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

Serge Daoust

Age: 58

Occupation: Realtor

Family: Wife Micheline, and two sons

Political experience: Committee member Welland Town and Gown Committee last four years

Community work: Various food drives, toy drives and fundraisers

Top issue: Bringing jobs back to the area

Why are you running?: I think that Welland is a great place to live and I want our children and grandchildren to think the same and stay in the area.

Why should voters choose you?: My commitment to Welland's future and strong work ethic.

Contact info: Phone 905-736-3146

Debi Katsmar

Age: 53

Occupation: Marketing strategist and business owner

Family: Married, with three

Political experience: campaign manager/volunteer

Community work: Chairperson 150th in Welland Committee. Founder of Niagara Trails Committee. Have previously sat on the board of Upper Canada Equestrian Association, Port Colborne-Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce, Club the Netherlands, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Niagara. Aid in fundraising efforts for multiple local initiatives.

Top issue: Economic growth/tourism. Promotion of our waterways to include all inclusive activities for Wellanders while building on the services and amenities such as transportation, hospital/medical and other services to grow our city.

Why are you running?: After working with the city, community organizations and the citizens of Welland for years with the Canada 150th, I enjoyed the relationships built, the enthusiasm for the city and in some ways was disheartened at the level of participation throughout this term by some of our existing elected officials.

Why should voters choose you?: I am dedicated, I take action, I have a proven track record of successes and believe in the city of Welland and its citizens as a vibrant and thriving community.

Contact info: Phone: 905-321-5097, 905-734-8273; email: debi@debikatsmar.com; website: www.debikatsmar.com; Facebook: @debikatsmar4community; Twitter and Instagram: @debikatsmar

David McLeod

Age: 45

Occupation: Business manager

Family: Wife Tamara, daughter and son

Political experience: Two terms Welland council

Community work: Various council boards and community engagement, St. Matthews Church

Top issue: Positioning Welland for its brightest future, with every decision made. This thinking must be applied to roads, sidewalks, water/wastewater, city services, attracting businesses and managed growth and new community amenities.

Why are you running?: It stems from a sense of responsibility, a love for our city and a desire to contribute.

Why should voters choose you?: People need to vote for who they feel best represents them. I have proven myself worthy of that privilege through eight years of consistent, dedicated and passionate engagement as a councillor. I think strategically, encourage community input and never forget those I serve.

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Contact info: Website: mcleod4welland.com; email: mcleod4welland@gmail.com; phone: 905-380-5534

Brad Ulch

Age: 55

Occupation: Owner/operator Budget Appliances

Family: Wife Sandy, daughter, two stepsons

Political experience: I took it upon myself to attend all city council meetings for the past three years to gain experience. I tested that experience by putting forward a petition for the two-hour free parking all along King St. and won

Community work: Started community food drives and brought home the old Sunnyside Dairy Milk Wagon

Top issue: Before going out and spending our tax dollars maybe have a look at where we are wasting our tax dollars first and, of course, jobs. We have lots of closed plants with big properties that could be utilized to attract new companies.

Why are you running?: I feel I am ready to represent the people of the ward

Why should voters choose you?: Practice before promises. I put in the time to learn the job, not just at city hall but in the community.

Contact info: Email: bradulchward2@mail.com; or Budget Appliances 905-708-7901

Leo S. Van Vliet

Occupation: Retired supervisor landfill operations Regional Municipality of Niagara

Family: Wife Ann, two sons and five grandchildren

Political experience: 17 years: 13 years as Ward 1 councillor, four years as Ward 2 councillor

Community work: Past president Welland Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3, co-chair Welland Food Festival 2002-04, co-founder Parents of Diabetic Children Support Group

Top issue: Increased affordable housing, economic growth, health care and regional transportation

Why are you running?: To continue working on the success of the past four years and I believe in Welland and its residents.

Why should voters choose you?: Easily accessible for residents concerns as shown by my past performance, and I have a proven track record in economic growth.

Contact info: Phone: 905-735-6772, 289-821-5037; email: leo.vanvliet47@gmail.com; website: leovanvliet.ca