsive to community needs.
Water Capacity and Sustainable Growth
Addressing water capacity challenges with transparent decision‑making and responsible planning. Investing in the infrastructure needed to support growth, and ensuring development aligns with the Region’s verified water supply. Sustainable growth requires protecting our groundwater, planning realistically, and making choices that keep our communities safe, resilient, and able to grow responsibly.
Improved Transit Connectivity
Investing responsibly in the systems people rely on. Strong transit links help families, seniors, students and workers access jobs, services, community spaces, and they support sustainable growth across Waterloo Region. My focus is on reliable service, better connections between neighbourhoods, and infrastructure that makes moving around the region safer and easier for everyone.
Thank you for reaching out. If you would like to chat further, please feel free to call me at 519-588-7521
Thank you
Lindsay
Lindsay Manary, Candidate for Regional Councillor representing Waterloo
www.lindsaymanary.ca
Kevin White
Thanks for taking an interest in the upcoming election. My answers to your questions are provided below. Some of the answers you might be looking for may partially be provided on my website, kw4wr.wordpress.com, as well.
I think the role of Regional Councillor is one that I would be well suited for. I really do believe that the Region of Waterloo has developed strong and admirable mission, vision, and core value statements. My concern is that I have found it difficult to align the vision, mission, and core value with several decisions made by council in the past few years. I think when it comes to governance and governmental transparency, this is exactly what we need to be aligning with in order to responsibly meet public expectations and this should also make council decisions more understandable and predictable. When a decision gets made, it should be very evident that the core value of "care for people and the land we share" is closely connected to it. Constituents should not be confused by decisions made, and those decisions should be readily understood because that core value should align so clearly and be present at the heart of all council discussions.
This becomes even more important at a time when the provincial government will be undemocratically appointing a Regional Chair with "strong chair powers", and maintaining municipal autonomy and community principles will be more essential than ever. I believe I am a principled person who will adhere to that core value in all decisions.
As for being encouraged to run for office, it really has come about from my prior experiences and being fortunate to be surrounded by mentors rather than any one individual encouraging me. I have had the benefit of working in community organizations that maintain positive environments and success through adherence to strong, supportive, and community-oriented values, which has led to me finding mentors on a surprisingly frequent basis. When I returned to postsecondary education in 2024, I had thought of working my way toward becoming a children's therapist, but along the way, found myself much more attached to social policy and social action.
While I worked in school libraries, I really began to understand a range of community needs, and I found in volunteering with groups such as the Unsheltered Campaign or WR YIMBY, I was finding ways to make the libraries I worked in more active and inclusive for students. I became much more of an advocate for the library as an institution and for the students themselves. I had not anticipated that in becoming involved with housing, poverty, and homelessness advocacy, the school library would benefit so much as a result. It was not just at a personal level, but one of policy as well. When I look back at my career in school libraries, I started out as a pretty good school library technician. When I left, I excelled in my role, and it was because I had developed a principled approach that put the students first and adhered to a strong sense of library ethics (in fact there is a lovely article about the "five laws of library science" that I return to every once in a while when I consider community engagement, particularly the "variants" section and Michael Gorman and Walt Crawford's update to S. R. Ranganathan's "Five Laws").
Beyond this, in my ongoing role with the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some really wonderful community advocates and Regional staff, but also be in spaces where tensions were sometimes high and systemic issues were brought to the fore. I really began to see the transformative value of connecting policymaking with grassroots organizing, and it feels too often as though decisions are made without fulsome engagement. As one example, the Region's infamous court case regarding 100 Victoria St. being titled "The Regional Municipality of Waterloo v. Persons Unknown and to be Ascertained", I think, makes quite clear that establishing relationships and considering the principle of affected interest had not been enough of a priority. Having a clear set of values makes being in those tense spaces much more manageable, as principled values make what could otherwise be difficult decisions much clearer. I believe that, as a community, Waterloo Region is capable of brilliant things, but it is important for leadership to set clear values and expectations and express and model those values for others to grow in confidence. Care for people and the land we share is not an abstract concept, and I believe it needs to be at the heart of what the Regional Council does.
Thank you again for your interest.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Bryan Causarano-Bolton
He/Him
Candidate for Regional Council representing Cambridge
causbolt.ca
@CausBolt
Why do I feel that I should represent the Region of Waterloo?
I've called the Waterloo Region home for a quarter of my life. I have rented homes and owned property. I've worked for corporations, and for myself as a small business owner. I've used public transit to commute, and my vehicle. I've engaged in politics for many years, and understand the impact local politics has on literally every aspect of our lives. In previous years, I lived in London, Hamilton, and St. Catharines, and I watched their councils approve incredible projects that have had really positive impacts on the cities, and I've seen some poor decisions. I think I come with a lot of fresh perspectives, and passion. I love this region. This is my home. My neighbours have been wonderful, and I am proud of my community. I should represent the region because I care about the people who live here, and the cities that we live in. I want to make sure that everyone has the best experience living in Waterloo Region across all the services the Region provides.
Was I encouraged to run for public office, and if so by whom?
Many people encouraged me, especially over the past 3 or 4 years. Because of the work I have already done, people have seen the impact I have had in Cambridge, and have asked that I be a more intentional political voice. I have always thought politics would be part of my future, and I definitely feel this is the time to take that step. My family, many of my friends, and colleagues have all supported and endorsed the decision. I have heard from sitting and former politicians, folks who work for both the city and the region, and people who work in the non-profit sectors as well. My values are all centered around respect, empathy, and learning. I want to make sure we protect people, and our environment. We live in an incredible place, and I want to help make it even better.
