Here's who's running for Ward 8 — and why they say you should vote for them
CBC News | Posted: October 3, 2022 8:00 AM | Last Updated: October 6, 2022
The municipal election is Oct. 24
CBC News reached out to all the candidates in Ward 8, asking the same questions so voters can learn a bit more about who may be their next councillor.
Gemma Grey-Hall
Age: 52
Occupation: Major gift officer, Faculty of Science
Where do you live? Ward 8
Experience: I love this community and I'm determined to serve it. I have been an active member for the past 26 years. I've occupied executive and volunteer roles in the private, public and non-profit sector. I studied towards an advanced degree in business administration with a minor in accounting. I've served on 10 boards of directors and committees across our community including local school boards. I understand good governance and even taught a non-profit financial management course for three years.
What are the top issues facing your ward? Traffic calming measures in residential areas, holding property tax rates at 2022 levels, business improvement along the Tecumseh corridor, Noise barriers along Jefferson, expansion of red light cameras, improvements to parks and play grounds, creating a railway overpass on Tecumseh and Jefferson. Improvements to transit that allow people to get to work in the industrial sectors for 6 a.m. Building more homes people can afford like townhouses and condos and additional dwelling units.
Why are you the right person for the job? I am 100 per cent committed to the people of Ward 8 and will work tirelessly to ensure their concerns are heard and acted upon. I am responsive relationship builder and will connect with each neighbourhood on an annual basis to hear concerns. I will bring fresh ideas and listen to everybody.
Something you'd like voters to know about you: I've experience unemployment and been worried about paying bills. I've also been blessed to have a good job with benefits that allowed for vacations, paid sick days and saving for retirement. I've worked hard all my life and I will continue to work hard for the residents of Ward 8 to help our city and ensure all residents have access to the same opportunities; affordable housing, thriving safe communities and a good well-paying job are the cornerstone of a great city and helping families succeed.
Gary Kaschak
Age: 62
Occupation: Windsor city councillor - Ward 8
Where do you live? Clemenceau street in Ward 8
What are the top issues facing your ward? Traffic calming on arterial roads and in residential areas is a big issue. Too many drivers are not respecting speed limits and the rules of the road. Certainly keeping the property tax rates at the recent 2021 and 2022 levels is my goal. Continued improvements to roads and sewers with upgrades to avoid basement flooding at all costs. More park development and improvements to the 11 parks in Ward 8. Ensure the Windsor hospital process, location and funding continues to move forward. More affordable housing builds and trying to curb homelessness.
Why are you the right person for the job? I already have proven that I am a full time city councillor and fully dedicated to the residents of Ward 8 and the City of Windsor. Besides being a councillor, I also sit on 12 city committees and boards to try and improve the quality of life for the Ward 8 Community and all of Windsor. There is no out-of-office message from me as I work seven days a week for Ward 8 residents.
Something you'd like voters to know about you: My work ethic is terrific, I've been working continually since I was 14 years old and have great experience in government work and know how to get things done. A proven leader in the community who is an effective leader and loves Windsor. I was born and bred here and have live in the East end of Windsor most of my life and want to ensure we have a thriving community that has safe neighbourhoods, good paying jobs and a quality of life that all generations can enjoy. A family man, married with two sons and a recent granddaughter who has an enormous level of life experience that relates well with the Ward 8 constituents. I am the right person to continue to be your city councillor.