Ward 5- EOA (East of Appleby) :)

This was the candidates session I looked most forward to.  This is the ward I ran in 4 years ago, where I grew up, the one  I know best, and an area of the City I feel very strongly about.

I thought the candidates handled themselves quite well at this event.  If I was voting here, I would certainly feel relieved that there were a few solid people that we could send to City Hall.  I wont get too deeply into the candidates specific ideas, because 7 people are running,  and there  a lot of new (and some very grandiose) ideas put forward in this meeting, while some kept it simple. In order of how the candidates sat left to right, here is my brief synopsis of each:

Peggy Russell - Understandably, she made the point that she has been the only elected official, and her answers focused on her experiences as a Trustee.  I found her responses to be  solid, sometimes a little like a  reading a resume. I didnt feel/see a real connection to the neighbourhoods, to Ward 5 anywhere through the night. She may appeal to those who would like an experienced elected official in office.

Paul Keselman - Interesting guy, very to the point.  He was 'chosen' to do this, was the first to register, is a staunch conservative, was going to build a mega-mall and give everyone $200.  He said most of the others are only doing this because Goldring left (which is a good point) and they think this is a very winnable ward.  He seemed angry.  I did like his frankness, it was rare, refreshing, but a little scary.  I could go on about each thing he said, as it makes good reading, but he is not a serious candidate, so I will refrain.

Serge Beraldo - Passionate, to the point.  Serge has put a lot of thought into the ideas he has for Ward 5.  He seems like he would be a good advocate for citizens, a representative that would fight for EOA, his old neighbourhood.  He is a likeable , down-to-earth candidate.  He has ideas for both north and south, and wants to build a seniors recreation centre in the Lakeside Village area.  Serge handled himself nicely on the evening, and I expect was a pleasant surprise for those that didnt know him.  He had the best closing line with 'I dont want to change the world, I just want to focus on your neighbourhood'. That showed he was a neighbourhood type of guy.

Cal Millar - Retired Sun writer. Cal was solid, fatherly almost.  His answers were genuine.  He had a very simple focus of good representation, listening to people, working for the residents of Ward 5.  Im not sure if he has been campaigning hard throughout (I havent seen a sign), but I suspect that if he was, he would be a person that people would like.  An interesting moment came after Keselman said he was the only 'conservative' on the panel, Mr Millar responded saying that he too was a 'Conservative'.  I think one meant the brand, and one meant the extreme southern U.S type extreme conservative.  I dont think either helped themselves the way that came off.

Dave Kumar - Dave worked at the City 38 years, retired recently.  Quiet, smart, very real.  Knows the system from the inside out.  This is a candidate that you CANNOT dislike.  He is all about keeping taxes down finding efficiencies at City Hall.  Does he have the extroverted, 'look -at-me' type personality that we voters sometimes want/think is needed ?  I dont think so.  When Keselman said he is the only one who has worked in government, Kumar was quick to point out his 38 years at the City of Burlington - the very place he was looking to go as a Councillor.

James Smith - A longtime resident of south ward 5.  James talked about his work as a designer, CAD technologist, and how that relates to contributing to potential solutions to the 'pier mess'.  James is the one who took initiative and made this all-candidates event happen.  He has a broad history of working and helping others politically, but across the spectrum of party lines.  He is an advocate for transit, wants to freeze hydro rates, and has a tax break idea for senors which is interesting.  He is a smart, creative solid candidate that will have broad appeal.

Paul Sharman - He is a relative newcomer to Ward 5, but lives there.  Clearly a bright. articulate candidate who was not shy about getting involved (transit issue, Sherwood stadium issue). He brings a solid financial background, and has a lot of ideas of how to change City Hall. He came off as much more interested in teaching people at City Hall 'what he knows' than representing people at ward 5.  It felt to me like he was running for mayor.  Im not sure if others picked up on this disconnect.  He is clearly a smart man, and worked the room well, but something doesnt add up for me here.  He was very clear about his 'success' in the financial industry.  Mr. Sharman has involved himself in a lot of things in a very short amount of time, and is a solid communicator.

 I have been spending a a lot of time in the ward, looking at signs, talking with people as well, and have had a tough time getting a read on who may be leading this race - it seems to be down to 4 (Beraldo, Kumar, Sharman, Smith).  Once one puts all illegal signs (Boulevards, corners, GO Station) out of ones mind - Sharman seems to be well represented in two south neighbourhoods, Kumar almost exclusively in the orchard, with a little better balance through the whole ward from Smith and Beraldo.  The others have signs out, but not many on private property that I have seen so far.

With 7 candidates, the votes will be split.  Remember, this is only my opinion based on the last month in the ward.  I dont see Keselman, Millar, or Russell in the 'top 4'.  Millar just hasnt been out there enough in my opinion, and Russell, although she has experience and name recognition, may have picked a ward to run in where she may have trouble finding traction.

There will be candidates that win certain polls.  I predict Dave Kumar will win the orchard.  He will appeal rto a lot of new Burlingtonians.  I believe he is a candidate that would have a very good chance of contending if we could get more young people, and more people above the QEW to vote.  But that wont happen.  I see Kumar landing in the middle of this race.

So, who are the contenders?  I see Beraldo, Sharman, and Smith.  Beraldo and Smith have the strongest ties to the ward, and roots mean something to some.  Even though Sharman lives there, its been a short time, and that could change tomorrow.

I like Beraldo, but I see him coming in 3rd.  I hope I am wrong.  He is passionate, and would be a really solid councillor.  I think the alount of money spent will come into play (re: communications materials ,advertising etc).  Should it?  I dont think so.  I lost a tight race here after spending $1800 to my opponents 20k plus.  Anyone that says money doesnt factor is municipal elections is wrong, and hasnt been involved.

So that leaves Sharman and Smith.  I believe one of these two will win.

Paul Sharman wanted to be mayor.  When Rick Goldring jumped in, he retreated back to ward 5.  This should mean something to people looking for a 'leader'. This was a strategic second choice for him.  He is clearly good at getting involved in contentious issues, and as the 'spokesman'.  There is no questioning his accounting and finance background. He has a lot of strengths, but it feels like there is something there that we dont know/see, and it was clear to anyone at the candidates meeting the other night  - he would be constantly challenging the way the City does business, and letting them know he has a better way (which can be good or bad for  Councillor to do).

Im not predicting James Smith will win the ward, but I think he is the best fit.  I  think he is the most well balanced,  strongest representative that could be chosen for Ward 5.  He has deep roots in Ward 5, something Beraldo also has.   He is a collaborative person (organizing this during his own campaign), and is both smart and creative.  He clearly sees residents as his equal.  He has a stake here, which makes him accountable.  He appears to be someone who would build a solid long-term relationship with  people in the ward, and seems genuinely interested in both the north, middle, and south areas of the ward.