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

Niki Ann Brideau

Age: 21

Occupation: Student

Family: Unmarried, no children

Political experience: Official agent during MP election

Community work: Welland Rose Festival Princess and fishing derby co-chair, Niagara Region Metis Council youth representative, DSBN student senator, recognized by Welland-Pelham Chamber of Commerce as youth citizen of the year 2013 for school and community leadership/involvement

Top issue: Substance abuse/mental health, health care/long-term care, infrastructure

Why are you running?: I am running to help encourage youth to become involved, and to strengthen the city from the ground up.

Why should voters choose you?: Voters should choose me because I bring a unique perspective to the table, and I am not afraid to follow through. I will be transparent and accountable.

Contact info: Phone: 905-732-8489; email: nikiannb@hotmail.com; website: brideau2018.com

Kenneth G. LeBlanc

Age: 50

Occupation: Self-employed Ken's Auto Appraisals, previously Atlas Steels metallurgical lab

Family: Married with two school-aged children

Political experience: None

Community work: Regularly sponsor local charity events, volunteer at Niagara College, located Sunnyside Dairy horse-drawn milk wagon for museum

Top issue: Good representation for Ward 5 constituents, vote in the good of the many for citywide key issues at council meetings, maintain master plan to improve/maintain Memorial Park

Why are you running?: There is an open seat in Ward 5. I have the knowledge, skill and ability to perform the job, passionate about Welland's past, present and future.

Why should voters choose you?: I know the people and the concerns, diversified work and educational background

Contact info: Email: ken67bbsd@yahoo.com; phone: 905-714-1403; Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-g-leblanc-a7009689/

Claudette Richard

Age: 67

Occupation: Retired management professional

Family: Committed, three daughters, seven grandchildren

Political experience: Acting councillor for one year. Worked with all areas of government in the opening of both Niagara casinos. Strong political background and interest with assisting in campaigns. Also worked closely with my prior councillor on issues within our Ward 5.

Community work: United Way representative; honorary president of Welland Skating Club; Welland recreation; Welland Sports Council and most recently volunteer supporting the Central Fire Station initiative.

Top issue: Prioritizing and cutting back on our spending. Allocate these monies towards much needed repairs in our city. Tax dollars are from the residents living here.

Why are you running?: This is a time in my life that I can dedicate to our beautiful city. I know I have the determined personality and skills to make a difference. We are on our way, infrastructure is taking place throughout our city - companies are setting up here and there is certainly more to come.

Why should voters choose you?: I have proven myself to be there when needed. Strong, honest advocate making sound decisions as a taxpayer - always in our best interest. I will investigate; use common sense and continue to be a strong voice in making positive; productive decisions in voter's and all resident's favour.

Contact info: Email: crichard17@cogeco.ca; phone: 905-735-7543; website:www.claudetterichard.com

Leslie Robichaud

Age: 35

Occupation: Salon owner/ hairdresser of Elite Hair Salon and hotel operator at Embassy Suites Fallsview

Family: Married and three children

Political experience: None

Community work: Plymouth Park Soccer board, volunteered at my children's school for a couple of years, Downtown Beautify Committee

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Top issue: There are so many issues to choose from,like help small business succeed and flourish to their full potential, help improve roads structure, bike lanes and more

Why are you running?: I feel that from my experience in the community that this is my next step up to help our community come together and expand

Why should voters choose you?: I am passionate about ensuring our children and youth are provided the building blocks they require in order to be successful and happy contributing members to our community now and in the future.

Contact info: Email: elitehairsalon@hotmail.com; phone: 905-714-5330

Graham Speck

Age: 45

Occupation: Owner of a contract screen printing company

Family: Wife Shannon, daughter and son

Political experience: Ran for Welland regional councillor 2014, finishing third

Community work: Welland Rotary Club, supporter of the Kacey Lynn Fund and Hope Centre. Previously involved with the Welland Floatfest and South Niagara Rowing Club.

Top issue: Reducing property taxes and the overall debt of Welland

Why are you running?: At city council we need leaders who have demonstrated their abilities in their professional careers. We need competent, concerned, capable members of the community to step forward and do Welland proud.

Why should voters choose you?: I believe that my experience in the business world; satisfying clients, managing staff, and balancing the books is the approach that needs to be taken at city council. Voters in Welland need to see value for their tax dollars.

Contact info: Phone: 289-821-4532; email: graham@grahamspeck.ca; website: www.grahamspeck.ca

Devin St. Jean

Age: 18

Occupation: Unemployed

Family: Unmarried, no children

Political experience: None

Community work: None yet.

Top issue: Infrastructure

Why are you running?: To make a difference within the ward.

Why should voters choose you?: Because I will answer any question, and find a resolution.

Contact info: Website: devinstjean.ca; email: devin@devinstjean.ca; Facebook: https://fb.me/votestjean/