AnneM
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The mayor candidates were asked the following questions:
1. How would you describe your leadership style?
2. Which policies/strategies are a priority for you to continue from the previous mayor AND which ones would you prefer to focus on less?
Alton, David
1. I am a trained facilitator, conflict manager, & board chair so a lot of my leadership leans into the qualities of active listening, collective decision making, and executive synthesis. I follow a specific framework called Transformative Facilitation that brings together therapeutic communication, mediation, & power literacy. In my role as Mayor, I am aiming to bring decision making as close as possible to the public and the communities most marginalized by current decisions. To do that effectively means building out the infrastructure, trust, and civic literacy for people to engage in decisions in an informed manner.
2. I do not look at the current administration in a hostile manner. They have done many wonderful things, they just are not willing to take responsibility and go far enough for the scale of the crises we are facing. Some of the policies I hope to carry forward and expand are the downtown ambassador program (which i want to expand to city facilities like community centres); I want to build on the recent renoviction, rental replacement, and inclusionary zoning policies they passed, and I want to build on the improvements to public festivals and events we have seen over the past 5 years in particular.
-David
Frogh, Wazhma
Thank you for getting back to me and I appreciate this conversation. I thought about the questions you asked and here are my initial responses :
1. My leadership style:
I would describe my leadership style as collaborative, accessible and pragmatic. I believe leadership starts with listening, but it cannot end there. Throughout my work in Canada and internationally, I have learned and seen that lasting solutions come from bringing people with different experiences and perspectives to the same table, particularly those who are often missing from decision-making.
As Mayor, I would be visible and accessible in our neighbourhoods, listen to residents, work constructively with Council and City staff, and build partnerships with community organizations, businesses and other levels of government. I am also prepared to ask difficult questions and make difficult decisions when necessary. For me, leadership means listening carefully, acting responsibly, and being accountable for results.
2. Which policies/strategies are a priority for me to continue from the previous mayor, and which would I prefer to focus on less?
I believe good municipal leadership should build on what is working rather than change direction simply because there is a new mayor. I would continue Kitchener's work on increasing housing supply and affordability, economic development and job creation, climate action, public and active transportation, downtown revitalization, and planning responsibly for our growing population.
Where I would bring a different emphasis is on ensuring that growth translates into a better quality of life for the people who live here. I want greater attention to affordable and community housing, homelessness prevention, neighbourhood safety and services, support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, accessible transportation, and stronger opportunities for residents to participate in decisions that affect them.
I would focus less on measuring success primarily through the amount of development or investment we attract. Those things matter, but they are tools, not the final outcome. I want us to ask: Are people able to afford to live here? Are our neighbourhoods safe and connected? Are services keeping pace with growth? Are local businesses thriving? And do residents feel they have a meaningful voice at City Hall? That is how I would measure Kitchener's progress. These are the asks of the people I hear everyday.
Wazhma Frogh
Kitchener Mayor Candidate
Nair, Manikantan
Thanks for your questions:Response to your 1 question : I believe a Mayor should listen to residents, bring people together, ask difficult questions, and make decisions based on facts, not politics or personal interests. I am also willing to change my mind when credible facts, evidence, or better solutions are presented. Leadership is not about always being right but it is about making the best decision for the community with the information available. Why I Am Running for Mayor of Kitchener Response to your 2 questions: My Focus area Matters At Hand | Manikantan Nair For Mayor Of Kitchener I would place less emphasis on symbolic initiatives, excessive bureaucracy, and spending that does not demonstrate clear benefits to residents.--RegardsManikantan Nair ( Mani Nair)2022 & 2026 Candidate for Mayor of Kitchener A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOGETHERA Platform Theme That Fits Kitchener’s RealityMy official website www.votefornair.ca Email: votefornair@gmail.com Tel: 226.600.9262Election Date: Oct 26/2026Trihenea, GeorgeEmail: vote@georgetrihenea.caWebsite: www.georgetrihenea.caNomination date: Jun 04, 2026RESPONSEOf course! I appreciate the questions.1. How would I describe my leadership style?I would describe it as collaborative, direct, and accountable. I believe in listening to the people closest to a problem, gathering the facts, and then making a decision. My background in hospitality and entrepreneurship taught me to operate efficiently in low-margin environments where there was no room for fluff.I am not interested in micromanaging. I want to set clear priorities, ensure accountability, and give staff the tools and authority they need to do their jobs.2. What would I continue from the previous mayor, and what would I focus on less?There are definitely initiatives I would continue. I support Kitchener’s focus on economic development, infrastructure, housing, transit, and ensuring our city remains a strong place to live and do business. I also believe the city should continue building on its reputation as an innovative and entrepreneurial community.Where I would shift focus is toward measurable results, affordability, and transparency.I would put less emphasis on government self-promotion and more emphasis on demonstrating what residents are actually getting for their tax dollars. I would also like to see fewer decisions made behind closed doors and more opportunities for residents to understand and participate in the process.Ultimately, I am not interested in throwing everything out and starting over. I want to keep what works, fix what doesn't, and be much more demanding about whether our policies are actually producing results.Kindest regards,George Trihenea2026 Kitchener Mayoral Campaignwww.georgetrihenea.ca226-792-1080George Trihenea
Ward, Cindy
Thank you for your email and your questions. My apologies for the delay in getting back to you. As I am new to the political ring I have been incredibly busy getting ready for the October election and navigating the hundreds of elements that I need to do to bring everything together.
Thank you very much for your patience.
In addition to these answers, I hope you get a chance to visit my website at
https://www.cindyward.ca as you will find more details regarding my dedicated commitments to the city of Kitchener.
Overall, I would like to mention that at heart, I am fundamentally supportive of human beings having the ability to not just survive, but also thrive. This means bringing in not only creative problem-solving to try to find solutions to this City’s most pressing issues, but also finding ways to bring opportunities forward so that all people can find hope in their futures.
That being said, here are my answers to your questions.
1. MY LEADERSHIP STYLE
My leadership style is fundamentally people-centred and collaborative. I believe that the best ideas often emerge when we bring different perspectives together, listen carefully, and give people a meaningful opportunity to contribute.My background as a researcher has strongly shaped how I lead. I am used to working collaboratively, asking questions, examining different possibilities, and bringing together ideas and evidence to find the best path forward. I value hearing what people think—not simply as a formality, but because good decisions are stronger when they benefit from the knowledge and experience of the people involved.At the same time, collaboration needs to lead somewhere. Once we have explored the options and developed a strong path forward, I believe in bringing people along in the decision-making process by clearly showing how we arrived at that direction and why it makes sense. My goal is to build understanding, confidence, and ownership in the decisions we make together.I also believe good leadership is about helping other people find their voice. I want to encourage members of Council, staff, and the community to contribute their ideas and feel empowered to take part in shaping our city's future.I value having the support of Council and working together to achieve common goals. A mayor cannot—and should not—lead alone. The strongest leadership comes from building relationships, finding common ground, and creating the conditions for people to move forward together.I am also someone who brings new and sometimes unconventional ideas to the table. I recognize that innovative ideas can take time to understand and gain support for. My approach is not to force an idea on others, but to explain it, listen to concerns, test it against the evidence, and work with people until we can determine whether it is the right path forward.Ultimately, I would describe my leadership style as collaborative, thoughtful, innovative, and consensus-building—but also focused on helping people come together and move from discussion to action.
2. PREVIOUS POLICIES I WILL CONTINUE WITHWhen looking at the current administration, I see several key policies that are vital to Kitchener’s future and that I am fully committed to continuing. First is sustainable growth. The Region's water capacity issue required immediate, mature leadership. I stand by the decision to implement a strategic Water Allocation Policy that ensures we do not overextend our resources while prioritizing affordable housing. Second is housing security. The Rental Renovation Licensing By-law passed this spring is a critical step forward, adding real transparency and accountability to protect our renters from unfair renovictions. Finally, leadership is about people. Mayor Berry has shown us the profound impact of community-centric governance. I will continue to champion the public festivals, arts, and local programming that define our city's unique identity and keep our communities deeply connected3. POLICIES THAT I SEE HAVE FAILED THE CITYHousing and affordability: We are in a housing crisis - Current policies have relied too heavily on market-driven luxury high-rises, failing to generate truly accessible, missing-middle housing.Infrastructure & Transit coordination: Rapid population growth has left infrastructure lagging. Construction delays and insufficient local transit connections isolate newer neighborhoods.Safety and Community: Public spaces, mental health support, and addiction resources have not scaled to meet the crisis.4. NEW POLICIES I WOULD LIKE TO IMPLEMENTMy campaign is built on a clear vision for Kitchener: A city that cares for its people, supports its economy, and protects its future. First, we must address our homelessness crisis humanely and decisively. I will work closely with the Region of Waterloo to transition the Victoria Street encampment by securing constitutional, supportive housing alternatives. Second, I wish to fuel Kitchener's Small Business growth by cutting red tape and creating modern incentives for local, small businesses. And third, I want to ensure our growth never comes at the cost of our environment, strictly protecting Waterloo Region’s vital groundwater and agricultural farmland. I fully believe that together, we can build a safe, prosperous, and sustainable Kitchener.On a final note, may I please point out here that I do expect privacy with regards to this communication Anne Marie - You wrote to me personally, and my answers here have been written off the cuff just for you and I do expect that this communication stays private between us. Of course, feel free to share general summaries with friends and family.
Many thanks
.WarmlyCindy Ward
Cindy Ward, PhD Community/Social PsychologistResearcher, and Business Development
c: 226-750-9019
CEO Dr. Ward's Fresh Mist@drwardsfreshwww.drwardsfresh.ca
I was on Dragon's Den! s18https://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/pitches/dr-wards-fresh-mist
PLUS I was a home-cook on MasterChef Canada s8
Follow me @drwardsfresh for all the fun stories
The following candidates did not respond:
Wali Khan (no contact information given on City of Kitchener website)
Berry Verbanovic
1. How would you describe your leadership style?
2. Which policies/strategies are a priority for you to continue from the previous mayor AND which ones would you prefer to focus on less?
Alton, David
- Email: joyfulcities@gmail.com
- Website: www.davidalton.org
- Nomination date: May 01, 2026
1. I am a trained facilitator, conflict manager, & board chair so a lot of my leadership leans into the qualities of active listening, collective decision making, and executive synthesis. I follow a specific framework called Transformative Facilitation that brings together therapeutic communication, mediation, & power literacy. In my role as Mayor, I am aiming to bring decision making as close as possible to the public and the communities most marginalized by current decisions. To do that effectively means building out the infrastructure, trust, and civic literacy for people to engage in decisions in an informed manner.
2. I do not look at the current administration in a hostile manner. They have done many wonderful things, they just are not willing to take responsibility and go far enough for the scale of the crises we are facing. Some of the policies I hope to carry forward and expand are the downtown ambassador program (which i want to expand to city facilities like community centres); I want to build on the recent renoviction, rental replacement, and inclusionary zoning policies they passed, and I want to build on the improvements to public festivals and events we have seen over the past 5 years in particular.
-David
Frogh, Wazhma
- Email: WFmayorcampaign@gmail.com
- Website: linktr.ee/wfmayorcampaign?
- utm_source=linktree_profile_share
- Nomination date: May 01, 2026
Thank you for getting back to me and I appreciate this conversation. I thought about the questions you asked and here are my initial responses :
1. My leadership style:
I would describe my leadership style as collaborative, accessible and pragmatic. I believe leadership starts with listening, but it cannot end there. Throughout my work in Canada and internationally, I have learned and seen that lasting solutions come from bringing people with different experiences and perspectives to the same table, particularly those who are often missing from decision-making.
As Mayor, I would be visible and accessible in our neighbourhoods, listen to residents, work constructively with Council and City staff, and build partnerships with community organizations, businesses and other levels of government. I am also prepared to ask difficult questions and make difficult decisions when necessary. For me, leadership means listening carefully, acting responsibly, and being accountable for results.
2. Which policies/strategies are a priority for me to continue from the previous mayor, and which would I prefer to focus on less?
I believe good municipal leadership should build on what is working rather than change direction simply because there is a new mayor. I would continue Kitchener's work on increasing housing supply and affordability, economic development and job creation, climate action, public and active transportation, downtown revitalization, and planning responsibly for our growing population.
Where I would bring a different emphasis is on ensuring that growth translates into a better quality of life for the people who live here. I want greater attention to affordable and community housing, homelessness prevention, neighbourhood safety and services, support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, accessible transportation, and stronger opportunities for residents to participate in decisions that affect them.
I would focus less on measuring success primarily through the amount of development or investment we attract. Those things matter, but they are tools, not the final outcome. I want us to ask: Are people able to afford to live here? Are our neighbourhoods safe and connected? Are services keeping pace with growth? Are local businesses thriving? And do residents feel they have a meaningful voice at City Hall? That is how I would measure Kitchener's progress. These are the asks of the people I hear everyday.
Wazhma Frogh
Kitchener Mayor Candidate
Nair, Manikantan
- Email: votefornair@gmail.com
- Phone: (226) 600-9262
- Website: votefornair.ca
- Nomination date: Aug 18, 2026
Thanks for your questions:Response to your 1 question : I believe a Mayor should listen to residents, bring people together, ask difficult questions, and make decisions based on facts, not politics or personal interests. I am also willing to change my mind when credible facts, evidence, or better solutions are presented. Leadership is not about always being right but it is about making the best decision for the community with the information available. Why I Am Running for Mayor of Kitchener Response to your 2 questions: My Focus area Matters At Hand | Manikantan Nair For Mayor Of Kitchener I would place less emphasis on symbolic initiatives, excessive bureaucracy, and spending that does not demonstrate clear benefits to residents.--RegardsManikantan Nair ( Mani Nair)2022 & 2026 Candidate for Mayor of Kitchener A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOGETHERA Platform Theme That Fits Kitchener’s RealityMy official website www.votefornair.ca Email: votefornair@gmail.com Tel: 226.600.9262Election Date: Oct 26/2026Trihenea, GeorgeEmail: vote@georgetrihenea.caWebsite: www.georgetrihenea.caNomination date: Jun 04, 2026RESPONSEOf course! I appreciate the questions.1. How would I describe my leadership style?I would describe it as collaborative, direct, and accountable. I believe in listening to the people closest to a problem, gathering the facts, and then making a decision. My background in hospitality and entrepreneurship taught me to operate efficiently in low-margin environments where there was no room for fluff.I am not interested in micromanaging. I want to set clear priorities, ensure accountability, and give staff the tools and authority they need to do their jobs.2. What would I continue from the previous mayor, and what would I focus on less?There are definitely initiatives I would continue. I support Kitchener’s focus on economic development, infrastructure, housing, transit, and ensuring our city remains a strong place to live and do business. I also believe the city should continue building on its reputation as an innovative and entrepreneurial community.Where I would shift focus is toward measurable results, affordability, and transparency.I would put less emphasis on government self-promotion and more emphasis on demonstrating what residents are actually getting for their tax dollars. I would also like to see fewer decisions made behind closed doors and more opportunities for residents to understand and participate in the process.Ultimately, I am not interested in throwing everything out and starting over. I want to keep what works, fix what doesn't, and be much more demanding about whether our policies are actually producing results.Kindest regards,George Trihenea2026 Kitchener Mayoral Campaignwww.georgetrihenea.ca226-792-1080George Trihenea
Ward, Cindy
- Email: cindywardformayor@gmail.com
- Phone: (226) 750-9019
- Website: www.cindyward.ca
- Nomination date: Aug 18, 2026
Thank you for your email and your questions. My apologies for the delay in getting back to you. As I am new to the political ring I have been incredibly busy getting ready for the October election and navigating the hundreds of elements that I need to do to bring everything together.
Thank you very much for your patience.
In addition to these answers, I hope you get a chance to visit my website at
https://www.cindyward.ca as you will find more details regarding my dedicated commitments to the city of Kitchener.
Overall, I would like to mention that at heart, I am fundamentally supportive of human beings having the ability to not just survive, but also thrive. This means bringing in not only creative problem-solving to try to find solutions to this City’s most pressing issues, but also finding ways to bring opportunities forward so that all people can find hope in their futures.
That being said, here are my answers to your questions.
1. MY LEADERSHIP STYLE
My leadership style is fundamentally people-centred and collaborative. I believe that the best ideas often emerge when we bring different perspectives together, listen carefully, and give people a meaningful opportunity to contribute.My background as a researcher has strongly shaped how I lead. I am used to working collaboratively, asking questions, examining different possibilities, and bringing together ideas and evidence to find the best path forward. I value hearing what people think—not simply as a formality, but because good decisions are stronger when they benefit from the knowledge and experience of the people involved.At the same time, collaboration needs to lead somewhere. Once we have explored the options and developed a strong path forward, I believe in bringing people along in the decision-making process by clearly showing how we arrived at that direction and why it makes sense. My goal is to build understanding, confidence, and ownership in the decisions we make together.I also believe good leadership is about helping other people find their voice. I want to encourage members of Council, staff, and the community to contribute their ideas and feel empowered to take part in shaping our city's future.I value having the support of Council and working together to achieve common goals. A mayor cannot—and should not—lead alone. The strongest leadership comes from building relationships, finding common ground, and creating the conditions for people to move forward together.I am also someone who brings new and sometimes unconventional ideas to the table. I recognize that innovative ideas can take time to understand and gain support for. My approach is not to force an idea on others, but to explain it, listen to concerns, test it against the evidence, and work with people until we can determine whether it is the right path forward.Ultimately, I would describe my leadership style as collaborative, thoughtful, innovative, and consensus-building—but also focused on helping people come together and move from discussion to action.
2. PREVIOUS POLICIES I WILL CONTINUE WITHWhen looking at the current administration, I see several key policies that are vital to Kitchener’s future and that I am fully committed to continuing. First is sustainable growth. The Region's water capacity issue required immediate, mature leadership. I stand by the decision to implement a strategic Water Allocation Policy that ensures we do not overextend our resources while prioritizing affordable housing. Second is housing security. The Rental Renovation Licensing By-law passed this spring is a critical step forward, adding real transparency and accountability to protect our renters from unfair renovictions. Finally, leadership is about people. Mayor Berry has shown us the profound impact of community-centric governance. I will continue to champion the public festivals, arts, and local programming that define our city's unique identity and keep our communities deeply connected3. POLICIES THAT I SEE HAVE FAILED THE CITYHousing and affordability: We are in a housing crisis - Current policies have relied too heavily on market-driven luxury high-rises, failing to generate truly accessible, missing-middle housing.Infrastructure & Transit coordination: Rapid population growth has left infrastructure lagging. Construction delays and insufficient local transit connections isolate newer neighborhoods.Safety and Community: Public spaces, mental health support, and addiction resources have not scaled to meet the crisis.4. NEW POLICIES I WOULD LIKE TO IMPLEMENTMy campaign is built on a clear vision for Kitchener: A city that cares for its people, supports its economy, and protects its future. First, we must address our homelessness crisis humanely and decisively. I will work closely with the Region of Waterloo to transition the Victoria Street encampment by securing constitutional, supportive housing alternatives. Second, I wish to fuel Kitchener's Small Business growth by cutting red tape and creating modern incentives for local, small businesses. And third, I want to ensure our growth never comes at the cost of our environment, strictly protecting Waterloo Region’s vital groundwater and agricultural farmland. I fully believe that together, we can build a safe, prosperous, and sustainable Kitchener.On a final note, may I please point out here that I do expect privacy with regards to this communication Anne Marie - You wrote to me personally, and my answers here have been written off the cuff just for you and I do expect that this communication stays private between us. Of course, feel free to share general summaries with friends and family.
Many thanks
.WarmlyCindy Ward
Cindy Ward, PhD Community/Social PsychologistResearcher, and Business Development
c: 226-750-9019
CEO Dr. Ward's Fresh Mist@drwardsfreshwww.drwardsfresh.ca
I was on Dragon's Den! s18https://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/pitches/dr-wards-fresh-mist
PLUS I was a home-cook on MasterChef Canada s8
Follow me @drwardsfresh for all the fun stories
The following candidates did not respond:
Wali Khan (no contact information given on City of Kitchener website)
Berry Verbanovic
Edit Time/Date:
