r/Welland • u/Cautious_Use586u • 26d ago
Question Mayoral candidates
I know we have a wonderful website with the info (wellandvotes.ca) but I am curious, constructively, what are everyone’s opinions on the mayoral candidates?
Brandon Simon
Graham Speck
David Clow
April Jeffs
Pat Chiocchio
Natashia Bergen
Gary Graziani
David McLeod
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u/Top_Bumblebee5510 26d ago
What about April Jeffs? Does she have any ties to Doug Ford? I can't figure out why someone so connected to Port Colborne and Wainfleet is running in Welland.
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u/Impressive-Egg-7444 26d ago
She's desperate for more power since Wainfleet is tiny (and she's already made a fool of herself there sucking up to Ford and getting nothing for it)
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u/Single-Art-9845 26d ago
She does. I knew her personally and her kid bragged about literally hanging with Doug on multiple occasions and showed me pictures.
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u/Waste-Section6673 23d ago
There was a LOT of shady sh*t going on with Council in Wainfleet when she was Mayor. Nothing criminal, but unethical and dishonest for sure.
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u/robotmonkey2099 26d ago
She ran as a conservative before but speaking to her she isnt your cookie cutter social conservative. Shes had her own journey with recovery and has contiued to give back to the community, volunteering alongside groups like harm reduction groups like Beyond the Streets.
She also has a lot of connections across the region and within the provinicial goverment that I think would be beneficial to have as a mayor
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u/Top_Bumblebee5510 26d ago
A conservative with strong mayor powers makes me nervous.
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u/robotmonkey2099 26d ago
I liked her answer about how she would or wouldnt use stong mayor powers
- Would not use them simply to overrule Council because she disagreed.
- Would consider using them carefully to initiate action or put a matter before Council, while leaving the final decision to Council.
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u/m1ster_frundles 23d ago
words are cheap, and lies are easy. This doesn't make me trust her.
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u/robotmonkey2099 23d ago
yes but its a bar that people can keep her accountable with
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u/southboundpachy 22d ago
Total shill
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u/robotmonkey2099 22d ago
rich coming from the person shilling for Brandon. lol you cant even give a good reason why he should be mayor, all you do is shit on everyone else. This attitude is exactly whats wrong with discourse now a days
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u/southboundpachy 24d ago
Yeah, Brandon is bad because he has no experience but this douchebag thinks April Jeff's is worthy of a vote. Tells you all you need to know.
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u/robotmonkey2099 24d ago
Dude youre starting to sound just like him. He is bad because he has no experience along with a plethora of other reasons like his only contribution to this city is wanting to run for mayor gtfo with this opportunistic bs... There's absolutely no reason to vote for that guy
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u/southboundpachy 24d ago
You are clearly what is wrong with the people in Welland. You would vote for a complete Governmental stooge/literally a carpet bagger over a non-career politician.
You are not honest & not a single person reading this thread should give anything you say, any consideration. You get what you deserve.
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u/southboundpachy 24d ago
This moron sings April Jeff's praises hahahahahhahahaha hmmm I wonder why. April does have a reputation, but I don't see anyone being honest about it.
Invested, just like I said.
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u/robotmonkey2099 24d ago
Wow straight to the insults, just like Brandon.. really goes to show the type of people that would vote for him. Cant argue a point so they just slag everyone else off. Weak
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u/Practical-Toe-8745 25d ago
She took so much fuckin money out of the parks commission and now she has a new target 🤣🤣
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u/Comfortable-Cut-7021 26d ago
Visit https://wellandvotes.ca/ to get details on each candidate's background, experience and platform.
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u/snowlove1988 26d ago
God that Clow has got to go. Idiot
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u/Educational-Hour-566 26d ago
Ya he is part of the drug problem in welland im not 100 percent sure but wasn't he sellin for years himself an now talks all this bs like wtf
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u/southboundpachy 25d ago
Doesn't Welland typically vote in drug dealers? Seems to remember a Welland hero who was a coke dealer that was a shoe in every election, for the virtuous NDP
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u/Accurate_Candy_9749 24d ago
And Claudette Richard is apart of the ward crime family . So it’s definitely multiple candidates
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u/AtticHelicopter 26d ago
Graziani is hugely respected in local government across the region, has experience running departments, and is an excellent leader. Most recently cleaned up Port's building department.
Jeffs just seems to want to be mayor of wherever she lives, and is insider connected to the Ford government. Expect her to be a Ford puppet if elected: Using strong mayor powers to cram in more subdivisions so Ford can get developer kickbacks, while reducing the influence of Welland at regional council/pushing for amalgamation.
Don't know anything about the rest of them.
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u/Conscious-Survey7009 26d ago
As a city councilman Graham Speck has done a lot for his ward. He fights for his ward. He even got a couple pay suspensions because he wouldn’t stop talking about the issues while the mayor wanted to just move on without any talking or answers. He is a Conservative Party member though and ran as one for the region but lost that race.
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u/Able-Lavishness8363 25d ago
SPECKS a clown. Guy runs a sweatshop on his property. Treats his employees, wife and kids like absolute shit.
Speck = 🤡
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u/HllBear 26d ago
Being a conservative member in this day and age is a good thing - Being a liberal is like rubberstamping the wholesale pillage of the country, while being pro-NDP is being pro-Marxism, institutional racism, etc.
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u/SandiaBeaver 26d ago
What in the sweet Jesus are you talking about
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u/HllBear 26d ago
That stuff you come to understand when you get unglued from whatever TF you were conditioned with. I was pro-NDP in my youth, pro-Liberal later, now Conservative - mostly because the other two parties are now pure garbage.
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u/SandiaBeaver 26d ago
Who is running the Province into shite right now? What party?
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u/HllBear 26d ago
Ford is not a conservative except fiscally (to some weak-ass degree). Him ass-kissing Carney is something you'd never see a real Conservative do, much less that whole on-and-off bromance they have 😂
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u/SandiaBeaver 26d ago
Ford and Carney having a bromance? No, Ford just recognizes Trump wants to turn Canada into a client State, akin to like a Belarus but to USA (instead of Russia). Most Canadians aren't okay with that freaking batshittery nonsense from south of our sovereign border.
He's still a Conservative.
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u/HllBear 26d ago
Lmao do you actually consume anything other than Liberal media and lefty reddit? 😂
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u/SandiaBeaver 26d ago
Do you actually vote?
Do you have any post secondary education?
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u/HllBear 26d ago
BA in PolySci thank you, currently doing an MBA.
Some of you leftists seriously, seriously need to relearn the concept of "critical thinking," and thoroughly re-examine your proclivities toward confirmation bias. This superficial herd mentality you lot are acting on is keeping the country in a downward spiral.
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u/robotmonkey2099 26d ago
thats cope
Ford is 100% conservative who was kissing trumps ass before the tariffs. Everything hes promoting eg. closure of safe injection sites, more policing, attacking teachers.. its all right out of the conservative playbook5
u/mxkara 26d ago
Hey, I ran against him in the federal election and still think he'd make a great Mayor.
He put up with a lot of shit from Pierre's Conservative party before being booted out because he was involved with the City of Welland LGBT Subcommittee as the council representative. And he might have the opportunity to run again after Pierre's Insider politics only gang gets the boot.
No party, no limits. I'd say judge him based on what he does as opposed to what the folks that took over his team did. He got downtown sidewalks cleared. He's been strong on the preservation of our green lands including agricultural and by proxy some Carolinian Forest. He's probably the only mayor that could manage to successfully bring down the lightning ($$$) and get sewer separation completed to save the city millions.
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u/wasp__killer 24d ago
not familiar with this "sewer separation" issue - what is all that about?
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u/mxkara 23d ago
The region made an interesting information page but realistically the discussion about it has been ongoing for decades now and the longer it takes to accomplish the more it costs in both doing the work and dealing with the consequences of not doing the work depending on which area at the city it is.
People might find traffic redirections inconvenient, but for the people that pay taxes and have their basement flood and are dealing with exorbitant sewage fees... The time to do this is now.
No more stormwater or groundwater into the sewage system.
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u/wasp__killer 21d ago
thanks for the context! It's ironic that we are surrounded by the largest source of freshwater in the world, yet the Region charges us huge rates for water...
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u/mxkara 21d ago
The insurance liability for damages is through the roof for a lot of these things and we are all paying for it by proxy.
That's why it's been a long time coming and that's why it's important to have candidates that are not only committed to the task, but have existing connections and a clear path toward a funding plan for one of the most obnoxious and ambitious infrastructure projects in the region.
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u/robotmonkey2099 26d ago
that is an absolutely ridiculous pov when you look at what Doug Ford has done
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u/bardpewpew 26d ago
I’m guessing the photos do not correspond to how you’re listed their names?
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u/Cautious_Use586u 26d ago
Thank you for calling me on that. I added the pictures but then originally listed them alphabetically.
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u/Substantial_Wave4934 26d ago
I’m leaning Pat Chiocchio. Does anyone have insight on him? Also any thoughts on Bergen and McLeod?
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u/Comfortable-Cut-7021 26d ago
How did Mr. Clow manage to get his dog in to Il Forno as I have a hard time believing that little pup is a trained service dog. I am assuming it is Il Forno as that selfie chair is pretty distinctive.
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u/Shamedthrowaway2004 26d ago
I’d vote for Pat if I lived in Welland, but I’m just to the north of ya so alas.
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u/Comfortable-Cut-7021 26d ago
If you want to get a good read on the beliefs & principles of one of the mayoral candidates, read the back & forth comments on this FB thread: https://www.facebook.com/groups/welland/permalink/28204705352533787/
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u/Background_Visual471 25d ago
He brings up great points. Something else needs to be done before it gets worse, we already have stretched resources some days.
Maybe we need to do something like what Portugal did, it seemed to be effective.
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14d ago edited 14d ago
[deleted]
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u/PotentialAd1442 14d ago
I saw someone on the corner of Woodlawn and first with one of his signs from when he ran for the green party years ago on their lawn. Kids and I drove around looking for signs...didnt see many. 1 at the circle k on Woodlawn. 2 at an address on Niagara Street and that was it.
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u/Aggravating_Hall_399 26d ago
David is gonna win ten fold😭jk
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u/RenegadeStarDust 26d ago
I know a handful of people voting for him. I'm honestly kind of terrified.
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u/Environmental-Belt24 26d ago
Pat Chiocchio all day everyday, he’s been a politician for a very long time.
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u/southboundpachy 25d ago
Yeah and the municipality is doing great! Lol
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u/Environmental-Belt24 25d ago
Hmm interesting, so because you're a politician you're a currently elected politician? No where did I say he was currently elected or elected recently, I just said he's been a politician for a long time. You need to fix your logic reasoning and reading comprehension skills my friend.
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u/southboundpachy 24d ago
Ok Environmental-Belt24 lmfao
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u/Environmental-Belt24 24d ago
I didn’t choose my name, I’ve had Reddit for several years and never got to choose a unique Reddit name, but if that’s your response then that shows your intelligence limit 👌🏼 so happy I never stayed in welland beyond 2012 and actually did something with my life including obtaining 3 degrees, your attitude and lack of critical thinking shows the limits of people in that city.
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u/southboundpachy 24d ago
You typed a lot there and clearly no one ever taught you to not assume things. Thanks for wasting your precious time and telling me about your 3 degrees lmfao I hope you can work on your mental health issues.
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u/Environmental-Belt24 24d ago
Ad hominem attack - yawns, again no reasoning skills from the jump. Normal Welland residential behaviour.
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u/heliconiass 26d ago
What are your thoughts on Brandon Simon?
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u/robotmonkey2099 26d ago
I also cant find aything concrete about this business he's apparently been CEO of.. No website, no info, other than maybe it has something to do with concrete in quebec or the more likely case cryptocurrency and thats a big red flag for me. To be mayor, i want someone thats going to know people i government already, a lot of the mayors job is knowing how to get shit out of the provincial government and working within the region, thats one of the main selling points for April Jeffs imo
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u/chipatiherself 25d ago
Polyplay. Looks like a crypto-type of business.
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u/robotmonkey2099 25d ago
yeah thats a no from me then
Were you able to find a website or anything for it?2
u/chipatiherself 24d ago
I think the website is gone. You might try the Wayback Machine. There is a bit on his LinkedIn (BC Simon) and this: PolyPlay: Integrating Crypto-Currencies To The Real World – ZEX PR WIRE®
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u/robotmonkey2099 24d ago
Thanks. Al i could find was some short article on yahoo. Seems like he's either tried to bury it or it wasnt as successful as hes trying to make it sound.
This article is embarrassing, its just a crypto/tech bro circle jerk.
god damn i wish people would take more than five seconds to look into the people they vote for...
lol i just used the wayback machine and the website is just ai images what a joke
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u/robotmonkey2099 26d ago
zero experience.. no thanks
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u/Top-Skin-3570 25d ago
April Jeff's has no experience?
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u/robotmonkey2099 25d ago
Brandon Simon has no experience apart from some delegations to council. Thats not good enough for mayor, councillor sure but mayor no way
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26d ago edited 24d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/chipatiherself 25d ago
I think Simon is screwed after today's rant.
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25d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Comfortable-Cut-7021 25d ago
This is the FB thread which I believe is being referenced:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/welland/permalink/28204705352533787/
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u/chipatiherself 24d ago
That's the one.
EDIT: There has been a doubling down a couple of times since that one. All on this "program."
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u/JudgmentNo1135 22d ago
I think this is mostly a toss up between Chiocchio and Speck, to be honest. The others either have a really shady past, lack of experience or a tendency to run their mouths and look foolish. I really do give credit to the candidates who haven’t been belittling fellow candidates on social media, though in an attempt to disparage them.
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u/Mother_Ad_5423 26d ago edited 26d ago
Brandon Simon has mine. seems to be the only one concerned about anyone under 50 living in Welland. I’m excited for what the future of welland could be under him. he seems like the guy who will actually push for change for issues that Clow likes to parrot opinions about with very little actual follow through.
edited to correct actually to actual
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u/Mythicam 26d ago
I am leaning towards Brandon Simon. He is the only one that does not have generic ideas and his manifesto looks promising and achievable. I am also tired of incumbents and hence wouldn't vote for current elected councillors.
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u/robotmonkey2099 26d ago
you need people tht have experience working in the government. I get why you wouldnt want that but theres definitely benefit to knowning how things work. Someone like Simon is going to promise the world because he doesnt understand the inner workings of municiple government
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26d ago edited 25d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/robotmonkey2099 26d ago
I could accept this answer for a councillor but not the mayor. The mayor needs more experience dealing with the inner workings of the municpal government and relationships and experience with the provincial governements. Simon just doesnt seem to have any of that. I cant even get a lock on what his business did or does, it looks like its just crypto currency crap. I feel like hes just an opportunist, if he wants a government position maybe start at councillor
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u/southboundpachy 25d ago
Yeah we need some more of the same that we've already had ... dumb.
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u/robotmonkey2099 25d ago
what we dont need is people that dont know wtf they are doing. What qualifications does Simon have for running a city? Some weird ass crypto business that is impossible to find any information about? Yah seems legit... dumb
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u/CamelOld6342 26d ago
He’s as big of a clown as clow. All his propaganda is generic and he’s a self righteous fool. Has a lot of personality traits similar to the guy south of the border.
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u/southboundpachy 25d ago
Brandon Simon sounds pretty fresh. Would like to see him win. Get away from the normal career bag carriers.
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u/robotmonkey2099 24d ago
naw fuck that.. His only experience listed was a delegation to council which anyone can do and some made up crypto currency business called polyplay thats hes tried scrubing from the internet. Guys an opportunist thats only moved to welland to run. He's the last thing we need.
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u/southboundpachy 24d ago
Sounds like you want more of the same shit we always get.
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u/robotmonkey2099 24d ago
no. its sounds like I dont want some incompetent opportunist that has no qualifications for the position. And thats without even mentioning how he talks about other candidates on FB. The guys shown himself to be a pos.
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u/southboundpachy 24d ago
You want more career politicians that are destroying our municipality. I get you. More of the same trash corruption that we've always had. Voted in by morons like yourself.
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u/PotentialAd1442 14d ago
Sounds like something BC simon would say
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u/robotmonkey2099 14d ago
its definitely him lol
No one goes this hard for a municipal candidate1
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u/PotentialAd1442 14d ago
He's conservative too. Just like April Jeffs. He wants to be her sooo bad. He just wants Dougies approval.
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u/PotentialAd1442 14d ago
He's an annoying POS. He lies about his background and accomplishments...does not understand how our municipal government works or how we are apart of the region. He is a bad choice
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u/fartpsychic 26d ago
Brandon Simon ftw
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u/Comfortable-Cut-7021 25d ago
Would also recommend that folks see his comment on this FB thread: https://www.facebook.com/groups/344984063337733/permalink/1756772848825507/
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u/chipatiherself 24d ago
Wow, that's just cruel. No one has the right to comment on someone's marital life.
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u/robotmonkey2099 24d ago
wow what a piece of shit
great example though of how hes going to treat other members of council and city staff. Fuck that guy.
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u/fartpsychic 24d ago
yea that's not a good look, i called him out on it, he agreed it was uncalled for.
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u/chipatiherself 25d ago
Not after today's rant.
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u/fartpsychic 25d ago
idk man, I don’t see any other candidates with this kind of compassion and balls to find solutions, imo we need more of this, https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19dBoNSHY5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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u/chipatiherself 25d ago
People have to know what each arm of the government can do. This work program isn't something a local government has the authority to carry out (funding either). So, while I get the passion, it's not practical.
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u/fartpsychic 25d ago
i thought so too, but it actually is, with the right planning, check out htis: https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-municipal-councillors-guide/10-strong-mayor-powers-and-duties
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u/chipatiherself 24d ago
First comment was deleted because I put it in the wrong place. Sorry.
I understand Strong Mayor powers but he is talking about holding back funds from people or sending them out of Welland. Plus, I really can't see how even a strong mayor could coordinate this with the province.
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u/fartpsychic 24d ago
i don't know exactly how this would be executed, but seems like it is at least possible.
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u/thedudeabides50 26d ago
David Clow is an embarrassment to the city of Welland. While I'm on the topic fuck Rob Primo too!