The Tribune asked all Welland ward candidates the same questions about the upcoming municipal elections.

Ward 1

Robin Comtois

Did not respond

Thomas David Bacolini

Age: 66

Occupation: Retired

Family: Married 44 years, one daughter

Political experience: City committees including Welland Recreational Canal Corp., Rose City Seniors Centre Foundation, Welland Transit advisory

Community work: Treasurer at Welland BIC Church and Wesley-Robins Retirement Village Inc., secretary of CARP Niagara Chapter 31

Top issue: Review the changing demographics as it applies to the taxpayer

Why are you running?: To apply my skills from my committee work as well as my work experience (systems analyst/purchasing agent) to serve the Welland taxpayers

Why should voters choose you?: Experience in building/upgrading facilities: WRCC, WIelland International Flatwater Centre, Merritt Park Amphitheatre, Canal Terrace, Welland Community Wellness Complex, PenFinancial Credit Union Flatwater Centre

Contact info: Phone: 905-736-8776; email: tom@bacolini.ca; website: www.bacolini.ca; Facebook: Tom Bacolini

Shirley Cordiner

Age: 71

Occupation: Executive director of Niagara Safety Village

Family: Three sons and four grandchildren

Political experience: Trustee with Niagara South Board of Education, Town of Fort Erie councillor and regional councillor, Niagara Regional Housing member and past board chair, Niagara Regional Police services board member and past board chair

Community work: Welland library board, Welland Safe Communities committee, member of the executive directors of Niagara South Committee; board member for the new United Way Niagara

Top issue: Two of the top issues are absentee landlords regarding student housing, and sidewalks and lack thereof in Ward 1

Why are you running?: I feel I have a proven track record from past commitments, and know I can work with council to ensure a positive future for Welland and that I can make a difference.

Why should voters choose you?: I have many years of experience and knowledge. Living and working in Welland at the Niagara Safety Village has given me the opportunity to speak with many residents and hear their concerns on the future for the city.

Contact info: Email: shirleycordiner@gmail.com; phone: 905-401-2962

Mary Ann Grimaldi

Age: 67

Occupation: Ward 1 councillor, registered social service worker

Family: Married, three children and six grandchildren

Political experience: Served 11 years as a city councillor

Community work: Volunteer work for CARSA and children's development centre. I sat on the board of directors for numerous agencies and committees of council

Top issue: My top issues are keeping our Welland hospital, infrastructure improvements, making our canal lands family friendly while keeping tax increases to a minimum

Why are you running?: To continue my involvement in keeping our Welland hospital open and to continue keeping the public engaged and involved on issues and visions for our city.

Why should voters choose you?: My record shows that I am a strong advocate for the residents of Ward 1. I have the experience and knowledge to continue moving our city forward.

Contact info: Phone: 905-788-3498; email: maryanngrimaldi@cogeco.ca; website www.maryanngrimaldi.ca

Ryan Huckla

Age: 25

Occupation: President of Niagara College student administrative council

Political experience: Niagara College student government

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Community work: Member of the Town and Gown Committee, Rotarian

Top issue: Taxes, infrastructure, water rates

Why are you running?: Continue to serve our community, and work toward a better tomorrow for Welland.

Why should voters choose you?: I am a fighter, and will work alongside council on solutions to the concerns brought forward by residents.

Contact info: Phone: 289-213-7965; email: rhuckla@outlook.com; website: www.huckla18.ca; Facebook: www.facebook.com/HucklaforWard1/

Adam Moote

Age: 34

Occupation: Public affairs professional

Family: Wife and daughter

Political experience: Volunteered in various campaigns in various capacities

Community work: Vice-chair City of Welland heritage advisory committee, policy researcher and -o-ordinator Niagara Sustainability Initiative

Why are you running?: I am running because we need to move our ward and city forward and I believe I have the qualities and characteristics to ensure that happens.

Why should voters choose you?: I have the experience, education and the relationship building capacity to build consensus to progress agendas.

Contact info: Phone: 905-736-8232; email: adammoote@gmail.com; website: adammoote.ca; Twitter: @adammoote; Facebook: fb.me/adammoote4ward1

Holly Syer

Age: 34

Occupation: Registered respiratory therapist/anesthesia assistant for Niagara Health

Family: Married with one son

Political experience: None

Community work: Niagara Health Foundation, College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario, Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario.

Top issue: Community safety and local health care.

Why are you running?: I want to make Welland the best place to grow up, receive an education, raise a family, work, retire and grow old.

Why should voters choose you?: I am honest, hard-working, and dedicated to the residents of Ward 1. I will be accessible and accountable for any issue, no matter how large or small.

Contact info: Website: hollyforcouncil.com; Twitter: @hmsyer; Instagram: hmsyer; email: hmsyer@gmail.com