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

Bonnie Fokkens

Occupation: Corporate accountant

Family: Married, one daughter and six grandchildren

Political experience: City of Welland councillor

Community work: Welland Museum board, OAC children's camp director, member of the Mandolin Orchestra of Niagara, Niagara Blues and Jazz Society, Welland market advisory committee, Canada 150th, arts and culture, Welland Downtown BIA, Youngs Sportsplex facilities review team, water/wastewater ad hoc, regional arts and culture

Top issue: The city's aging infrastructure which includes the Dain City bridge, water infiltration.

Why are you running?: To bring positive change to Welland and bring a proactive business approach to the governance of the city, including affordability, sustainability, legal compliance, accountability and transparency.

Why should voters choose you?: To ask the hard questions, base each decision on facts, honesty and integrity - and that the residents will know that they are heard and understood, and that I bring their voice to council.

Contact info: Phone: 905-735-5589; email: bonnie.fokkens4ward6@gmail.com

Mike Konderka

Age: 42

Occupation: President and general manager of The Enviro-Niagara Group

Family: Wife, daughter and son

Political experience: Served as campaign manager during previous municipal elections, served as a community member on advisory committees related to senior care, sports tourism and infrastructure.

Community work: Through Enviro-Niagara I have helped raise well over $450,000 for charities such as Help a Child Smile and The Hope Centre. Title sponsor for Canada 150 celebrations in Welland. Continuous involvement in multiple community organizations and charities throughout Niagara.

Top issue: Avoiding costly band aid solutions to aging and failing infrastructure.

Why are you running?: I am a lifelong resident and supporter of Welland and believe we should be receiving far more value for our tax dollars. We can grow a better Welland for our children and grandchildren.

Why should voters choose you?: My extensive experience in business development, financial analysis and marketing experience together with my devotion to Welland will provide value added representation for the ward.

Contact info: Website: www.electmikekonderka.ca; Instagram/Facebook: @mikekonderka, phone: 289-214-7174; email: mkonderka@environiagara.ca

Jim Larouche

Age: 58

Occupation: Insurance broker with FE Coyne for 25 years

Family: Married to Linda, three children as well as thrilled to be a grandfather.

Political experience: More than 20 years on Welland council and vice-mayor for four terms

Community work: Big Brothers Big Sisters honorary board member 10 years, Julia's Hope Cup founding committee member

Top issue: Continue to support investing in our own Infrastructure. Strengthen our clean yards bylaw so constituents don't have put up with unsightly neighbours property conditions.

Why are you running?: Use my experience in supporting the City of Welland's strategic priorities and initiatives, along with taking care of the every day needs of the Ward 6 constituents.

Why should voters choose you?: Very proud of our community and want to continue to represent the good people of Ward 6 offering stability, reliability and accountability.

Contact info: Phone: 905-734-3310; email: Jim@fecoyne.com

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Jamie Lee

Age: 53

Occupation: IT analyst for the City of Port Colborne

Family: Married 29 years to wife Becky, father of four children

Political experience: No council experience but have worked in a municipality for more than nine years.

Community work: Help a Child Smile yearly charity ride, Open Arms Mission yearly food drive, Welland High 2009 and 2019 reunion committee

Top issue: Fix the current infrastructure issues first. Flooding, sewer backups, and roads.

Why are you running?: Welland needs help and I want to help my community so we all can be proud of where we live.

Why should voters choose you?: Honest hometown Welland boy. I have my heart in the right place and my two feet on the ground.

Contact info: Email: jamieleeward6@gmail.com; phone: 905-246-1060; Facebook: facebook.com/jamieleeward6

James Takeo

Age: 47

Occupation: Tattoo artist, visual artist

Family: Unmarried, no children

Political experience: None

Community work: Guerrilla Park volunteer, Welland Zombie Walk organizer, local arts advocate, City of Welland arts and culture committee vice-chair

Top issue: Affordable/available housing; opioid epidemic and effects on communities

Why are you running?: I want to see Welland continue to grow and be better for everyone.

Why should voters choose you?: I'm currently running a $0 campaign and refusing donations. I won't spend what I don't have and I won't spend other's money foolishly.

Contact info: Email: jamestakeo2018@gmail.com