PeterH
Member
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2026
- Topics
- 7
- Posts
- 11
- Likes
- 6
Here are responses to our further questions (questions differ depending on mayor vs council vs incumbent)
Ward 1 - Helen Shwery
To directly answer your question.
It’s just in my nature to question and validate things before making a decision. I believe in facts and logic, not just following whatever the popular political agenda is at the time. I also don’t believe in blindly saying “trust the science,” because science changes as we learn more. Sometimes you have to look back to move forward, learn from what worked and what didn’t, and make decisions based on that.
Helen's Copy of answers to Cambridge Today survey
How long have you lived in Cambridge?
I grew up on a farm and came back to Cambridge in 2017. It’s home, and I’m proud to call it home.
Do you reside in the ward you are running in?
Yes, I do. I live in Ward 1 and understand the issues our residents are dealing with because I live here too.
Why are you running in this election?
I’m running for re-election because I want to continue the work I started for Ward 1.
My priorities are straightforward: keep taxes affordable, make sure taxpayers get value for their money, improve basic services, maintain the infrastructure we already have, and make sure residents’ voices are heard at City Hall.
Most people understand that taxes are necessary. What they don’t accept is waste. Before asking people for more, government should make sure it is responsibly managing what it already collects.
Why should residents of Cambridge vote for you?
I listen to residents, I ask questions and, when something needs to be done, I act.
During my first term, I helped achieve a 1.9% property-tax reduction in 2026, introduced a three-day grace period for property-tax and utility payments, and brought forward a motion to use surplus funds to pay down high-interest debt, saving taxpayers about $800,000 in interest.
I’ve also advocated for better snow clearing, safer roads, less red tape for development and greater transparency at City Hall.
I don’t believe a councillor should simply vote and move on. Residents deserve someone who answers their calls, returns their emails and is willing to stand up for them—even when it isn’t the easy thing to do.
What do you see as the top issues facing Cambridge residents today?
I hear four issues repeatedly:
Affordability. Families are feeling the pressure, and every tax increase matters.
Traffic and road safety. Our roads are under increasing pressure as Cambridge grows.
Maintaining what we already have. Residents expect potholes fixed, snow cleared, grass cut, garbage collected and infrastructure properly maintained.
Water and infrastructure. Growth has to be matched by the infrastructure and water resources needed to support it.
What is the most important thing you want to see changed in Cambridge?
I want a City Hall that listens more closely to the people it serves and is more transparent about how it spends their money.
Councillors hear from residents every day. Those voices should matter.
Studies and consultants have their place, but they should never replace common sense or the lived experience of the people who actually live in our neighbourhoods.
I also want residents to feel that getting involved can actually make a difference.
What is the most important thing you don’t want to see change in Cambridge?
I don’t want Cambridge to lose what makes it Cambridge.
We have a unique identity, beautiful architecture, rivers, farmland, historic neighbourhoods and distinct communities. Growth is inevitable, but we should never lose the character and sense of place that people love.
Is Cambridge growing too fast, just the right amount, or not fast enough?
Right now, I believe Cambridge is growing faster than our infrastructure and services can comfortably support.
Growth is important, but it has to be responsible. We need roads, water, infrastructure and essential services to keep pace.
We also need to recognize how people actually live and travel. Not everyone is going to give up their car, and our planning needs to reflect reality.
My view is simple: Cambridge should grow, but growth has to pay its way.
What makes Cambridge a great city to live, work and play in?
Cambridge is a beautiful city, and I think we have the prettiest city in the Region.
I love our rivers, our architecture, our farmland and the character of our different communities and villages. There is a real sense of place here.
But a great city has to take care of itself. We need clean public spaces, well-maintained roads and infrastructure, good services and a strong local economy.
We also need good jobs. Supporting businesses that want to invest, grow and hire locally is good for families, good for the community and good for the tax base that pays for our services.
I want Cambridge to grow without losing the things that make people proud to live here.
Ward 2 - David Craig
How would you describe your personal political ideology and/or affiliation AND how would you take that perspective to implement it if the "system" does not encourage that view?
I don’t view local politics as partisan. Council should approach issues based on logic, facts, and what’s best for the community rather than political alliances. While I have things in my platform that I’d like to accomplish, I believe each councillor’s responsibility is to represent their community, bring residents’ concerns forward, and work toward practical solutions. I’m not running to promote the views of a political party or ideology. I’m running to represent Ward 2 and the interests of the people who live in Hespeler.
Regards,
David
Ward 3 - Corey Kimpson
Over the past four years I have proven to be an effective and accessible representative to for our community, with a focus on building relationships and communication. I have advocated for increased community engagement in multiple formats, including providing printed hard copies of significant development applications and the proposed Preston Secondary Plan at the Cambridge Public Library Preston Branch. I take great pride in my role as a community representative and look forward to the opportunity to do so in the future.
As a community representative, it is not about "my" vision, but rather that of those I represent. I approach my work and decision-making process by seeking information from multiple sources and encourage others to do the same. I am not a member of any political party- each and every decision I make is mine alone, based on the information available to me at the time.
Please feel free to visit coreykimpson.ca for more information.
Ward 3 - Shaun Spalding
(These are his answers to a CTV survey that all Cambridge candidates are receiving)
Regarding the questions, please find below my responses:
1. This is the first time that I have put my name forward for municipal council; however, it is not the first time that I have been encouraged to do so by my friends, family, and neighbours. I have been a resident of Cambridge (Ward 3) for the past 12 years and it is my experiences - and that of my fellow residents - that past decisions, directives, policies, and deliveries (on far too many topics) have fallen short of meaningful impact to ratepayers. It is my view that there is a very large disconnect between the needs of the citizens and how City Council delivers services; and I want to proactively close that gap as Councillor.
2. As we reside at the western edge of the GTHA, Waterloo Region (and Cambridge specifically) is essentially a bedroom community. As such, transportation and infrastructure are the most pressing issues in my view. Specifically, responsible growth management balanced with effective planning, procurement, maintenance, and upgrading of surface and subsurface assets by means of competent strategic planning in today's ever changing climate is vital. If we cannot get around (via all modes of transportation including working towards becoming a 'walkable city') and if we cannot keep pace with the provision (and responsible fiscal management) of these critical components, all of the other very important issues facing the City will fall short of satisfactory delivery.
3. The needs of the City are many, including housing (of all types) and preservation. As Cambridge grows, and needs to provide new housing stock over the coming decade, residential dwellings need to be provided across the spectrum (low income, row housing, high rise condominiums and apartments). New single detached homes (aka urban sprawl) should be given the lowest priority so as to maximize the value of the Region's current and future public transit and public spaces. Historic charm comes in many forms: century residential homes,100+ year old buildings (converted for business usage), and municipal assets. It is my view that heritage designation for residential homes should only be provided to those current homeowners that request it (e.g., not summarily imposed upon them by the City/province) but, the City should take a very active role in heritage designation, where appropriate, for business and publicly owned buildings. Blending 'old' with 'new' across the City, with effective policies to support development and preservation, will build character and draw appeal to last generations.
4. This is a balancing act between the City, the Region, and to an extent the Province. This is a broad topic requiring a multifaceted approach that includes, but is not limited to, mental health, addition, and housing. I am not an expert in this field or subject matter; however, what I believe is crucial is for council and staff to have a clear understanding of the root causes, a well developed plan that addresses the needs (both current and over a planning period), an adequate number of trained professionals, and realistic metrics to measure and monitor progress and successes. This topic, like all of the important topics that City Council has to address, in my view, needs to be based on compassion and responsible action that is guided by the Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle.
Regarding your request for a headshot, I do not not have a formal picture. I have attached a few images for consideration; the AI image is from my LinkedIn page. And, if you want to use the colour image, let me know as my son and father-in-law would need to be cropped out before publishing.
Best,
Shaun Spalding
1.519.209.5036
Ward 4 - Ross Earnshaw
Peter: I have no political affiliations. This allows me to work cooperatively with persons of any and all political stripes to the advantage of the city.
Ward 4 - Ahmad Malik
Hi
I am living in Cambridge for last ten years and in Canada last 30 years. I feel like I should share my experience with the people of Cambridge and I can make it better by bringing practical reforms in housing and dealing with homelessness issues and drug related problems.
I am encouraged by my own passion and one organization citizens of Cambridge this organization encourages the peoples who have passion and want to improve the environment housing issues and drug issues.
I will try my best what I can and I have a plan to establish my own food bank for the people of Cambridge hopefully I will be successful and make it happen.
Ahmad Jawad Malik
Ward 4
416 565 3582
Ward 5 - Sheri Roberts
Morning Peter.
Sorry for the delay in responding. While municipal politics is nonpartisan, I do understand that we bring our personal ideological differences into the equation when making decisions. I would best describe myself as centre/left. Fiscally conservative but socially progressive. I look to make decisions that benefit the greatest number of people while being mindful of the cost to the taxpayer.
Thank you
Sheri
Ward 6 - Chris McCormick
Hello again Peter,
I’ve already succinctly identified my general position as “fiscally conservative and socially progressive.”
I’m not a fan of labels but I am a fan of great ideas and doing whatever is necessary to implement the best ideas that serve the most people and benefit our community as a whole.
For all further clarification please view the Ward 6 town hall being put on by Cambridge Elects, coming up on September 15th at 7 pm, and, watch for my published positions on Vote Compass. These are the 2 formats/platforms which I have committed to thus far; additionally to meet one on one or groups, continue to reach out at ward6.2chris@gmail.com or visit my social media site on Instagram: @chrismcforcambridge
In addition to these, I continue to door-knock and prefer to meet groups face to face … rather than duplicate my efforts by making multiple similar and comparable responses to very similar questions.
Please do print the above response. It will help me to reach the most amount of people in the most mutually beneficial ways. Thank you for reaching out. All the best, to you and each and every candidate who has the strength and passion and conviction to get out and make a difference.
Sincerely,
Chris McCormick
Candidate for Cambridge City Council Ward 6
Ward 7 - David Guerin
Hello Peter,
I would describe myself as a pragmatic moderate: fiscally conservative, socially inclusive, and more interested in what works than in political labels or ideology. I am not a member of any political party or political organization, and I value being able to assess each issue on its own merits.
For me, being fiscally conservative means setting clear priorities, asking hard questions about spending, looking for real value for taxpayers and making sure government gets the basics right. At the same time, I believe strongly that people should be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
That’s not just something I say. Those beliefs have shaped how I’ve tried to lead. As a school board trustee, I have been willing to stand up for inclusion even when the issues were difficult or divisive. And through my work at Wesley United Church, including supporting the launch of an overnight warming centre, I have spent time getting to know men experiencing homelessness and seeing firsthand how complicated those challenges can be and how difficult it can be to find solutions that are both compassionate and practical.
Those experiences have reinforced something I believe very strongly: compassion and fiscal discipline are not opposites. We can be careful with tax dollars, expect accountability and protect public spaces while still treating people with humanity and helping those who are struggling.
If the system does not naturally encourage that kind of balanced approach, I believe you work constructively to change it. You ask questions, bring forward better ideas, build relationships and look for common ground. I would much rather persuade people and make meaningful progress than take an ideological position that sounds good but gets very little done.
David
Ward 7 - John Teat
Thanks for the questions.
I am running to represent Cambridge because I have spent the last 54 years growing, learning, and developing alongside this city. I have watched it evolve from three separate towns into the vibrant community we see today.
I bring a true reflection of what our residents want to city council. My perspective is rooted right here—not influenced by outside municipalities with different ideas on how our city should develop or run. I value our unique structure, keeping in mind our three distinct cores and the historic hamlet of Blair with every decision made.
I know this city, its issues, its neighborhoods, and its history—not because I read about them in a report, but because I have lived them my entire life, raised by parents and grandparents who did the same. This deep understanding, combined with a logical, fact-driven approach to management, gives me a unique ability to help guide Cambridge’s growth while keeping our roots intact.
Yes, I was encouraged to run by many people across my life and work. First and foremost, my wife and family backed me after listening to my long-standing ideas and concerns for the city. My friends and professional colleagues urged me to step up, recognizing my genuine passion for better, more accountable local government. Finally, conversations with current councillors and community leaders gave me the final push to put my name forward and represent our neighborhoods.
John Teat
Ward 7 - Manuel da Silva
1. Why do you feel you should represent Cambridge?
I have resided in Cambridge for the past 33 years and in Ward 7 for the past 19. Cambridge has been my longest residence, and I’ve always believed that the best way to get to know a community and be part of the community is by being involved. For me, being involved also means being informed and taking part in decision making that involves one’s community and family and for the betterment of the community. Cambridge has had much growth in the past 33 years, and I believe we have much to offer. Should I be elected to council, it will give me the opportunity to have a voice on issues impacting on the residents of Ward 7 and entire Cambridge community and region. I’ve always believed that as a resident/citizen, I have a responsibility to contribute and be involved.
I’m an individual who likes to be involved and needs to be informed to make decisions that impact on my personal life and family. I look for positive solutions wherever possible and want to be able to stand by decisions I make. However, on council I need to be aware that decisions I make will impact on the community at large. Being informed and ensuring that community is aware of decisions being made is important as well as their input. I bring to the table my experience and involvement with various organizations over the years, including elementary and secondary school councils, having served for 19 years as a trustee for WCDSB, Cambridge Youth Soccer, The Portuguese Club of Cambridge and The Catholic Community Foundation of Waterloo Region.
I believe that Cambridge has much to offer, and I recognize the importance of this role. I realize that there are and will be issues that will need to be addressed and decisions to be made that will not only impact the residents of Ward 7 but all of Cambridge and Waterloo Region. I look forward to fill the position to the best of my ability. I have always believed that we as citizens have a responsibility to contribute and be involved for the betterment of our communities.
I look forward to the opportunity to look for positive solutions and will work to build relationships and lobby for results that will benefit current and future residents of Cambridge
2. Were you encouraged to run for office? If so, by whom?
Being on City council is something that I’ve considered for some time. One of the reasons I’ve considered running for council is continuous encouragement from family, friends and colleagues from various organizations I’ve been involved with over the years.
3. How would you describe your personal political ideology and/or affiliation AND how would you take that perspective to implement it if the "system" does not encourage that view?
I’m not affiliated with any political ideology and/or party. In voting, I consider who the candidates are and who my choices may be for local representation. I believe it’s important to consider the various political stands but it’s equally important to understand who the individuals are who are seeking positions, Municipally, Provincially and Federally.
Ward 7 - Dani Ieso
Hey Peter,
Thank you for the question.
I am politically independent. Some of my views lean conservative, particularly on fiscal responsibility, accountability and public safety. I also share liberal and social-democratic values regarding housing, accessibility, transit and support for vulnerable residents. I evaluate each municipal issue on its merits rather than following one political party.
If the system resists a worthwhile idea, I would present evidence, listen to residents and work with other councillors to build support. I would remain committed to my principles while being open to practical compromise that moves Cambridge forward.
Kind regards,
Dani Ieso
Candidate for Cambridge City Council — Ward 7
Mayoral Candidate - Jan Liggett
My website will be up soon and I hope you will find your questions answered.
Mayoral Candidate - Ryan Bolender
Each of these questions is deserving of a novel, but I will give brief responses given the limited nature of my time these days.
Yours truly,
Ryan Bolender
Cambridge Mayoral Candidate
Ward 1 - Helen Shwery
To directly answer your question.
It’s just in my nature to question and validate things before making a decision. I believe in facts and logic, not just following whatever the popular political agenda is at the time. I also don’t believe in blindly saying “trust the science,” because science changes as we learn more. Sometimes you have to look back to move forward, learn from what worked and what didn’t, and make decisions based on that.
Helen's Copy of answers to Cambridge Today survey
How long have you lived in Cambridge?
I grew up on a farm and came back to Cambridge in 2017. It’s home, and I’m proud to call it home.
Do you reside in the ward you are running in?
Yes, I do. I live in Ward 1 and understand the issues our residents are dealing with because I live here too.
Why are you running in this election?
I’m running for re-election because I want to continue the work I started for Ward 1.
My priorities are straightforward: keep taxes affordable, make sure taxpayers get value for their money, improve basic services, maintain the infrastructure we already have, and make sure residents’ voices are heard at City Hall.
Most people understand that taxes are necessary. What they don’t accept is waste. Before asking people for more, government should make sure it is responsibly managing what it already collects.
Why should residents of Cambridge vote for you?
I listen to residents, I ask questions and, when something needs to be done, I act.
During my first term, I helped achieve a 1.9% property-tax reduction in 2026, introduced a three-day grace period for property-tax and utility payments, and brought forward a motion to use surplus funds to pay down high-interest debt, saving taxpayers about $800,000 in interest.
I’ve also advocated for better snow clearing, safer roads, less red tape for development and greater transparency at City Hall.
I don’t believe a councillor should simply vote and move on. Residents deserve someone who answers their calls, returns their emails and is willing to stand up for them—even when it isn’t the easy thing to do.
What do you see as the top issues facing Cambridge residents today?
I hear four issues repeatedly:
Affordability. Families are feeling the pressure, and every tax increase matters.
Traffic and road safety. Our roads are under increasing pressure as Cambridge grows.
Maintaining what we already have. Residents expect potholes fixed, snow cleared, grass cut, garbage collected and infrastructure properly maintained.
Water and infrastructure. Growth has to be matched by the infrastructure and water resources needed to support it.
What is the most important thing you want to see changed in Cambridge?
I want a City Hall that listens more closely to the people it serves and is more transparent about how it spends their money.
Councillors hear from residents every day. Those voices should matter.
Studies and consultants have their place, but they should never replace common sense or the lived experience of the people who actually live in our neighbourhoods.
I also want residents to feel that getting involved can actually make a difference.
What is the most important thing you don’t want to see change in Cambridge?
I don’t want Cambridge to lose what makes it Cambridge.
We have a unique identity, beautiful architecture, rivers, farmland, historic neighbourhoods and distinct communities. Growth is inevitable, but we should never lose the character and sense of place that people love.
Is Cambridge growing too fast, just the right amount, or not fast enough?
Right now, I believe Cambridge is growing faster than our infrastructure and services can comfortably support.
Growth is important, but it has to be responsible. We need roads, water, infrastructure and essential services to keep pace.
We also need to recognize how people actually live and travel. Not everyone is going to give up their car, and our planning needs to reflect reality.
My view is simple: Cambridge should grow, but growth has to pay its way.
What makes Cambridge a great city to live, work and play in?
Cambridge is a beautiful city, and I think we have the prettiest city in the Region.
I love our rivers, our architecture, our farmland and the character of our different communities and villages. There is a real sense of place here.
But a great city has to take care of itself. We need clean public spaces, well-maintained roads and infrastructure, good services and a strong local economy.
We also need good jobs. Supporting businesses that want to invest, grow and hire locally is good for families, good for the community and good for the tax base that pays for our services.
I want Cambridge to grow without losing the things that make people proud to live here.
Ward 2 - David Craig
How would you describe your personal political ideology and/or affiliation AND how would you take that perspective to implement it if the "system" does not encourage that view?
I don’t view local politics as partisan. Council should approach issues based on logic, facts, and what’s best for the community rather than political alliances. While I have things in my platform that I’d like to accomplish, I believe each councillor’s responsibility is to represent their community, bring residents’ concerns forward, and work toward practical solutions. I’m not running to promote the views of a political party or ideology. I’m running to represent Ward 2 and the interests of the people who live in Hespeler.
Regards,
David
Ward 3 - Corey Kimpson
Over the past four years I have proven to be an effective and accessible representative to for our community, with a focus on building relationships and communication. I have advocated for increased community engagement in multiple formats, including providing printed hard copies of significant development applications and the proposed Preston Secondary Plan at the Cambridge Public Library Preston Branch. I take great pride in my role as a community representative and look forward to the opportunity to do so in the future.
As a community representative, it is not about "my" vision, but rather that of those I represent. I approach my work and decision-making process by seeking information from multiple sources and encourage others to do the same. I am not a member of any political party- each and every decision I make is mine alone, based on the information available to me at the time.
Please feel free to visit coreykimpson.ca for more information.
Ward 3 - Shaun Spalding
(These are his answers to a CTV survey that all Cambridge candidates are receiving)
Regarding the questions, please find below my responses:
1. This is the first time that I have put my name forward for municipal council; however, it is not the first time that I have been encouraged to do so by my friends, family, and neighbours. I have been a resident of Cambridge (Ward 3) for the past 12 years and it is my experiences - and that of my fellow residents - that past decisions, directives, policies, and deliveries (on far too many topics) have fallen short of meaningful impact to ratepayers. It is my view that there is a very large disconnect between the needs of the citizens and how City Council delivers services; and I want to proactively close that gap as Councillor.
2. As we reside at the western edge of the GTHA, Waterloo Region (and Cambridge specifically) is essentially a bedroom community. As such, transportation and infrastructure are the most pressing issues in my view. Specifically, responsible growth management balanced with effective planning, procurement, maintenance, and upgrading of surface and subsurface assets by means of competent strategic planning in today's ever changing climate is vital. If we cannot get around (via all modes of transportation including working towards becoming a 'walkable city') and if we cannot keep pace with the provision (and responsible fiscal management) of these critical components, all of the other very important issues facing the City will fall short of satisfactory delivery.
3. The needs of the City are many, including housing (of all types) and preservation. As Cambridge grows, and needs to provide new housing stock over the coming decade, residential dwellings need to be provided across the spectrum (low income, row housing, high rise condominiums and apartments). New single detached homes (aka urban sprawl) should be given the lowest priority so as to maximize the value of the Region's current and future public transit and public spaces. Historic charm comes in many forms: century residential homes,100+ year old buildings (converted for business usage), and municipal assets. It is my view that heritage designation for residential homes should only be provided to those current homeowners that request it (e.g., not summarily imposed upon them by the City/province) but, the City should take a very active role in heritage designation, where appropriate, for business and publicly owned buildings. Blending 'old' with 'new' across the City, with effective policies to support development and preservation, will build character and draw appeal to last generations.
4. This is a balancing act between the City, the Region, and to an extent the Province. This is a broad topic requiring a multifaceted approach that includes, but is not limited to, mental health, addition, and housing. I am not an expert in this field or subject matter; however, what I believe is crucial is for council and staff to have a clear understanding of the root causes, a well developed plan that addresses the needs (both current and over a planning period), an adequate number of trained professionals, and realistic metrics to measure and monitor progress and successes. This topic, like all of the important topics that City Council has to address, in my view, needs to be based on compassion and responsible action that is guided by the Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle.
Regarding your request for a headshot, I do not not have a formal picture. I have attached a few images for consideration; the AI image is from my LinkedIn page. And, if you want to use the colour image, let me know as my son and father-in-law would need to be cropped out before publishing.
Best,
Shaun Spalding
1.519.209.5036
Ward 4 - Ross Earnshaw
Peter: I have no political affiliations. This allows me to work cooperatively with persons of any and all political stripes to the advantage of the city.
Ward 4 - Ahmad Malik
Hi
I am living in Cambridge for last ten years and in Canada last 30 years. I feel like I should share my experience with the people of Cambridge and I can make it better by bringing practical reforms in housing and dealing with homelessness issues and drug related problems.
I am encouraged by my own passion and one organization citizens of Cambridge this organization encourages the peoples who have passion and want to improve the environment housing issues and drug issues.
I will try my best what I can and I have a plan to establish my own food bank for the people of Cambridge hopefully I will be successful and make it happen.
Ahmad Jawad Malik
Ward 4
416 565 3582
Ward 5 - Sheri Roberts
Morning Peter.
Sorry for the delay in responding. While municipal politics is nonpartisan, I do understand that we bring our personal ideological differences into the equation when making decisions. I would best describe myself as centre/left. Fiscally conservative but socially progressive. I look to make decisions that benefit the greatest number of people while being mindful of the cost to the taxpayer.
Thank you
Sheri
Ward 6 - Chris McCormick
Hello again Peter,
I’ve already succinctly identified my general position as “fiscally conservative and socially progressive.”
I’m not a fan of labels but I am a fan of great ideas and doing whatever is necessary to implement the best ideas that serve the most people and benefit our community as a whole.
For all further clarification please view the Ward 6 town hall being put on by Cambridge Elects, coming up on September 15th at 7 pm, and, watch for my published positions on Vote Compass. These are the 2 formats/platforms which I have committed to thus far; additionally to meet one on one or groups, continue to reach out at ward6.2chris@gmail.com or visit my social media site on Instagram: @chrismcforcambridge
In addition to these, I continue to door-knock and prefer to meet groups face to face … rather than duplicate my efforts by making multiple similar and comparable responses to very similar questions.
Please do print the above response. It will help me to reach the most amount of people in the most mutually beneficial ways. Thank you for reaching out. All the best, to you and each and every candidate who has the strength and passion and conviction to get out and make a difference.
Sincerely,
Chris McCormick
Candidate for Cambridge City Council Ward 6
Ward 7 - David Guerin
Hello Peter,
I would describe myself as a pragmatic moderate: fiscally conservative, socially inclusive, and more interested in what works than in political labels or ideology. I am not a member of any political party or political organization, and I value being able to assess each issue on its own merits.
For me, being fiscally conservative means setting clear priorities, asking hard questions about spending, looking for real value for taxpayers and making sure government gets the basics right. At the same time, I believe strongly that people should be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
That’s not just something I say. Those beliefs have shaped how I’ve tried to lead. As a school board trustee, I have been willing to stand up for inclusion even when the issues were difficult or divisive. And through my work at Wesley United Church, including supporting the launch of an overnight warming centre, I have spent time getting to know men experiencing homelessness and seeing firsthand how complicated those challenges can be and how difficult it can be to find solutions that are both compassionate and practical.
Those experiences have reinforced something I believe very strongly: compassion and fiscal discipline are not opposites. We can be careful with tax dollars, expect accountability and protect public spaces while still treating people with humanity and helping those who are struggling.
If the system does not naturally encourage that kind of balanced approach, I believe you work constructively to change it. You ask questions, bring forward better ideas, build relationships and look for common ground. I would much rather persuade people and make meaningful progress than take an ideological position that sounds good but gets very little done.
David
Ward 7 - John Teat
Thanks for the questions.
- Why do I feel like I should represent Cambridge?
I am running to represent Cambridge because I have spent the last 54 years growing, learning, and developing alongside this city. I have watched it evolve from three separate towns into the vibrant community we see today.
I bring a true reflection of what our residents want to city council. My perspective is rooted right here—not influenced by outside municipalities with different ideas on how our city should develop or run. I value our unique structure, keeping in mind our three distinct cores and the historic hamlet of Blair with every decision made.
I know this city, its issues, its neighborhoods, and its history—not because I read about them in a report, but because I have lived them my entire life, raised by parents and grandparents who did the same. This deep understanding, combined with a logical, fact-driven approach to management, gives me a unique ability to help guide Cambridge’s growth while keeping our roots intact.
- Was I encouraged to run for office and by whom?
Yes, I was encouraged to run by many people across my life and work. First and foremost, my wife and family backed me after listening to my long-standing ideas and concerns for the city. My friends and professional colleagues urged me to step up, recognizing my genuine passion for better, more accountable local government. Finally, conversations with current councillors and community leaders gave me the final push to put my name forward and represent our neighborhoods.
John Teat
Ward 7 - Manuel da Silva
1. Why do you feel you should represent Cambridge?
I have resided in Cambridge for the past 33 years and in Ward 7 for the past 19. Cambridge has been my longest residence, and I’ve always believed that the best way to get to know a community and be part of the community is by being involved. For me, being involved also means being informed and taking part in decision making that involves one’s community and family and for the betterment of the community. Cambridge has had much growth in the past 33 years, and I believe we have much to offer. Should I be elected to council, it will give me the opportunity to have a voice on issues impacting on the residents of Ward 7 and entire Cambridge community and region. I’ve always believed that as a resident/citizen, I have a responsibility to contribute and be involved.
I’m an individual who likes to be involved and needs to be informed to make decisions that impact on my personal life and family. I look for positive solutions wherever possible and want to be able to stand by decisions I make. However, on council I need to be aware that decisions I make will impact on the community at large. Being informed and ensuring that community is aware of decisions being made is important as well as their input. I bring to the table my experience and involvement with various organizations over the years, including elementary and secondary school councils, having served for 19 years as a trustee for WCDSB, Cambridge Youth Soccer, The Portuguese Club of Cambridge and The Catholic Community Foundation of Waterloo Region.
I believe that Cambridge has much to offer, and I recognize the importance of this role. I realize that there are and will be issues that will need to be addressed and decisions to be made that will not only impact the residents of Ward 7 but all of Cambridge and Waterloo Region. I look forward to fill the position to the best of my ability. I have always believed that we as citizens have a responsibility to contribute and be involved for the betterment of our communities.
I look forward to the opportunity to look for positive solutions and will work to build relationships and lobby for results that will benefit current and future residents of Cambridge
2. Were you encouraged to run for office? If so, by whom?
Being on City council is something that I’ve considered for some time. One of the reasons I’ve considered running for council is continuous encouragement from family, friends and colleagues from various organizations I’ve been involved with over the years.
3. How would you describe your personal political ideology and/or affiliation AND how would you take that perspective to implement it if the "system" does not encourage that view?
I’m not affiliated with any political ideology and/or party. In voting, I consider who the candidates are and who my choices may be for local representation. I believe it’s important to consider the various political stands but it’s equally important to understand who the individuals are who are seeking positions, Municipally, Provincially and Federally.
Ward 7 - Dani Ieso
Hey Peter,
Thank you for the question.
I am politically independent. Some of my views lean conservative, particularly on fiscal responsibility, accountability and public safety. I also share liberal and social-democratic values regarding housing, accessibility, transit and support for vulnerable residents. I evaluate each municipal issue on its merits rather than following one political party.
If the system resists a worthwhile idea, I would present evidence, listen to residents and work with other councillors to build support. I would remain committed to my principles while being open to practical compromise that moves Cambridge forward.
Kind regards,
Dani Ieso
Candidate for Cambridge City Council — Ward 7
Mayoral Candidate - Jan Liggett
My website will be up soon and I hope you will find your questions answered.
Mayoral Candidate - Ryan Bolender
Each of these questions is deserving of a novel, but I will give brief responses given the limited nature of my time these days.
- I am a third-generation Cambridge resident on my mom’s side. I have lived, played, worked and volunteered in this city for 45 out of my 47 years. I have an intimate knowledge of our city, a unique blend of relevant education, practical knowledge, and real-world business experience. With a background in service delivery and construction, I speak the same language as many of the departments at City Hall and the staff that do the hands on actual work. I have decades of connections to community and business leaders that I can lean on in making forward thinking decisions for our city.
- Yes, I did not seek this out on my own. I don’t consider myself a “politician”, but rather a life-long community member who cares. I am not doing this for personal gain. About a year and a half ago, I had a small group of community and business leaders who were discontent with our city’s current leadership and who knew my history, education, business and community connections ask me to consider letting my name stand. For the next year or so, I pitched this idea to many more friends and members of our community and the support was overwhelming. This support ultimately led me to make the decision to enter the race.
- I have been a leader from a very young age, whether it was at recess, on the sports field, on youth leadership councils, as a TA in university, as an entrepreneur and business owner, or in the community as a volunteer. I have been problem solving and making tough decisions that affect others my entire adult life. My leadership preference is to build a team around me of exceptional individuals that work together for a common cause. My objective is to do the same as mayor. My desire is to build consensus through collaboration whether it be with municipal or regional councillors, city staff or other community leaders that can contribute to the conversation and vision. I am not doing this for the spotlight or career advancement. I am more content being a partner in achieving great things for our city.
- I think my greatest priority is to really listen to the average Cambridge resident, and to set a vision for our city that all can get behind. I am uncompromised and unencumbered by special interests and can genuinely lead in the best interests of all. The term “affordability crisis” has become the political buzz phrase of the day, and all candidates are jumping on the bandwagon when their track records demonstrate their disinterest or inability to do so. Whether it’s the young family that is struggling to keep up with living expenses, the business owner that is fighting to keep the doors open, or the widowed senior that is being forced out of their family home because property taxes having been2-3 times the rate of inflation for more than a decade, we need leadership that will ensure that all Cambridge residents are receiving value for their tax dollars, and that realizes it is unsustainable for municipal and regional governments to keep asking for more.
Yours truly,
Ryan Bolender
Cambridge Mayoral Candidate
