With local elections fast approaching, it’s time to get to know the people you’ll be voting for.
We’ve put together a quick info guide to give you a taste of what each Candidate is about, and links so you can learn more!
Alex Bissinger
Alex is running for reelection this year!
Since moving here seven years ago, she’s been vocal in her love for this community and her desire to contribute to it.
Alex’s experience as a professional engineer has helped deliver on “what residents expect and desire in their communities, whether it be infrastructure, core services, amenities, recreation, transportation, safety, or affordable housing,” says her campaign press release.
Facebook: Alex Bissinger Councilor, Town of Comox
Twitter: @voteAlexBissinger
Email: comoxcouncilalex@gmail.com
Steve Blacklock
An independent candidate, Steve grew up in Comox and hopes to bring his community-focused values to the table.
“I know and love this community. My goal as a town councillor would be to listen carefully to residents and then use my extensive experience in professional and non-profit governance to help achieve a democratic balance across varied community interests,” says his website.
Steve currently serves on the national board of the Appraisal Institute of Canada. In addition, he’s a charter member of the Rotary Club of the Comox Valley and sits on its executive as Fundraising Director. He has also volunteered on projects with Habitat 4 Humanity, KidSport BC, and the We Can Shelter Society.
Website: steve4comox.ca
Facebook: Steve 4 Comox Council
Email: steve@steve4comox.ca
Don Davis
After serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force since 1966, Davis retired and returned to Comox in 1990.
Don has served on the Council before (from 1999-2005) and hopes to be re-elected this year.
Don says his key focuses will be making local facilities environmentally sustainable, providing affordable housing, improving infrastructure accessibility for seniors, and making sure community involvement includes First Nations.
Website: dondavis.ca
Facebook: Don Davis for Comox Council.
Email:
Kealy Donaldson
Kealy is hoping to bring her business focus to the Council.
Kealy is the Publisher of Compass Magazine Vancouver Island and General Manager of Kiki’s Communications Inc.
She’s also the Owner and Team leader of Hummingbird Fitness Centre.
Email: kealy@donaldson.net
250-203-1880
Peter Gibson
Peter is hoping to help represent Comox seniors on Council.
Peter’s website says, “I will work for the citizens of Comox and look after their best interests in fiduciary and “what is best for Comox” issues… We are all part of a regional picture, but Comox can still remain Comox.”
Peter has been active in the community. He’s the former President of Comox Valley Community Foundation and has also been a long-time Director at the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Foundation.
He also has received numerous environmental awards as President and General Manager at Mount Washington, including the best water conservation program for North American Mountain Resorts. Peter hopes to bring more of this sustainability focus to Council.
Website:www.petergibsonforcomox.com
250-703-2836
Email: peterfrgibson@gmail.com
Ken Grant
Ken has been representing Comox for almost two decades and will be running for his 6th term.
Ken is focused on municipal government programs and mandates to keep Comox affordable and environmentally friendly.
Ken works as a mortgage consultant for Invis West Coast Mortgages. He is a former member of the Comox Valley Economic Development Society’s executive committee and the Comox Downtown Business Association.
Info: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/about/bio/ken-grant
250-792-0007
Email: kengrant@invis.ca
Chris Haslett
Born and raised in Comox, Chris calls himself a third-generation Comox Valley resident, raising the fourth-generation with his wife in their two daughters.
Chris cares about keeping the community affordable for those with growing families or fixed incomes.
You might see Chris out door knocking to tell you more, reportedly his preferred campaign method.
250-218-8208
Email: c.chrishaslett@gmail.com
Jonathan Kerr
The Lead Physician at Sea Cove Medical Clinic, Jonathan’s campaign is focused on community health and development. Jonathan’s a father of two who wants to focus on the future for his kids and others in the Valley.
His campaign page says, “I care deeply about the health of our community, the health of all Comox residents, the health of our local businesses, and the health of our beautiful natural environment. I will bring a community-wide health lens to every decision, and I will represent Comox residents with dedication, hard work, optimism, compassion, and integrity.”
Website: www.healthycomox.ca
Facebook: Jonathan Kerr, Comox Councilor
Twitter: @drjonathankerr and @HealthyComox
250-702-5547
Email: healthycomox@gmail.co
Jenn Meilleur
Jenn has extensive experience in the co-operative government and non-profit sectors. This mother of two is putting a focus on community and collaboration.
“I’m a listener, leader, and community builder… I believe Comox’s most pressing issues are climate change, growth / affordable housing, building community, and food security, and I’m keen to tackle these challenges.”
Website: jennmeilleur.ca
Facebook: JennMeilleurForComox
Twitter :@jennmeilleur
604-562-8769
Email: JennMeilleurForComox@gmail.com
Ruby Sidhu
Ruby has been a part of the Town of Comox Team, attending meetings working as Tech Support since 2018.
After studying physics, math and computer science, he could bring a lot of smarts to council, but also a lot of care. Being respectful is huge for him, and he wants to bring that respect to residents so he can be their voice on the team.
One of his top priorities to address is affordable housing, with a plan for more than 100 units available in comox for under income people in the next 5 years.
He knows kids are our future and has detailed plans to prioritize them, as well as give back to our seniors. Pledging 50% of any money he earns if elected to be funneled back to our senior citizens.
Ruby is old school and doesn’t have any online pages, but is encouraging everyone to call or email him any time to talk and learn more!
250-702-7096
rubybrars@gmail.com
Maureen Swift
Swift has served three terms on Council and is running for her fourth.
Maureen is passionate about our natural surroundings, maintaining our quality of life with clean air and water and ensuring good asset management is in place.
Maureen has lived in Comox for over 40 years, raised two children here and is now a grandmother. Upon retiring from a 30-year career in education, she became the Chair of the Comox Valley Hospice Society and successfully raised and acquired operating funds for a four-bed hospice facility.
Facebook: Maureen Swift
250-339-1211
250-702-1619
Email: swiftforcomox@gmail.com
That’s your 2022 council round-up! Good luck to all, and happy voting.
Stay tuned for round-ups from other local elections.
